Louisville Gardens

The Louisville Gardens, located at 525 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., is a 6,000-seat arena that opened in 1905 as the Jefferson County Armory. The Louisville Gardens has a rich history of hosting marquee events, ranging from concerts to athletic events. The Louisville Gardens closed in 2008 and is currently used for storage.

On December 9, 2022, Mayor Greg Fischer announced that Louisville Metro Government (LMG) has signed a letter of intent with River City Entertainment Group, LLC to explore the transformation of the Louisville Gardens building into sound stages for music, film and digital production, a move that will bolster the city’s work to attract productions to Louisville.

“The restoration and redevelopment of the Louisville Gardens has remained a high priority throughout my administration, and I am proud to announce today that we have taken the next step toward giving this iconic property a renewed life. While the property has garnered interest from multiple investment groups and developers over the years, it was always important that the end use be something that will create a long-term economic benefit for the community and be with a partner that has a heart for our city,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “This use will advance our existing arts and film industry by attracting more productions and creating additional job opportunities locally. We are excited to work with River City Entertainment Group, LLC team.”

Read the full release

Read the Letter of Intent

The potential redevelopment of the Louisville Gardens is still in the early stages. There is no anticipated construction start date or opening date for the project as River City Entertainment Group LLC continues to conduct due diligence at the site.

Structural Information

 

 Former Request for Proposals

Building Assessment

Plans and Elevations

Phase 1 Environmental Assessment

Updated Phase 1 Environmental Assessment - December 2022

Phase 2 Environmental Assessment

Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives

Petroleum Remediation Final Report

Timeline/Fact Sheet

Media reports

 

City of Louisville Announces Deal to Build $65 Million Studio

Variety - December 11, 2022

 

Letter of intent signed to explore conversion of historic Louisville venue into a sound stage complex
Shoot Online - December 9, 2022

Letter of intent signed to explore conversion of historic Louisville venue into a sound stage complex
Louisville Public Media - December 9, 2022

More details on $65 million Louisville Gardens redevelopment (RENDERINGS)

Business First - December 9, 2022

 

Louisville Gardens studio plan includes downtown entertainment industry 'campus'
WDRB - December 9, 2022

 

Long-vacant Louisville Gardens is getting new life at last. Here's the plan
Courier Journal - December 9, 2022

 

Louisville Gardens expected to be transformed into sound stages
WLKY - December 9, 2022

 

Louisville Gardens to become a production studio
LOU Today - December 9, 2022

 

Renewed effort seeks to revive downtown Louisville's 'greatest mile'
Business First - March 29, 2018
 

Take a look inside the Louisville Gardens 

840 WHAS - March 9, 2018

 

With Omni's unveiling and more buzz downtown, leaders envision Louisville Gardens rebirth

Courier Journal - March 8, 2018

 

As cleanup work looms, Louisville Gardens waits for the future

WDRB - September 15, 2017

 

City must save Louisville Gardens

Courier Journal - February 17, 2017

 

A look inside the Louisville Gardens

WFPL - October 23, 2015