Business owners on Louisville waterfront finally able to assess flood damage

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- As floodwaters recede along the Ohio River, businesses in some of Louisville's hardest-hit areas are beginning the difficult process of cleanup and recovery, just weeks before the city welcomes big crowds for the Kentucky Derby.

Near Zorn Avenue, River Road BBQ is one of several businesses dealing with extensive flood damage. Owner Krissy Davis said nearly 10 feet of water inundated the restaurant, forcing her team to gut the building.

"It's nice that we can back in the building and actually get things done," Davis said. "We're going back down to studs and we are going to rebuild and we will be better than ever — that's the plan."

This year has been particularly tough for Davis, who said her restaurant was already reeling from a winter storm, a February flood, and ongoing road construction before the latest round of severe weather.

"To say that it has been a challenge is an understatement," she said.

Next door, River House managed to avoid interior flooding but still had to close for more than a week. The restaurant reopened Sunday night.

"Clean up and let's get back to supporting our staff," said Dan Davis with River House. "They are ready to work for you, eager and excited to get back at it."

Several other businesses along River Road also sustained damage. A Shell station at Zorn and River Road was submerged up to its ceiling, with nearly everything inside destroyed.

Crews spent Monday cleaning up debris from the Waterfront and Great Lawn, using rakes, blowers, and water trucks to wash away mud and prevent dust buildup.

In the Russell neighborhood, the city’s new $15 million “play port” playground also saw significant flood damage, with skid steer loaders working to clear tree limbs and debris.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the city is working to have much of the cleanup completed before Derby weekend. Officials estimate the total damage will cost around $5 million to repair.

Davis said the timing of the flood — so close to one of the city’s biggest tourism events — makes the impact even more painful.

"It really couldn't be worse timing, but we are dealing with the hand we are dealt," she said. "It is what it is, and we are going to do this."