The Belvedere and Urban Renewal

Using public spaces like the Belvedere or cultural institutions such as museums as anchors to encourage urban renewal and new development in cities is a long standing tradition. By improving a small area at public expense, cities encourage not only interest in public projects but, private interests to either begin a new project or reinvest in their existing property. The Belvedere and Plaza in Louisville, Kentucky is one such project. Completed in 1972, it renewed interest in Riverfront development and improvements. Now a part of Louisville’s Waterfront Park and overseen by the Waterfront Development Corporation (created in 1986 to oversee the redevelopment of the waterfront) the Belvedere hosts a number of community events each year and is still a vital part of Main Street revitalization efforts. No longer is it a lone spot of green space in an industrial landscape, the Belvedere and Plaza are a thriving part of the waterfront parks making national and international waves for their innovation and community involvement.