LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Louisville Metro Housing Authority said crews will have to use cranes and wrecking balls to tear down the Dosker Manor public housing complex.
Dosker Manor's three high-rise buildings near at East Liberty and South Preston streets are vacant since after 600 residents started moving out in 2024. The final residents were moved out in January.
LMHA said explosives can't be used because Dosker Manor is close to the interstate, hospitals and other housing.
The agency's director, Elizabeth Strojan, said Friday there is a plan in place to prevent the new building from experiencing the same problems as Dosker Manor.
The complex was plagued by maintenance issues, including broken pipes and pest infestations, according to residents and housing officials.
"One, investing in good physical infrastructure. So, things that are going to be easier to maintain, easier to be kept in good condition. Secondly, the financing has to be secure," Strojan said. "Public housing, which is what Dosker Manor was, has been defunded since the 1990s. We've seen a steady decline in funding that makes it really hard to keep the buildings up. And third, we want to make sure that our properties have supports on site for people."
Housing authority leaders, along with developer LDG Development, announced the redevelopment will be known as Mae Street Village. The first building, called The Miller, will include 127 units designated for senior housing. The complex will house up to 350 families.
Not all former Dosker Manor residents are expected to return to the site. Housing officials said those who choose not to move into the new development will receive project-based housing vouchers to use elsewhere.
Demolition of the three high-rise buildings is expected to take time. Until then, the housing authority said it plans to increase security around the vacant structures by adding fencing, lighting and surveillance cameras, and coordinating with Louisville police and fire officials.
Demolition of the former First Link grocery store, which is part of the first phase of redevelopment, is expected to begin later this year. Housing officials said the first residents are expected to move into Mae Street Village in 2028.
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