The project design, a multi-phase transformation supported by $6.75 million in combined city and state funding, features expanded sidewalks, increased tree canopy and extensive landscaping. New curb extensions will introduce seating areas and further soften the urban environment. By enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, the project aims to create a street that is safer and more welcoming to the thousands of employees, students and patients who traverse the district daily.

In collaboration with city officials and project partners Gresham Smith and Pace Contracting, LOUMED has begun project construction for the project in the 300 block of East Chestnut Street. This location allows the new work to physically and visually connect the streetscape to LOUMED Commons, a public park opened in November 2025 that converted a vacant lot into vital green space, and to enhance UofL’s Health Sciences Center.

The project is located within the study area of Greenprint, a 10-year initiative coordinated by UofL’s and its affiliated Urban Design Studio. Greenprint integrates science-based greening strategies into downtown Louisville’s growth and redevelopment, optimizing new green spaces so they can have the greatest impact on human health. The initiative links separate projects like LOUMED Commons and the Chestnut Street improvements, ensuring a shared commitment to creating a cooler, cleaner and healthier Louisville.

The Chestnut Street Improvement Project is informed by walkability studies and temperature monitoring conducted by UofL’s Center for Geographic Information Sciences (ULCGIS), which recently became part of the Envirome Institute. Using drone-mounted thermal imaging sensors to map surface temperatures across project areas, ULCGIS staff identify hot spots and provide data to help guide planting strategies that can cool the city and support healthier, more comfortable microenvironments. Researchers will continue to monitor the impact of this greening on the local microclimate and human health and comfort to develop a replicable national model for greening urban pedestrian areas in other cities.

Construction for the Chestnut Street project is proceeding in a phased approach to minimize disruption. Work on the current block is scheduled for completion later this year. Crews will then immediately begin improvements on the three subsequent blocks extending east from South Preston to South Clay streets, with the full eastern section projected to be complete in 2027.

Young, who will begin his new position in March, comes to Louisville from Memphis, most recently serving as director of operations/technology and business development for the Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Simulation at the University��of Tennessee Health Science Center.

With more than a decade of expertise in academic health care simulation, he will lead the design, development, integration and strategic direction of the Academic Simulation Center. Young received a bachelor of science in biomedical engineering from the University of Alabama Birmingham, and master of business administration degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

“This position will be vital to promoting a contemporary, innovative and impactful Simulation Ecosystem for UofL,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. “We are fortunate to have Jarrod Young, an established leader in health sciences simulation, to make the center a learning, research, workforce development and community engagement powerhouse for the region.”

Young said the leadership and vision of the university and local clinical partners shows that Louisville is committed to impacting the future of health care by investing in interprofessional��education and training.

“I am honored to join the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center as we collectively aim to support the future of clinical education and patient��care through health care simulation,” Young said. “My vision is to support the current health care simulation experts at the university��with my knowledge��and experience growing a large health science simulation��center into a world-class program.”

The new $280 million building on the Health Sciences Center Campus will house the Academic Simulation Center as well as serve students and faculty from UofL’s Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry and Public Health and Information Sciences. The space will foster collaboration that supports goals of the university’s and contribute to the elite level of health care education in the region. The university plans to complete the building by fall 2029.��

LOUMED Commons is a one-acre park thoughtfully designed for gathering and recreation, featuring shaded seating, native plantings and flexible areas for community programs, food trucks and events. The space enhances the district’s sense of connection and provides a welcoming place for people to enjoy the outdoors in an urban environment.
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“LOUMED Commons embodies the spirit of community within our district,” said Nadareca Thibeaux, executive director of LOUMED. “It was created for the people who make LOUMED thrive, including our 18,000 health care professionals, educators and other employees, nearly 13,000 students and more than 1.5 million annual visitors. Whether someone wants to take a break, enjoy lunch outdoors or simply recharge, this park offers a place to do that.”
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Louisville Metro worked closely with LOUMED and its partners to make the project possible, aligning with Greenberg’s broader vision for a more connected and livable city.
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“LOUMED Commons is a symbol of the kind of city we are building together,” Greenberg said. “By transforming this block into green space, we’re creating a more connected downtown that better serves our students, health care workers, patients and neighbors alike. This project reflects our commitment to building a safer, stronger and healthier Louisville for all.”��

The project was led by LOUMED in partnership with Louisville Metro Public Works, JLL, CARMAN Landscape Architecture and Pace Contracting. LOUMED Commons was supported by city funding allocated from Governor Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly’s investment in downtown Louisville. The $10-million allocation is helping to support multiple LOUMED projects, including LOUMED Commons. Additionally, the city is investing $1.75 million in improvements along Chestnut Street.
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LOUMED Commons is the first project completed within the study area of Greenprint, a 10-year initiative coordinated by the University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute and the Urban Design Studio. Greenprint is a citywide framework that uses environmental data to guide where and how new green spaces can have the greatest impact on human health. It connects separate projects led by local partners, like LOUMED Commons and the upcoming Chestnut Street improvements, under a shared commitment to creating a cooler, cleaner and healthier Louisville.
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LOUMED’s anchor institutions��– the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, UofL Health, Jefferson Community and Technical College and Norton Healthcare – also continue to invest in the district. More than $560 million in education, research, health care and workforce development projects are currently underway on their downtown campuses.��
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About the Louisville Medical & ����ֱ�� District (LOUMED)
The Louisville Medical and ����ֱ�� District (LOUMED) is a 22-square-block hub where health care, education, research and community come together in downtown Louisville. Anchored by the University of Louisville, UofL Health,��Jefferson Community and Technical College and Norton Healthcare, LOUMED institutions collectively employ 18,000 people and educate 10,000 students, with a combined annual payroll exceeding $1 billion. Through partnerships and investments in public spaces, LOUMED supports the people who work, study, receive care or visit the district while contributing to Louisville’s continued growth.

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

Located at 316 East Chestnut Street, LOUMED Commons will provide new outdoor space in the heart of the city’s medical and education district. Located across the street from the University of Louisville Abell Administration Building on the Health Sciences Center campus, the park will feature tree canopy and native plantings, shaded seating, gathering areas, and space for food trucks, with flexible areas for future events and community programming.

“LOUMED Commons represents our commitment to creating a more vibrant, sustainable and pedestrian-friendly Louisville,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This space will offer a place of respite and connection for the more than 18,000 healthcare professionals, 10,000 students and over 1.5 million visitors who are here each year. Improving these public spaces helps us attract top talent and strengthen collaboration among our medical and educational institutions.”

The project is led by LOUMED in partnership with Metro Public Works, JLL, CARMAN Landscape Architecture and Pace Contracting. LOUMED Commons is supported by city funding allocated through the Kentucky General Assembly’s investment in downtown Louisville. The $10 million allocation is helping to fund multiple LOUMED projects, including LOUMED Commons. Additionally, the city is investing $1.75 million in improvements along Chestnut Street. Combined, these efforts represent $11.75 million in city funding supporting the district’s ongoing revitalization.

“LOUMED Commons is an important next step in how people experience this district,” said Nadareca Thibeaux, executive director of LOUMED. “This park will give people a place to take a break, eat lunch or simply enjoy being outside. It’s a practical improvement for the thousands of people here every day.”

LOUMED’s anchor institutions — University of Louisville, UofL Health,��Jefferson Community and Technical College, and Norton Healthcare — continue to invest in the district through projects supporting education, research, health care and workforce development. More than $560 million in capital investments are currently underway across the district.

LOUMED Commons complements these efforts by improving the shared spaces that link these institutions and enhancing the overall experience for workers, students, patients and visitors. The first phase of the park is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

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

About the Louisville Medical & ����ֱ�� District (LOUMED)
The Louisville Medical & ����ֱ�� District (LOUMED) is a 22-square-block hub where health care, education, research and community come together in downtown Louisville. Anchored by Jefferson Community and Technical College, the University of Louisville, UofL Health and Norton Healthcare, LOUMED institutions collectively employ 18,000 people and educate 10,000 students, with a combined annual payroll exceeding $1 billion. Through partnerships and investments in public spaces, LOUMED supports the people who work, study, receive care or visit the district while contributing to Louisville’s continued growth.

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.

“LOUMED 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’s 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,” 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’s office, Louisville Metro Public Works and UofL’s 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 ‘Jefferson Rising’ 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’s Health Sciences Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub will be located just down the street from LOUMED Commons, at Chestnut and Preston streets.

“This 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,” said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “This project shows UofL’s commitment to academic and research excellence and its vital role in shaping the future of education and health care in Kentucky.”

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

The ambassador program will provide concierge, cleaning and safety services to this vital downtown district.

“We are looking forward to having our LOUMED Ambassadors be additional positive representation for the employees, patients and students that call LOUMED home,” said Nadareca Thibeaux, executive director LOUMED. “It’s important for visitors and locals alike to experience a friendly, clean and safe downtown, and we expect this program to amplify those efforts.”

The LOUMED ambassadors play an important role in improving the experience of the public spaces within the district for visitors, employees, students and patients. The LOUMED ambassadors will be responsible for the following:

• Visible Presence��– Ambassadors will circulate throughout the district daily to create a highly visible, accessible, outgoing and inviting presence, with an attitude of friendly professionalism, superior customer service and hospitality. Ambassadors will be on foot and will be deployed in a manner that ensures resources are placed strategically to address critical issues or needs at key times of day, days of the week and as needed. All ambassadors are trained in ‘situational protocol’ to handle situations appropriately and courteously.
• Reduced Impact of Quality-of-Life Issues & Safety Risk Aversion – Ambassadors will discourage aggressive solicitation and other prohibited behaviors, report crimes to the proper authority and provide information and support as it relates to improper behavior in the district. Ambassadors will build respect-based relationships with all persons to educate on ordinance violations, discourage problematic behavior and serve to connect individuals to available resources and assistance.
• Hospitality and Wayfinding – Ambassadors will actively greet pedestrians and provide general assistance, wayfinding/directions, information on historic sites, shops, restaurants, public transportation, other places of interest and general information that may be helpful and welcoming. They will provide help and support to the public to address a wide range of situations and needs, such as assistance with the use of parking meter stations, repairing a flat tire, opening a door, escorting employees to parking garages and by offsetting any potentially negative experience with a positive interaction.
• Property/Business Owner Networking & Cross Communication – Ambassadors will interact directly with property and business owners, managers and security personnel to build a network, provide and receive information relevant to LOUMED safety and hospitality and to raise public awareness of the program.

For more information about the LOUMED District, visit

To make LOUMED a world-class destination, its partners launched their effort in 2021 by conducting an in-depth economic impact report, forming a nine-person board equally representing each partner.

LOUMED’s shared goal of building tomorrow’s world-class medical and education district takes world-class urban planners and designers who have success in revitalizing complex urban districts. City Visions Associates and Gamble Associates have joined the LOUMED team and have proven successes at Rochester’s Destination Medical Center, Boston’s Longwood Medical Area and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

“The Louisville Medical and ����ֱ�� District deserves a high-quality public realm commensurate with its high-quality of care, research and education,” says David Gamble, principal of Gamble Associates.

The strategic plan is designed to improve both the realities and perceptions of public safety, easier and more welcoming access to LOUMED, improved ease of circulation within the campus, both for pedestrians and vehicles and provides a greener campus with areas for employees, patients and visitors to relax. The LOUMED partners are also in discussions with Block by Block to provide security and maintenance services within the LOUMED campus.

“LOUMED is a hub of activity for patients, visitors, employees, students and researchers,” said Barry Alberts, CityVisions Associates’ managing partner. “The campus must be a welcoming, safe and comfortable place for every one of them. The LOUMED partners are committed to taking the necessary actions, as well as working with Louisville Metro and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, to ensure that it best meets these goals.”

The LOUMED partners have already worked to cultivate gardens, outdoor gathering spaces, plazas and drop-off areas on their respective properties. Collectively, these “pocket parks” form the framework for navigating the campus, better connecting into a campus-wide network.

The Framework Plan leverages the existence of these institutional spaces and reinforces the pathways between them.

• First Street leverages JCTC’s recent developments and centers new growth around a future campus quad and arts-inspired corridor that crosses Broadway.
• A vacant city-owned correctional facility near Norton Children’s Hospital is transformed into “LOUMED Gardens,” a new central gathering space for all families and care givers to gather and relax.
• One of the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center’s first buildings along Chestnut Street becomes the centerpiece of a connected network of pathways.
• Abraham Flexner Way – already an informal pedestrian pathway for UofL Health – will be improved with new landscaping, lighting, seating, signage, and crosswalks.

The future of LOUMED offers a safe, clean, well-maintained, and well-lit environment, a memorable public space network, ample and easily accessible parking areas, a strong sense of place, strong ties to adjacent neighborhoods with places to live, eat and shop, shared facilities and spaces and most importantly, an image that befits the educational, medical and scientific achievements that occur within its boundaries 365 days a year.