The Louisville Medical & Education District (LOUMED), in collaboration with Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, has unveiled plans for LOUMED Commons, a transformative urban park initiative designed to revitalize the downtown medical and education district with green spaces and pedestrian-friendly areas.
This innovative project, supported by $1.4 million in city funding, will replace the decommissioned community correctional center at 316 East Chestnut Street, vacant since May 2020. The demolition of the existing structure is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with LOUMED acquiring the property soon after. JLL Louisville Commercial Real Estate Services is managing the demolition of the community correctional center and the construction of LOUMED Commons.
LOUMED Commons is set to become a vibrant hub within the district, featuring a lush tree canopy, native plants, well-lit spaces, a food truck area, seating and shade structures, a pavilion for events and public art installations. The design incorporates sustainability practices and modular construction methods for phased development, with the first phase slated for completion by late 2025.
Mayor Greenberg emphasized the significance of this development: “LOUMED Commons is not just about beautification; it’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where residents, students, and visitors can connect and relax. This green space will enhance our urban landscape and attract top talent, making Louisville a premier destination for healthcare professionals and innovators.”
Nadareca Thibeaux, Executive Director of LOUMED, added, “We look forward to transforming a previously underutilized space into a vibrant green and pedestrian-friendly hub. LOUMED Commons will foster a sense of community and enhance the well-being of those who work in and visit the district.”
Other projects aimed at revitalizing the downtown medical and education district:
A broader redevelopment of Chestnut Street is underway, in collaboration with Mayor Greenberg’s office, Louisville Metro Public Works, and UofL’s Envirome Institute. Supported by $1.75 million in city funding, this project aims to revitalize the “collective spine” of LOUMED over the next three to five years. Further, Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly have allocated $100 million for downtown revitalization, including LOUMED.
These initiatives complement significant investments by LOUMED’s anchor institutions, including Jefferson Community and Technical College’s ‘Jefferson Rising’ project, University of Louisville’s Health Sciences Simulation Center, UofL Health’s hospital expansion, and Norton Healthcare’s new labor and delivery unit and expanded neonatal intensive care unit. Collectively, these projects represent over $560 million in investments over the next three to five years.
For more information about LOUMED and its initiatives, visit louisvillemedicaleducationdistrict.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.