Last May, Louisville Metro Government put out a Request for Qualifications seeking development firms to repurpose three city-owned sites downtown. The goal? To create a thriving neighborhood, business district, and tourist destination.

After interviewing with applicants, Metro has awarded Poe Companies, Weyland Ventures, and Lincoln Property Company the first right to develop the properties.

Here’s a closer look at the chosen firms:

Poe Companies
A Louisville-based, award-winning developer of multifamily, industrial + hospitality properties — like Hotel Distil and Moxy.

Weyland Ventures
A real estate development firm located in Derby City known for creating one-of-kind properties. Their portfolio includes The Myriad Hotel and Paseo, Whiskey Row Lofts, and Mercury Ballroom.

Lincoln Property Company
Based in Dallas, Texas, this company was chosen in partnership with local group LDG Development.

There are three downtown areas the city looks to revitalize. They include:

The Civic Center — Fiscal Court Building, former Louisville Metro Police Department headquarters, Market Street Parking Garage + other surface parking lots
Main + Washington Streets — includes a vacant lot, surface parking lot, and two Main Street lots — aka ReSurfaced and Museum Plaza
The Mud Lot — 2.97-acre parking lot on the southeast corner of Jefferson and 9th Streets used for Metro employee parking

Next, each development company will investigate the properties and create plans that will include uses, financing, and tentative construction timelines. Potential uses could include affordable housing, arts and entertainment, groceries, distilling, and other mixed-use projects. The proposals are expected to be complete by mid-2024.