Louisville unveils Heatherwick Studio's redesign for Belvedere plaza
New renderings for the Belvedere, a 5.5-acre elevated plaza situated on Louisville's riverfront, have been presented by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, Heatherwick Studio, and KNBA Architects. This redesign, which has been in the works for more than two years, aims to create a community gathering space. The Belvedere, located above Interstate 64 and the Riverfront Garage, is experiencing structural challenges due to water damage. The updated plan features a performance stage, market stalls with tents, a meandering pathway, a play area for children designed in collaboration with Bernheim Forest, a multi-use path, and around 350 new trees. Repairs to the garage are scheduled to commence this fall, with plaza renovations expected to begin after the Kentucky Derby in spring, aiming for completion by Thunder Over Louisville in 2030.
Key facts
- Mayor Craig Greenberg, Heatherwick Studio, and KNBA Architects unveiled new renderings for the Belvedere.
- The Belvedere is a 5.5-acre elevated plaza on Louisville's riverfront, built in the early 1970s.
- The redesign aims to make the space feel less like a monument and more like a neighborhood backyard.
- The Riverfront Garage underneath has structural issues due to water damage, prompting the redesign.
- The new design includes a performance stage with a fan-shaped array of lit poles.
- The plan includes tented market stalls, a children's play area, and a multi-use path to the riverbank.
- Roughly 350 new trees and native landscaping are planned across the site.
- Completion is targeted for Thunder Over Louisville in 2030.
Entities
Artists
- Thomas Heatherwick
Institutions
- Heatherwick Studio
- KNBA Architects
- Louisville Mayor's Office
- Bernheim Forest and Arboretum
- Louisville Orchestra
- Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
- Muhammad Ali Center
- KFC Yum! Center
- Galt House
Locations
- Louisville
- Kentucky
- London
- Ohio River
- Manhattan
- Shanghai