Louisville set to begin public comment sessions to reimagine future of the Belvedere

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Belvedere on Louisville's waterfront is getting a makeover, and the city is asking for the public's help to determine its transformation.

The future of the Belvedere overlooking the Ohio River downtown has been in discussions more than a year. It's more than 50 years old and regularly hosts outdoor concerts and festivals on an elevated space between 4th and 6th streets overlooking the Ohio River.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said it's time to "reimagine" what the next decades look like. On Tuesday, he said the Belvedere has the opportunity to be a symbol and icon for what Louisville is today and where the city wants to be in the future. The community is encouraged to share their thoughts on the project.

"What do the people of Louisville want to see in terms of additional recreational opportunities (and) additional commercial opportunities?" he said. "We don't want the Belvedere to replicate other assets that we have in the community. We want to add more to bring people together to this world-class destination."

There are three community engagement sessions coming up about this project. The first will held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at Central High School.

In October 2023, Greenberg as state lawmakers for $20 million to renovate the Belvedere. The final version of the state budget included $50 million in each fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26 for six Louisville projects: