Mayor announces $30 million indoor track and field facility to be developed on Heritage West site

September 19, 2017

Following an extensive community engagement effort and a detailed review conducted by a committee of Metro staff and citizen volunteers, Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that the Louisville Urban League has been selected to develop a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex anchored by an indoor track and field facility on the 24-acre Heritage West property located at 3029 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

“The Urban League’s plan reflects the community’s desire for a project that will bring immediate life to this key piece of land, and provide healthy outlets for youth and adults to engage in a variety of sports and other activities,” said the Mayor. “This is an exciting process, and I look forward to returning to this site soon to break ground on a new development that brings the vision and values of the people of Russell to life.”

The complex will be designed to host a variety of sporting events potentially sponsored by organizations such as USA Track and Field (USATF), the National College Athletics Association (NCAA), colleges and universities, and local and regional public and private schools. The facility also will feature retail space and related amenities.

“We are thrilled to be chosen as the development partner for the Heritage West property,” said Sadiqa Reynolds, President and CEO of the Louisville Urban League. “This project will bring 20,000 visitors with disposable income into Louisville and more importantly into west Louisville. Louisville will be a U.S. track and field destination.”

(Learn more about the Louisville Urban League’s plan)

The total project cost is expected to be $30 million.

Heritage West is located on the western border of the Russell neighborhood, which is currently seeing unprecedented levels of investment, including the $29.5 million mixed-income, mixed-use redevelopment of Beecher Terrace, a project expected to leverage at least $200 million in new investment; Waterfront Park Phase Four expansion; relocation of Passport Health Plan’s headquarters; and construction of a new YMCA at 18th and Broadway.

“The community has anxiously awaited an exciting development and concept for the property that will help transform the neighborhood and help put west Louisville on the map,” said Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton, District 5. “We hope that this athletic facility project will become a reality for Heritage West and will be a place to help our young people realize their dreams.”

The city began the Heritage West redevelopment process in March, when it issued a Solicitation of Interest that drew four innovative and exciting proposals, one of which was eventually withdrawn. More than 125 public comments were received on the four proposals.

The West Louisville Community Council (WLCC), a grassroots organization of residents, neighborhood associations, places of worship, educational and cultural institutions, focused on responsible, citizen-engaged redevelopment of vacant and abandoned properties in west Louisville, has been a key partner throughout the review and engagement process.

The WLCC has co-hosted community visioning meetings and public review meetings for the Heritage West Property, and sponsored an art contest that led to the renaming of the site as “Heritage West.”

“Positive outcomes can be achieved when community, organizations, and government agencies strategize collectively around issues impacting people. Heritage West is an example of how our collective resources can spur transformation within a community,” said Natasha Cummins, Chair of the Executive Committee, WLCC. “Today marks the day where the community’s voice was heard and decision makers took heed.  We support this announcement and know that this initiative will create a positive vibe in our community and gain national recognition. West Louisville Community Council will continue to work closely with all involved and expect Heritage West to focus on community benefits as the project evolves.”

To read more about the project, visithttps://louisvilleky.gov/sites/default/files/advanced_planning/lul_track…