LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — After decades of sitting vacant, a large piece of land in west Louisville could soon become home to hundreds of new affordable housing units.
The Jones-Dabney Laboratory site, located near South 7th and South 11th streets in the Park Hill neighborhood, was built in 1919 but has sat empty for decades. Now, the Re:land Group plans to redevelop about six acres of the 17-acre property into 233 solar-powered, affordable housing units.
The former Rhodia Chemical Plant in west Louisville could become home to hundreds of new affordable housing units. (WDRB photo)
“I’ve been here more than 20 years, and that land’s always been empty,” said Donald Phillips, who lives nearby. “A couple years ago, they cut all those weeds down because they were getting ready to build there — but they didn’t have the finances.”
The long-delayed project is now moving forward thanks to $43 million in tax credits, bonds and city loans that are helping to fund the $86 million development.
Joseph Ware, who also lives next to the site, said the land has been an unused eyesore for as long as he can remember.
“When I was younger and growing up out here, it was always vacant,” Ware said. “It was an empty lot over there.”
The property once housed the Rhodia Chemical plant, which closed in the mid-1990s. Since then, the site has been covered in grass and graffiti, and residents have waited years for redevelopment plans to become reality.
“You get used to seeing things, and there have been so many promises,” Phillips said. “I’m happy to hear they’re going to have something by the beginning of January.”
Re:land and the city of Louisville hope to close on the project early next year — marking the latest effort to bring new investment and opportunity to the Park Hill and Algonquin neighborhoods.
More business news:
Pizza Hut's future in question as Louisville-based Yum! Brands launches strategic review
Elizabethtown developments could help revitalize city's south end
The Bay Cigar Lounge opens in southern Indiana, blending business and relaxation
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
