Heatherwick Studio has unveiled a new vision for the Belvedere, a prominent elevated riverfront space set to be reimagined as a public park in Louisville, Kentucky.
First opened in 1973, the Belvedere has long been a cherished spot but suffered from years of neglect. This transformation promises to breathe new life into a site the size of four American football pitches, strengthening its connection to the Ohio River and providing the city with a prominent natural spot for the community and visitors to gather and relax.
Early concept renders for the site feature a striking pavilion with a flowing, ribbon-like form, filled with lush green spaces and pedestrian-friendly pathways that seamlessly weave the city’s core into the waterfront.
More than just a face-lift, the project aims to create an inviting, multi-use place where residents and visitors can come together for recreation, cultural events, or simply to take a break by the river. Input from the Louisville community has played a vital role in the development of the vision, with three public meetings held in January to gather insights and ideas.
Stuart Wood, Executive Partner and Group Leader at Heatherwick Studio, said: “Belvedere has an incredible potential to become a new green ‘living room’ for Louisville and its people. Our design will stitch together the Ohio river front and connect it to the expansive parks beyond. We’ve been listening to the community and hear a huge appetite for something powerful, exciting and new to happen.“
Vision for Belvedere
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg unveiled the early concept renders during his State of the City address last week, emphasising the need for revitalisation: “The Belvedere is 50 years old and showing signs of age. Do we continue to let it crack and crumble, or do we do something new, big, and bold?”
The project remains in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in 2026. Once completed, it will mark our first endeavour in Kentucky, joining a portfolio of projects in the US, including two Google Campuses in California, Little Island and Lantern House in New York City, and the new Davidson Park in Milwaukee.
Description provided by Heatherwick Studios.
All images courtesy of Louisville Mayor’s Office.
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