LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Downtown Louisville saw growth in 2025 with new businesses moving in and other businesses relocating to the area. 

According to a year-end report released this week by the Louisville Downtown Partnership, $2.5 billion in investment is underway or announced across 80 development projects in downtown Louisville.

Some major numbers for downtown Louisville released by LDP include:

  • 20 developments were completed for a total investment of $335 million
  • 776 residential units were completed with more than 2,500 announced or on the way
  • 168 hotel rooms were completed with more than 1,000 announced or on the way
  • 39 new retailers, restaurants, bars and attractions opened, with 17 more announced
  • Eight companies moved to downtown, with three more announced
  • Eight companies relocated to downtown, with eight more planned
  • 5.5 million people visited downtown in 2025

"Despite covering less than one percent of Louisville’s total land mass, Downtown consistently punches above its weight, generating the highest tax revenue of any neighborhood, serving as the region’s largest employment hub, and attracting the majority of our city’s visitors to its hotels, venues, and attractions," LDP said in a release.

In addition, LDP highlighted more accomplishments and accolades for the downtown area last year:

  • The Business Improvement District (BID) expanded by three square blocks.
  • The Downtown Tunes program debuted, with four public pianos placed across downtown.
  • Two new CitySpots were unveiled at 5th and Main Streets and 4th and Jefferson Streets.
  • Closed on a new Downtown Housing Assistance loan for a 138-unit housing project in Louisville's East Portland Warehouse District
  • Closed on two new commercial loans, one for Five Iron Golf and NailChella Nail Academy
  • Secured $1 million of Louisville's budget for the 4th Street streetscape and lighting project and lighting under the Second Street Bridge.
  • Received Partner of the Year at Louisville Tourism's annual ROSE Awards.
  • Repeal at Hotel Distil was named in the 10 Best American Steakhouses You've Never Heard of but Must Visit in January 2025.
  • Belle of Louisville was named Best Dinner Cruises in April 2025.
  • Hell or Highwater was voted No. 2 in the Best Speakeasies across the US
  • Hotel Genevieve was given a spot on the Michelin Guide with One Michelin Key in 2025. 
  • The Brown Hotel was ranked No. 17 on The Most Sunning Hotels in Every State.

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