LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB)Â -- After nearly two years of relocating residents from what officials called unsafe living conditions, plans for the former Dosker Manor site are coming into focus.
The Louisville Metro Housing Authority unveiled Monday the first phase of a redevelopment project that will replace the former public housing complex near at East Liberty and South Preston streets. The site, once home to more than 500 residents, now sits empty as officials prepare for demolition and new construction.
Former resident Willie Robinson said conditions inside Dosker Manor had deteriorated long before residents were forced to move out.
"The buildings were really raggedy," Robinson said. "They were coming apart. In the bathrooms, you could see straight through to the outside."
Dosker Manor's three high-rise buildings have been vacant since residents were started to be relocated beginning in 2023. The final residents were moved out last month. The complex was plagued by maintenance issues, including broken pipes and pest infestations, according to residents and housing officials.
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.
Mayor Craig Greenberg's Office said Monday that the name is an homage to former Kentucky state Rep. Mae Street Kid, the first Black woman to serve in the Kentucky state legislature. And "The Miller" harkens back to her hometown of Millersburg, Kentucky.
"The transformation of this area into Mae Street Village, starting with The Miller, is an important and visible step for this community to take in ensuring we are providing quality housing families are proud to call home," Chris Dischinger, co-founder and co-principal of LDG Development, said in a news release Monday. "LDG is honored to be partnering with LMHA to redevelop this underutilized area into a thriving community that spurs more economic development activity and pays tribute to the long-lasting legacy of the late Rep. Kidd."
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.
"We are supporting the creation of new affordable housing throughout Jefferson County," said Elizabeth Strojan, executive director of the Louisville Metro Housing Authority. "It's really important that people have a choice in where they live."
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.
"We'll have lighting, cameras, things boarded up," Strojan said. "We're working with LMPD and the fire department to make sure we have everything we need to fully secure the buildings."
Robinson said he hopes to one day return to the redeveloped site.
"Everybody stuck together," he said. "You met good people. It was like a big family."
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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