The event, held April 13 at The Mercury Ballroom in downtown Louisville, drew several hundred people. Cornerstone Awards were given to 20 significant downtown projects completed in 2013 and 2014. Those projects represented nearly $150 million in downtown investment.
The University of Louisville Foundation Inc. and its Nucleus: Kentucky’s Innovation Center affiliate were honored for the development of The Nucleus on the J.D. Nichols Campus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The eight-story, $20.8 million office and dry laboratory building at 300 E. Market St. was completed in 2013. It was built as a home for lifelong wellness and aging care companies, innovators and entrepreneurs.
UofL also was recognized for the renovation of its instructional building at 500 S. Preston St. The $9 million project, which was completed in 2014, included redesigned classroom space with two new, 180-seat interactive lecture halls, small group learning labs and instructional spaces, a new student lounge and expanded student study areas.
Other projects honored included housing, arts venues, hotels and retail buildings.
“Thanks to many years of hard work on the part of countless stakeholders, downtown Louisville is experiencing an exciting period of growth and revival in our central business district,” said Rebecca Matheny, executive director of the Louisville Downtown Partnership. “Our city’s collective commitment to excellence and ongoing collaboration has ushered in this new period of tremendous growth and opportunity.”
The partnership’s mission is to aid in facilitation and strengthening of commerce, provide maintenance assistance, beautify and enhance streetscapes, improve security and safety and stimulate high-quality development and vitality in Louisville’s downtown.