Massive makeover coming to 800 building in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- What was once Louisville's tallest building is getting a massive makeover. A developer, Friday, revealed plans to renovate the iconic 800 building.

The building's name has already changed. It's now the 800 Tower City Apartments. And that is just the beginning.

When it was built in 1963, the 800 Building was one of Louisville's most distinctive; 29 stories tall, and blue.

Its paint and its luster have faded over the years, but now there are plans to return the building to its former glory.

“I think it's going to be a very exciting development,” said Jonathan Holtzman, CEO of Village Green.

Village Green, one of the largest luxury apartment developers in the country, is investing $10 million to transform the building; from new apartments, to a Sky Club with a gourmet kitchen and fitness center, to a rooftop Sky Park with a pool.

“I think it will be the best place to live, and that's our goal,” said Holtzman.

City leaders say the renovation is a continuation of the downtown development momentum.

“I think that our downtown marketplace, whether it be for housing or whether it be commercial, is going to be a hot one moving forward,” said David Tandy, president of the Louisville Metro Council.

Village Green says rents will range from $750 to $1500, and admits that may price some current tenants out.

“It's our desire that we can make this their home, and if we can't then we're going to give them enough lead time to find another home,” said Holtzman.

LaVelle Sellers says people have been moving out.

He has lived in the building for 22 years, and says he's pleased with the makeover plan.

He says he's looking to stay but will likely move to a smaller, more affordable unit.

“Downsize, definitely. I couldn't afford this. I can't afford what I'm paying now,” laughs Sellers.

Village Green says the idea is to attract both millennials and empty nest baby-boomers to live, work and play downtown.

“We think Louisville is no different than what we're seeing throughout the United States and, in fact, you're seeing around the world, which is a return to the city,” said Holtzman.

The renovation should be completed in about 18 months.