Plan to redevelop Mid City Mall property in Louisville receives broad support in public meeting

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The plan to remake a big business development off Bardstown Road in Louisville received a lot of public support, but those who attended a meeting Tuesday suggested a few small tweaks, including more pedestrian access.

Branch Properties released many renderings of its plans for the old Mid City Mall property between Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue.

On Tuesday, in a Bardstown Road/Baxter Avenue Overlay Committee hearing, the plan was met with support. The overlay committee is a city-appointed board that reviews and approves how new developments look along the corridor.

"We need this development probably more than the developers need this project," said Ben Botkins, who lives in the area.

Several residents of the Highlands and local business owners spoke Tuesday in favor of the project, known as Mid City Market.

"This lot will not sit vacant for years," said Kristen Millwood, who lives in the area. "It won't continue, as it is currently, to deteriorate. Instead, it will bring new life to this space in the community."

Several businesses within Mid City Mall already closed or moved. Ramen House Louisville moved to a location on Spring Street. The Nearly New Shop closed in September. The iconic Back Door Bar closed in May 2024, after the passing of longtime owner John Dant. Baxter Avenue Theatres closed at the end of 2025, citing the uncertain future of Mid City Mall.

But now, Branch Properties is partnering with the current owners of the property, the Metts Family, to bring this to life. The project will likely feature a Publix grocery store and five retail buildings but no residential building, according to our partners at Louisville Business First. Plans also include more greenspace and an increase in pedestrian walkways through a 25% reduction in parking, which is more than 100 spaces. The library inside the Mid City Mall is also expected to stay and be moved to a building on the Beechwood Avenue side of the new development.

There was feedback Tuesday, though. Members of the committee asked the developers to consider increasing pedestrian access, cleaning up the design on the Baxter Avenue side and possibly adding a little more color to the buildings.

"The more we can do to make the Baxter Avenue side more welcoming and fit into the neighborhood, I think is a definite bonus," said Lenore Slawsky, who lives near the area.

The overlay committee is expected to meet again in April. After that, the project would head to Louisville Metro Planning & Design Services for final approval.