LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A historic theater on West Broadway in the Russell neighborhood could be brought back to benefit the area in new ways.
The Royal Theater is located at 1801 West Broadway. It opened in the 1920s and became a cultural landmark known for showcasing films and community events.Â
The once elegant design has fallen into disrepair over the decades. Over the years, it has been a bank, dentist office and a pawn shop.
Royal Theater on West Broadway in Louisville, Ky. (Photo courtesy of University of Louisville archives)
OneWest, in collaboration with Luckett & Farley Architects, wants to revitalize the theater and buildings next to it.
"For us the idea is how to do we retain the significant architecture that is here but the interiors have been changed over the years and there is not a lot salvaged from the historic fabric of the interiors," said Evon Smith, CEO of OneWest
The final project could eventually have a price tag of $20 million. While it would not be a theater again, it could be a community space or where several businesses are based.
"It could be anything from an indoor market to small business spaces, it could have convening spaces for community members and a number of different things," Smith said.
People who live around the area said more dining options are needed, which would enhance the community feel.
"I've heard people talk about the businesses that were here and how it used to be," said Justina Sanders, who lives in the Russell neighborhood. "I am hoping that some of it comes back, yes."
Renderings for OneWest development on West Broadway in Louisville, Ky. on June 24, 2024. (Photo courtesy of OneWest)
The area surrounding the former theater is seeing a resurgence.
Molina Healthcare, the Long Beach, California health insurer, will donate the 20-acre site to Jefferson County Public Schools, which plans to construct the permanent location of Dr. J. Blaine Hudson Middle School,
The entire project includes about five buildings on Broadway. One of the buildings is a former daycare that has been vacant for about two years. The multi-building project could see a final design in the next six months with construction beginning in two to three years.
"This is so close to downtown and this area is going to be a significant area for all of Louisville as more and more businesses locate here," Smith said.
A public meeting will be held on Tuesday at the Little Angels Enrichment Center at the corner of South 18th and West Broadway.
According to a news release, the discussion will be structured into several time slots for a variety of people interested in the renovation work:
- 1 p.m. - City officials
- 2 p.m. - Community groups and schools
- 3 p.m. - Business leaders
- 4:15 p.m. - Community residents
- 5 p.m. - Community residents
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