LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Louisville Medical & Education District (LOUMED) celebrated the opening of LOUMED Commons today, unveiling a new public park that transforms a former downtown block at 316 East Chestnut Street into much-needed green space in the heart of a district anchored by Louisville’s leading hospitals and educational institutions. Mayor Craig Greenberg joined LOUMED leaders and project partners to welcome employees, students, patients, visitors and neighbors into the space for the first time, marking a major milestone in LOUMED’s continued revitalization.
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.
“LOUMED Commons embodies the spirit of community within our district,” said Nadareca Thibeaux, executive director of the Louisville Medical & Education District. “It was created for the people who make LOUMED thrive, including our 18,000 healthcare 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.”
Louisville Metro worked closely with LOUMED and its partners to make the project possible, aligning with Mayor Craig Greenberg’s broader vision for a more connected and livable city
“LOUMED Commons is a symbol of the kind of city we are building together,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “By transforming this block into green space, we’re creating a more connected downtown that better serves our students, healthcare 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.
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.
LOUMED’s anchor institutions—Jefferson Community and Technical College, Norton Healthcare, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center and UofL Health—also continue to invest in the district. More than $560 million in education, research, healthcare and workforce development projects are currently underway on their downtown campuses.
For more information about LOUMED and its initiatives, visit louisvillemedicaleducationdistrict.com
Additional media coverage:
- New downtown park opens as part of Louisville’s larger revitalization push (WLKY)
- New public green space opens in downtown Louisville’s medical district (WHAS)
- Urban park in downtown Louisville opens to the public as part of LOUMED District (WDRB)
- Newly opened LOUMED Commons adds greenery to downtown Louisville (WAVE)
- First-of-its-kind LOUMED Commons open to the public (Spectrum)
- UofL joins LOUMED, partners to open new public green space in the heart of Louisville (UofL News)
