Downtown Louisville Pickleball Courts Debate: A 19th-century building in downtown Louisville may soon be torn down to make way for a pickleball and entertainment complex. The Odd Fellows Building, located at 2nd Street and West Muhammad Ali Boulevard, has stood since 1897. Its future will be decided in the coming weeks.
Plans for Redevelopment
Omni Hotel management has requested a permit to demolish the Odd Fellows Building. The company says demolition must take place before pre-construction testing can begin. Its plan calls for four indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts, along with a restaurant, bar, indoor entertainment space, and outdoor game area.
Preservationists Push Back
The Louisville Historical League and local preservationists are opposing the plan. Steve Wiser, President of the Louisville Historical League, called on city leaders to stop the demolition.
“If Omni is unwilling to repurpose this historic building into its development,, we asked the Mayor and Metro Council to oppose this pickleball project until Omni can propose a much better quality project.”(Steve Wiser)
Wiser suggested two alternatives: either keep the building as part of a new development or move it to another location.
“Move it to the corner at 2nd and Muhammad Ali. If you look at the Omni proposal, they’re building a new building there on this corner.”(Steve Wiser)
Past Efforts and Next Steps
Previous attempts to save the building failed in both Metro Council and state courts. Omni Hotel management has declined to comment further on its plans.
The demolition request will go before the Downtown Development Review Overlay District Committee on September 10. That meeting will determine whether the permit moves forward.
What It Means for Louisville
If demolition goes ahead, Louisville could lose a piece of its 19th-century history in exchange for a modern entertainment hub. Preservationists argue that saving historic structures is vital for the city’s character, while developers point to pickleball’s growing popularity and economic potential.
News in Brief: Downtown Louisville Pickleball Courts Debate
Louisville’s Odd Fellows Building, built in 1897, may be demolished for a pickleball and entertainment venue by Omni Hotel. Preservationists led by Steve Wiser oppose the plan and suggest alternatives. A demolition permit request will be reviewed on September 10 by the Downtown Development Review Overlay District Committee.
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