The CNI Implementation Grant includes funding for Critical Community Improvements (CCIs) – neighborhood placemaking and economic development initiatives that advance the goals of the Vision Russell Transformation Plan. The five projects in Russell’s Choice Neighborhood CCI Plan, (see descriptions below), were developed by residents, stakeholders and other community members during the CNI Planning grant and the Implementation grant application processes. These CCI activities were designed to help make Russell a healthier, and more connected community; increase its retail and commercial offerings – both for current and future residents and businesses; decrease the number of vacant properties in the neighborhood; and strengthen its key commercial corridors. Russell’s Neighborhood CCI Plan utilizes $2,495,750 in Choice funding. Choice dollars are being leveraged with an additional $10,160,547 in public and private funding sources to support these activities.
Critical Community Improvements
Louisville Central Community Center (LCCC) was awarded CCI funds to support the build-out of suites in their $12.5 million Old Walnut campus at 13th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, directly across from the Beecher Terrace redevelopment area. CCI funds in an amount up to $228,500 are being invested in this project to build out leasehold space for neighborhood serving small businesses and non-profit service providers within LCCC’S Business Plaza on the 1st floor of the Old Walnut campus. Several suites are currently available and the remainder will be ready for occupancy in Fall 2020. For leasing information, contact G.Starks Realty, William Starks at (502) 961-9313, or visit http://www.gstarksrealty.com/.
The Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is located on the eastern border of Russell at the corner of Chestnut and Roy Wilkins Avenue (9th Street.) $300,000 in CCI funds, along with nearly $1 million in National Parks Service Civil Rights Grants and other leverage are being used to stabilize the historic Quinn Chapel, which is owned by the YMCA, but currently vacant. Stabilization efforts will largely address structural issues so that the building can be preserved for future uses. In recognition of its role in African American history and civil rights activism, Quinn Chapel was designated nationally significant by the National Register of Historic Places in July 2020. For more information, contact Savannah Darr, Planning & Design Coordinator, LMG Department of Planning & Design, (502) 574-5705.
MOLO Village Community Development Corporation (CDC) Co, the development arm of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, is constructing The Village @ West Jefferson – a new 30,000 square foot office and retail building at the corner of 12th and Jefferson streets. This two-story commercial building is located next to the historic St. Peter’s Church building and directly across from the Beecher Terrace redevelopment site. A total of $331,000 in CCI funds are being invested in this project to help build-out leasehold space for neighborhood serving small businesses and non-profit service providers. Suites are anticipated to be available for occupancy in December 2020,
As of September 2020, committed tenants include: Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (a Head Start early childhood program provider), Park Community Credit Union, Robin Hood’s Coffee Shop, Sponsor For Success, Leverage Property Management, BMN/FLUX/Black CDC Health and Wellness Clinic, and the Louisville Metro Housing Authority’s Choice Neighborhood’s offices. For leasing information, contact The 40 & 1 Company, Johnetta Roberts, at (502) 653-1145 or visit http://fortyandone.com/.
CCI funds will be used to install approximately 30 free Wi-Fi access points in key development areas identified in The Vision Russell Transformation Plan. This public Wi-Fi network will provide a free and reliable Internet connection to Russell residents, as well as a conduit to information about a variety of programs, services, and events within the neighborhood. The Louisville Metro Government’s Department of Information Technology will install and maintain the network, which is anticipated to be operational in October, 2020. For more information, contact Ed Blayney, Civic Technology Manager, LMG Office of Civic Innovation and Technology at (502) 428-5195.
Louisville Metro Government (LMG), One West and other partners will be investing $1,270,000 in CCI funds to make improvements to buildings and vacant lots between 15th and 22nd Streets. Priority will be given to properties along the 18th Street Corridor. For more information about obtaining funding for improvements to owner-occupied and rental residential properties, as well as contact information for each program, click HERE. For information about making improvements to commercial properties and/or vacant lots see https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-development/vacant-lots-sale or contact LMG’s Real Estate Coordinators at 502-574-4200 to learn more about how to purchase a vacant lot.