Heatherwick Studio unveils new images of Belvedere plaza redesign in Louisville

Heatherwick Studio has released new images of its redesign for the Belvedere, a 53-year-old civic plaza in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The elevated concrete space, built over the city's largest parking structure and a major highway overpass, has hosted concerts, festivals, and community events since 1973 but has seen a decline in everyday use due to lack of shade, vegetation, and amenities. Commissioned by the city's mayor and Louisville Metro Government, the project was first revealed in February 2025. The new design transforms the 22,258 m² (5.5 acres) site into a green urban park with improved access, abundant vegetation, and better connections to the riverfront. Key features include the 'Firefly Pavilion,' a flexible stage platform for daily use and cultural events, and the 'Firefly Path,' a winding trail for exploration. The design was developed through participatory processes with citizen consultations. Construction is expected to begin in autumn 2026, with official opening in 2030. The project is part of a broader trend of public space renovations, including a battery installation in Cannington, Ontario, and the Grand Paris Express in Paris, as well as SLA's design for Port Lands in Toronto.