[Louisville] Mayor takes an urban turn

[seicer]

Article

SLC: Continuing downtown improvements is very important to restore the vitality and energy of what was once a pure "working" destination. Within the past five years, I have personally witnessed a change in the makeup of the central core, from one focused on mainly working destinations to a more thriving urban scene found in many bigger cities. Fourth Street Live was the start, in my opinion, to jump starting commercial development. Instead of a decaying suburban-styled shopping mall, you have a mix of businesses that cater to a more diverse group of people at much longer hours - straying from the 9-5 customer mix.

Residential developments are just now taking shape. Lofts are being installed in many renovated buildings; condos are being constructed along the riverfront due to the expanded park system; and museums and other non-work attractions are being constructed to serve a greater number of people.

And now Museum Plaza, which looks like it will be constructed at this point, will provide a big shot-in-the-arm for urban development nationwide. Louisville will contain an avant-garde building, surely unique in its own right, that will draw in over 10,000 per day. That's 10,000 who will most likely stay within the downtown at least between 9 to 5, and with a huge population base expected to reside there, you will have more frequent the shops, museums and restaurants.

Things are looking up for Louisville!

BTW, does anybody have a figure as to how many actually live within downtown Louisville?

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Mayor takes an urban turn

Downtown improvements will be a focus of his latest term

"Mayor Jerry Abramson called on the community yesterday "to embrace new strategies and to hit the 'fast-forward' button, accelerating the pace of progress" in education, transportation and downtown improvements.

[...]

"Study after study, in city after city, show that strong downtowns change the chemistry of their communities. They pay off communitywide in greater prosperity, innovation (and) better quality of life," he said.

Abramson said in an interview that he would focus more on luring retail businesses downtown. There is enough residential development there now, he said, that retail developers are returning his calls urging them to build there.

[...]

There are about 1,800 housing units in downtown Louisville, and by 2008, there will be about 3,600..."

[seicer]

Permanent farmers market may open downtown

Article information: "Permanent farmers market may open downtown, By Sheldon S. Shafer, The Courier-Journal, Monday, March 26, 2007"

Key --

1. Mayor Abramson has stated that with the new residential construction and development, plus 60,000 workers, that a state-of-the-art farmers' market for downtown is needed.

2. $150,000 study is being conducted, and the market could open by year-end.

[Rural King]

A permenant farmer's market would be great for the city IMO. I'm really fond of the one in Nashville, which has a wide variety of goods, plus lots of ethnic food vendors. Hopefully this will become a reality and become a great success, I see little reason why it wouldn't on the face of things for a city the size of Louisville.

[seicer]

I love Lexington's diverse farmers market, where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables and meat -- a lot of it organic at that! There are also numerous vendors that sell arts and crafts. People will be playing the guitar, dogs will be relaxing on the pavement, etc. It makes for a unique experience and a great place to shop.