Downtown Louisville is getting a glow up!
The Front & Center project is an initiative of the Louisville Revitalization Committee, and the first phase of the implementation of the Downtown Vision Plan. Planning is moving forward on exciting improvements to downtown, with construction currently anticipated to begin in Fall 2026. To reduce impacts during our busiest event season, work is expected to take place primarily October through May, with construction likely happening in two phases through spring 2028. While timelines are still being refined, this approach is designed to keep downtown active and event-friendly.
Timeline
The 30% design is complete, and staff is aiming to finalize the scope in early summer 2026.
Importantly, all beloved downtown events—like the Street Faire, Farmers Market, and Taste of Louisville—are expected to continue, and the project may include additional features to better support these events in the future.
Construction may begin as early as Fall 2026 on Main Street with the addition of new lighting. Construction at Steinbaugh and Front may start as soon as late 2026 or early 2027.
More details will be shared as plans continue to take shape. We’re looking forward to creating a more welcoming, flexible, and lively downtown for everyone.
Changes
New upgrades include transforming the Steinbaugh area into a vibrant new plaza featuring a new pavilion, green space, playground, splash pad, enhanced lighting, and flexible gathering areas. Plans also include making Front Street more accessible and pedestrian-friendly with a curbless design, along with new string lighting and landscaping improvements on Main Street to enhance the overall look and feel of downtown.
Who is involved?
The project is being funded by the Louisville Revitalization Commission (LRC) and the City and is being managed by the Public Works Department. The City has contracted with RVi Planning and Landscape Architecture for the design of the project. RVi has extensive experience on design of similar projects along the front range. The City has also contracted with ECI Site Construction Management to provide Construction Manager at-Risk services. ECI will provide valuable construction input during the design phase and will provide a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to construct the project upon completion or near completion of design. The City is engaging downtown event coordinators, businesses, and other interested parties to ensure the project is functional day-to-day and across a broad range of activities and events.
What kind of impact can the community expect?
Residents who live in or visit the downtown area and businesses will be impacted during construction. The City is undertaking every effort possible to try to minimize impacts to the downtown area. By bringing on a Construction Manager at-Risk (CMAR), the City is better positioned to provide accurate and streamlined scheduling that will help minimize impacts. The City and the CMAR will partner to provide timely updates and extensive communications to notify the public of construction activities and impacts well in advance.
Are there opportunities for public input or engagement?
The public engagement for this project took place during the planning phase and development of the Downtown Vision Plan. Extensive public input was gathered to inform the final Vision Plan that was adopted by City Council. The Front & Center Project is now taking that input and incorporating it into the detailed design plans. There will be limited opportunities for further design input, and the project team will be holding an information session and open house to present the design at the 30% design milestone.
Who can I contact with questions?
For questions about the Front & Center Project, please contact the City's project manager, Assistant City Engineer Jordan Jeffries, at 303-335-4684.
