LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Belvedere in downtown Louisville is one step closer to getting a major makeover.

The Belvedere is an elevated space located on the Riverfront between 4th and 6th streets. The seven-acre multi-use park overlooks the Ohio River.

On Wednesday, an internationally known design firm from London toured the space with Mayor Craig Greenberg to discuss its potential.

"After 50 years, we need to re-imagine what the next 50-100 years looks like for the Belvedere," Greenberg said.

Jo'el Duvall works in downtown Louisville and visits the Belvedere frequently.

"I come down for a walk," Duvall said.

She enjoys an occasional walk, lunch or concert on the Belvedere.

"When they have special events like WorldFest, I was here for that," Duvall said.

From WorldFest to Thunder Over Louisville and the Juneteenth Festival, the Belvedere hosts several annual outdoor events. Last month, Greenberg asked state lawmakers for $20 million to renovate the space.

"This is such an amazing location right here in the heart of downtown Louisville, overlooking the Ohio River and the Falls of the Ohio," Greenberg said. "We want to make this the world-class destination for everyone in Louisville, for people around the country where they want to come enjoy a wonderful outdoor park."

Designer Thomas Heatherwick's work is on display in the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, China and New York City.

"The mayor's got such an ambitious vision to transform this space, and we're here for the first time properly exploring and trying to understand the relationship with the river and all the buildings around," Heatherwick said. "As with so many rivers in the middle of cities, so many cities have turned their backs on the rivers."

Heatherwick said he already has some ideas about how the city can utilize the Belvedere.

"And what's so exciting is trying to figure out how it might be possible to reverse this turning your back to the river and instead turn around an face this amazing view," Heatherwick said. 

Greenberg and others are looking forward to seeing what Heatherwick has in store for the area.

"This is truly going to be the centerpiece not just for downtown Louisville, but for Kentucky and for the country," Greenberg said.

To learn more about The Belvedere, click here.

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