The Belvedere, a historic elevated riverfront space in downtown Louisville, is set to undergo a major transformation. Heatherwick Studio has unveiled plans to revitalize the area, aiming to enhance its connection to the city and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The Belvedere, which opened in 1973, has long been a central gathering place for the city.
However, after decades of use and limited updates, the space has begun to show signs of age. The proposed revitalization seeks to restore its vibrancy and re-establish it as a key landmark. The revitalized space will cover an area roughly the size of four football fields.
It will integrate seamlessly with the surrounding urban landscape, offering an inviting retreat in the heart of Louisville. The concept designs include a distinctive structure with a flowing, ribbon-like form, surrounded by lush green spaces and pedestrian-friendly pathways. These features are intended to create a more organic connection between the city and the waterfront.
They will improve walkability and make the space more inviting for daily use, special events, and cultural activities. By combining architecture and nature, the design aims to establish a more dynamic and inclusive public space. Community involvement has been a crucial aspect of the redevelopment.
City officials and project leaders have engaged with residents through a series of public meetings. They have gathered ideas and feedback to help shape the final design. This collaborative approach reflects a broader effort to ensure the new Belvedere meets the needs of the community while preserving its historical significance.
Belvedere transformation plans unveiled
Stuart Wood, Executive Partner and Group Leader at Heatherwick Studio, said, “Belvedere has incredible potential to become a new green ‘living room’ for Louisville and its people. Our design will stitch together the Ohio riverfront and connect it to the expansive parks beyond.
We’ve been listening to the community and hear a huge appetite for something powerful, exciting, and new to happen.”
Once completed, the new Belvedere will mark Heatherwick Studio’s first project in Louisville. It will add to its portfolio of high-profile developments across the globe. The initiative aligns with the studio’s growing presence in urban regeneration efforts worldwide.
The redevelopment promises to transform the Belvedere into a vibrant, modern space. It will honor its historical roots while addressing the needs and desires of the Louisville community. Construction work on the project is scheduled to commence in 2026.
However, the plan to redesign the Belvedere has sparked significant debate and raised several questions among local residents and professionals. Some express concerns about the lack of local or national firm involvement in the project. Others criticize the process as a façade, where community meetings failed to influence the predetermined design.
There are also calls for a broader perspective, suggesting that the funds allocated for this project could be better utilized to beautify other parts of the city or county. The debate over the Belvedere redesign underscores a broader demand for inclusive and transparent urban planning in Louisville. As citizens voice their opinions and concerns, the hope remains for a design process that genuinely considers and incorporates community input.
This will ensure that public spaces reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of all residents.