'Very possible' Louisville Gardens work could start in 2025, project official says

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – The long-awaited construction on a film and TV soundstage complex anchored by Louisville Gardens could start by the end of 2025, one of the project’s top officials said Thursday.

The estimated $70 million venture calls for studios and soundstages at the iconic Gardens building at Sixth Street and West Muhammad Ali Boulevard and on a current parking lot at Seventh and Ali.

“I don't want to promise, but I would say that it's very, very, very possible that we could start construction by the end of the year on the actual new facility,” Tony Guanci, CEO of Los Angeles-based Sylmar Studios, said during a press conference at the Gardens building Thursday.

Officials who spoke before a tour of the former armory cited state film incentives, the creation of a new state film office and bipartisan cooperation as helping move the Louisville project forward.

“The film industry — the production industry — is one of the most exciting new industries that is growing in Kentucky right now,” Mayor Craig Greenberg (D) said. “We're seeing it here in Louisville. You're seeing it all around the state.”

After years of failed plans, the Gardens makeover gained momentum in the final days of former Mayor Greg Fischer’s administration. Plans at the time called for four soundstages for film, television, social media and other production work across 40,000 square feet.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority gave preliminary approval in December 2022 for $700,000 in wage incentives over the 10-year term of the agreement. River City Entertainment Group would create 50 jobs at an average hourly wage of $58, which includes benefits.

The incentives haven’t received final approval.

Louisville Gardens opened in 1905 as the Jefferson County Armory and until it closed in 2006 hosted concerts, sports events, graduations and other gatherings.

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