WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports CommunityGoal of new jobs for West End

Goal of new jobs for West End

Louisville, Ky. (WDRB TV Fox 41)--A new business complex is nearing completion in Louisville's West End.

The complex known as the Old Walnut Street Development on the corner of 13th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard is expected to bring new jobs to the Russell neighborhood that has an unemployment rate of 22 percent.

"More than anything else the West End needs jobs, commerce and economic vitality," says Dan Crutcher of the Old Walnut Street campaign, which is raising money to fund the project.

On Wednesday Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and others used a sledge hammer to break down a wall that will be the main entrance to an office and retail complex still under construction.

The non-profit organization, LCCC, the Louisville Central Community Centers, is spending $8.5 million to transform an old four-story warehouse into a modern place for shops and offices.

Alphonzo Brown will be the first tenant and plans to open his printing shop in June. He says its a great location because its just a five minute drive from downtown Louisville. "There is plenty of parking and this will give the residents of West Louisville a convenient place for their printing needs," he says.

Mayor Fischer said it will be a great place for entrepreneurs. "The goals I've set for our city is for us to be seen as one of the great entrepreneurial cities in the country," says the mayor.

The regional chamber of commerce predicts the development will eventually bring 250 new jobs to the area.