Nov. 11, 2005

 

Council Allows Taller Buildings

 

Proposal for residences near river advances

 

Joseph Gerth - The Courier-Journal

A plan to build a large residential and marina development along the Ohio River near Beargrass Creek advanced last night when the Louisville Metro Council voted unanimously for it.

The Waterfront Development Corp. had asked the council to change the property's form district from neighborhood to downtown so that Icon Properties LLC could build taller buildings with higher density and on-street parking.

The council approved the ordinance without discussion.

The first phase of Riverpark Place will include about 350 residential units, and construction is expected to begin this year.

The Waterfront Development Corp. asked for the zoning change in an effort to make the project more affordable for Icon and to ensure that there are enough residents to make Riverpark Place vibrant.

The plans call for numerous apartment and condominium buildings, some of them up to 16 stories tall.

The condos are expected to cost from $150,000 to more than $1million.

There also would be ground-level shops, restaurants and other amenities.

Plans also call for a wide esplanade the length of the property that would allow public access to the water's edge.