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Mayor Greenberg announces $5 million from the James Graham Brown Foundation for reimagination of the Belvedere

Sep 3
3 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


LOUISVILLE, KY (September 2, 2026) — Today Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Belvedere project team announced a $5 million grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation to support the reimagination of the Belvedere, the signature riverfront gathering place at the heart of downtown.

“Louisville is uniting behind a bold vision for a reimagined Belvedere that reflects our community’s identity and input,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “We are incredibly grateful to the James Graham Brown Foundation for this generous $5 million investment and for believing in our plan to create an energizing new space in the heart of downtown that is filled with activity and opportunity every single day of the year.”


Last month, Mayor Greenberg and the Belvedere project team shared updated renderings of the reimagined Belvedere, including plans for more greenspace, shade, and programming like concerts, cultural celebrations, farmers markets, and children's activities. The plans were guided by feedback received from nearly 1,500 Louisvillians during the design process.


"The Belvedere is one of Louisville's most iconic public spaces, and this reimagination is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our city's core while creating lasting value for generations of Louisvillians," said Mason Rummel, President and CEO of the James Graham Brown Foundation. "We're proud to support a project that will elevate downtown's national profile, drive economic growth and bring people together at the heart of the riverfront."


Key features of the Belvedere’s redesign include:

  • Multi-use path: a walking path winding through the park from Main Street to the river.

  • Pavilion: a signature performance space with capacity to host a variety of events and activities, from Louisville Orchestra performances to yoga classes, while also serving as a large shade structure.

  • Children’s play space: a nature playground designed in partnership with Bernheim Forest along with a water feature.

  • Riverfront connection: a safe and accessible connection from the Belvedere down to the wharf and Louisville Loop for people of all abilities.

  • Enhanced green space: plans for nearly 350 new trees, as well as new native landscaping.


The Belvedere sits above I-64 and downtown’s largest parking garage, which is in critical need of repair. These necessary repairs created an opportunity for Mayor Greenberg to initiate a long-overdue renovation and reimagination of the plaza above into an improved community gathering space.


The infrastructure improvements have been made possible through city funds proposed by Mayor Greenberg and approved by the Louisville Metro Council, along with generous support from the Kentucky State Legislature and federal funding secured by Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative Morgan McGarvey. The grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation and other private philanthropy will provide significant support for the renovation and reimagination of the plaza.


Groundbreaking on the garage-level work is expected this fall, with above-ground improvements beginning in following Thunder Over Louisville in the spring of 2027. Project completion is expected before Thunder Over Louisville 2030.


The design for the Belvedere was created by Heatherwick Studio, the internationally recognized firm behind projects such as Little Island in New York City, USA, and 1000 Trees in Shanghai, China, in collaboration with Louisville-based KNBA Architects, with PLC Management and Whittenberg Construction guiding cost and construction.

Community members can continue to provide feedback on how the new Belvedere is programmed at louisvillebelvedere.com.

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About the Belvedere

For more than 50 years, Louisville's Belvedere has been a gathering place for concerts, festivals, and community events. Located on the riverfront between 4th and 6th Streets in the heart of downtown Louisville, the 5.5-acre elevated civic space reconnects the city to the riverfront with sweeping views of the Ohio River. Conveniently situated atop downtown Louisville’s largest parking garage, it offers easy access to premier cultural and entertainment destinations.


Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Louisville Metro Government are reimagining the Belvedere as a vibrant, contemporary public destination built around community input. Construction begins in 2026, with a grand opening anticipated in 2030. To learn more and share your input, visit louisvillebelvedere.com.


About the James Graham Brown Foundation

The James Graham Brown Foundation was established in 1954 by the noted lumberman, horseman and entrepreneur.  Since its founding, the organization has awarded nearly 4,200 grants totaling over $700 million. The foundation funds a variety of causes and local charities working in the areas of education, human services, economic development, cultural and civic projects.

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