BELVEDERE'S HISTORY
For more than 50 years, Louisville’s Belvedere has been the gathering space for concerts, festivals, and events. With sweeping views of the Ohio River and historic bridges, it is within walking distance of many Louisville attractions.
HISTORY ON THE OHIO
Our Center Space
This spot of land has been a significant site for as long as we know. It was the location of an ancient indigenous tribe mound and likely served as the center of community life. This land also holds painful history as it was where humans were sold into slavery and sent down the river.
EARLY 1930's
Bold First Impression
And yet, it is also the place where our city has shown ambition. The Belvedere is where leaders wanted to make a great first impression for people approaching our city.
In 1931, Harland Bartholomew presented city officials with a plan for the waterfront with expansive lawns and the relocation of our civic buildings.
He was the first urban planner in the United States and known for his breadth of work and institutionalizing racial segregation through land development.
1950's
20 Years Later
Like all good Louisville projects, we took a few swings before we hit a home run. Nothing happened with the 1931 plan and years later, city leaders asked the firm to revise the design for current uses. Bartholomew drew up plans for a mixed development with residential, retail, and office space. It was not pursued further.
Riverfront redevelopment plan from the 1957 Bartholomew plan. Image via University of Michigan
1950-1970's
Breaking Ground
In the 50’s, Louisville saw urban renewal change the local landscape. Included in the Riverfront Renewal Area was the land between 4th & 6th Street, from Main Street to the Ohio River.
The city hired Greek architect, Doxiatis to create a vision for this important waterfront site. His bold plan had the support of Reynolds Metals, but when they left town, they took their money with them. The city had already cleared the land and had to do something. They tasked Archibald Cochran with the job of making something happen.
During the early 1970’s, the Galt House, the American Life Building, the current Truist building, the current PNC Tower, the Belvedere, and the interstate were all under construction at the same time.
1970's
Riverfront
Reimagined
Working with a talented team, the city built a massive new three story garage and put Riverfront Plaza above. From the plaza's landscaped areas and reflecting pool, people could walk up several short flights of steps, past another pool with large stepping stones, and onto the Belvedere overlooking the Ohio River. The Belvedere is built over the new Riverside Expressway.
On April 27, 1973 the Riverfront Plaza and Belvedere were dedicated.
Photos By James N. Keen/Courier Journal
APRIL 27, 1973
Opening Day On the Ohio
Belvedere Day! At the grand opening, kids from area schools assembled themselves on the pads in the pond and when the fountain was turned on, they released balloons. With few other waterfront recreational spaces, Mayor Frank Burke dedicated the Belvedere to the children of Louisville.
Top-left and bottom-left Photos By Rich Nugent/Courier Journal
Photo right Photo By Day Johnston/Special To The Courier Journal
1990's
Belvedere Reborn
By the 1990’s, the Belvedere needed significant work to address water leaking through the garage, a lack of activity, and a weak connection to the Ohio River. In 1996, work began to repair the damaged concrete, install an elevator, and replace all the amenities and landscaping.
It was reopened to the public in 1998 after a $3.8 million upgrade.
Photo left By Keith Williams/Courier Journal, Photo top-right By Michael Hayman/Courier Journal, Photo bottom-right By Chris Hall/Courier Journal
THE PRESENT
Current Day Belvedere
Through the years, the Belvedere has served as a vibrant hub for civic engagement and celebration. From longtime festivals like WorldFest and Pride, to the spectacular fireworks show during Thunder over Louisville, the Belvedere brings people together year after year.
Photo top-left By Killian Baarlaer/Courier Journal, photo top-right By Maggie Huber, Special To The C-J, Photo bottom-left Alton Strupp/Courier Journal, photo bottom-right by David P Harpe/Special To The Courier Journal
HIGHLIGHTED MEDIA
Created 50 years ago to connect downtown to the Ohio River as a Riverfront Plaza. Today, the area is being reimagined, with an ambitious new design to bring it back to its former glory. Layla George, former CEO of the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, was recently named project executive and explains the vision for the future of the Belvedere.
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