Supported by $1.4 million in city funding, the project involves the demolition of the former community correctional center at 316 East Chestnut Street, which has been vacant since May 2020.

鈥淟OUMED represents a transformative step for downtown Louisville, bringing together our medical and educational institutions to foster innovation and community growth. The addition of a communal green space is not just about beautification; it鈥檚 about creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where residents, students and visitors can connect and relax. By enhancing our urban landscape, we will attract top talent from across the nation, making Louisville a premier destination for health care professionals and innovators alike,鈥� said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.

The demolition of the existing structure should be complete by the end of this year and LOUMED anticipates acquiring the property at that time, marking a pivotal milestone in the project’s progression. JLL, Louisville Commercial Real Estate Services, is managing both the demolition of the community correctional center and the construction of LOUMED Commons, along with architecture, engineering and design firm Gresham Smith, who has spearheaded the conceptual design for the nearly one-acre parcel of land.

The vibrant public space will serve as a central hub for activity within LOUMED, which includes the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center and downtown facilities of UofL Health, as well as Jefferson Community and Technical College and Norton Healthcare.

The space will feature:

• An open, park-like setting with a lush tree canopy and native plants;
• Well-lit spaces to ensure a safe and welcoming environment;
• A dedicated area for food trucks;
• Seating areas for relaxation and eating;
• Shade structures to offer relief from the sun;
• A pavilion structure to host programming and events;
• And public art installations to showcase local artistry.

LOUMED Commons will be designed with the latest sustainability practices and built using modular construction methods, allowing for phased development to ensure flexibility and adaptability. The first phase is expected to be completed by late 2025.

“We look forward to transforming a previously underutilized space into a vibrant, green and pedestrian-friendly hub,” said Nadareca Thibeaux, executive director of LOUMED. “LOUMED Commons will not only provide a much-needed respite from the bustling medical and education district, but also foster a sense of community and enhance the overall well-being of those who work in and visit the district.”

LOUMED is also actively collaborating with Mayor Greenberg鈥檚 office, Louisville Metro Public Works and UofL鈥檚 on the redevelopment of Chestnut Street, recognized as the “collective spine” of the district. With an estimated timeline of three to five years, this project is in its initial planning phase, bolstered by $1.75 million in city funding. Additionally, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly have allocated a $100 million one-time budget expenditure to Louisville Metro Government for the revitalization of downtown, which includes LOUMED.

These efforts contribute to a broader vision, complementing the significant redevelopment and revitalization initiatives spearheaded by LOUMED’s anchor institutions: Jefferson Community and Technical College, University of Louisville, UofL Health and Norton Healthcare.

The four anchor institutions have and will be contributing more than $560 million to projects and investments within the district over the next three to five years. JCTC is expanding and enhancing its campus through the 鈥楯efferson Rising鈥� project. Thanks also to support of the Kentucky General Assembly and Gov. Andy Beshear, the University of Louisville is planning a transformative Health Sciences Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub. UofL Health is nearing completion on the expansion of UofL Hospital, and Norton Healthcare recently implemented a new state-of-the-art labor and delivery unit and expanded neonatal intensive care unit.

UofL鈥檚 Health Sciences Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub will be located just down the street from LOUMED Commons, at Chestnut and Preston streets.

鈥淭his state-of-the-art building will be a game-changer for UofL, our city and the entire commonwealth. The center will expand multidisciplinary research opportunities for the university and enhance the educational experience of students pursuing STEM+H degrees, including nursing and other critical health care professions,鈥� said UofL President Kim Schatzel. 鈥淭his project shows UofL鈥檚 commitment to academic and research excellence and its vital role in shaping the future of education and health care in Kentucky.鈥�

For more information about LOUMED and its initiatives, visit and follow on , and .

鈥淭his season we had SummerWorks youth doing everything from skilled trades training to technology entrepreneurship and science research,鈥� said Mayor Greenberg. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to see the collaboration with employers in the private and public sectors, as well as our largest educational institutions JCPS and UofL.鈥�

The Louisville Science Pathways program, which is funded by SummerWorks, placed high school students in STEM labs across multiple departments at UofL. These students got hands-on experience assisting professional scientists and faculty in areas such as neurobiology, psychology, computer science, engineering and more. In addition to Louisville Science Pathways, SummerWorks also supported youth working at the at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering.

鈥淲e are proud to partner with Mayor Greenberg and his SummerWorks program to provide exciting opportunities like the ones at the Louisville Science Pathways and the J.B. Speed School of Engineering. Both of these efforts are exposing a diverse set of students to people, careers and educational pathways that they might otherwise never know about,鈥� Schatzel said. 鈥淲e love that high school students are getting exposed to our beautiful campus, our great faculty and our talented graduate and undergraduate students. We hope to see many of them in a year or two as students at UofL.鈥�

SummerWorks participants see higher rates of graduation, college attendance and full-time employment than their peers, according to a 2019 study by the Kentucky Center for Statistics.

鈥淵oung people are our next generation of leaders, yet too many, especially from underrepresented communities, don鈥檛 have access to the skills, network and work experience they need to prepare them for meaningful employment opportunities in the future,鈥� said Costel, Kentucky Region Manager for JPMorgan Chase. 鈥淕ood jobs are the foundation of a strong economy but remain out of reach for too many. Bringing together local government, employers and community partners through summer youth employment programs can help bridge this gap and ensure that more young people are connected with the resources and tools they need to better prepare them for the opportunities of tomorrow.鈥�

All Louisville youth ages 16 to 21 (as of June 1) are eligible to enroll in SummerWorks. Applicants who face barriers and come from disadvantaged backgrounds are prioritized in the job-matching process. Once youth register online, they can create or upload a resume, get soft skills training and apply for job opportunities.

SummerWorks also is continuing to sponsor jobs and work-learn experiences at nonprofits and agencies across the community that share the program鈥檚 commitment to advancing equity.

SummerWorks is operated by Louisville in partnership with , the Louisville region鈥檚 Workforce Development Board. SummerWorks鈥� core operating funds are approved by the Louisville Metro Council. Supporters of SummerWorks include the James Graham Brown Foundation, the Diaz Family Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, the Jewish Heritage Fund, the Gingko Foundation and others.

To learn more about SummerWorks and how to get involved as a participant, employer or supporter, visit .

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