Heatherwick Studio's ambitious plan to redesign the Belvedere, a historic elevated event space connecting downtown Louisville, Kentucky, with the Ohio River waterfront, is heading back to the drawing board after officials determined the original proposal was too expensive and logistically complex. The initial design, unveiled in January, featured a striking undulating roof structure covered in copper and topped with an expansive green lawn, but concerns over construction costs and proximity to the water have forced city officials to reconsider the scope of the project.
The Belvedere first opened in 1973 as both an infrastructure project and a public green space that caps over Interstate 64 to connect Louisville's riverfront with its downtown core. Heatherwick Studio's original proposal aimed to further activate this historic site, which has long served as an event venue for the city. Under the redesign, the mayor's office had hoped to find new ways to draw larger crowds to the area and enhance its role as a community gathering place.
However, the initial design proved too costly and complicated for the waterfront location. "We realized that building that close to the river and over an interstate system is incredibly expensive," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg explained. The logistical challenges of constructing so close to the water, including the need to bring construction cranes out on barges in the Ohio River, raised both cost concerns and potential safety risks for boat traffic navigating the waterway.
As a result of these challenges, city officials have announced significant revisions to the original plan. Under the new approach, the building portion of the project will be relocated southward on the site, moving it closer to where a deteriorating parking garage currently stands. Layla George, a project executive hired by the city to oversee the redesign, confirmed that the revised design will no longer extend the building portion over the river, addressing both the cost and safety concerns that plagued the original proposal.
Recognizing the importance of community input in creating a successful public space, the City of Louisville has launched an extensive public engagement process. Officials are hosting multiple listening sessions at libraries and community centers throughout the city to gather feedback on the design and understand how residents envision using the reimagined space. "The design can win every award in the book, but if people don't use it, that is a failure, in my opinion," George emphasized. "That's why these meetings are so important, because I want to hear from people. I want to know what they want to see and do on site, so that we can be sure that they use it, they have a sense of ownership, and they feel like the space is designed for them."
In addition to the in-person listening sessions, the city has created an online survey that asks residents about their current use of the site and solicits suggestions for what they would like to see and do there following the redesign. The public feedback process has already generated numerous ideas, including proposals for a water feature, walking paths, recreational spaces, a performance stage, and a pavilion. This community-driven approach reflects the city's commitment to creating a space that truly serves the needs and desires of Louisville residents.
Despite the setbacks and revisions, city officials remain committed to moving forward with the project, though they are now focused on controlling costs. Officials have stated they hope to keep the total construction cost at $125 million, a significant constraint that will likely influence the final design significantly. The revised timeline calls for groundbreaking to begin in spring 2027, with the project targeted for completion by 2030, giving the design team and city officials ample time to refine the plans based on community input and budgetary realities.
