LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The vacant Starks Building, long considered an eyesore at the corner of Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Fourth Street, is poised for a major transformation. With plans to convert the space into affordable housing for artists, the project promises to revitalize this downtown landmark while providing much-needed creative space for the local arts community.
The state of Kentucky has allocated $100 million in funding for six revitalization projects in Louisville, including the transformation of vacant buildings into new spaces for residential and commercial use. Developer Jeff Underhill is seeking $18.6 million in funding for the Starks Building conversion, emphasizing the necessity of city support to make the project a reality.
“The cost of leaving the Starks Building unrenovated would be much greater for the city than participating with the dollars they have from the state,” Underhill said. “We need the city to recognize the importance of this project for the arts community and the city as a whole.”
Local painter and illustrator Grant Goodwine, who currently works out of a small apartment studio, sees the development as a much-needed boost for the city’s artists. With rental studio spaces in the area starting at around $400 a month, Goodwine believes the affordable artist lofts could provide the room and inspiration artists need to thrive.
“You’ll find your people and get inspiration in one form or another when you’re around other creative people,” Goodwine said. “It’s about fostering creativity.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg acknowledged that the city has multiple projects vying for funding but assured that the Starks Building proposal would have the city’s support. He emphasized the need for the ownership and development group to secure financing for the entire project before the city steps in to help fill any gaps.
“We will be there to support the Starks building,” Greenberg said. “The city understands the potential of this project and will do everything we can to ensure it moves forward.”
The proposal has already garnered backing from several key local arts organizations, including the Louisville Ballet and the Fund for the Arts, who see the project as a significant opportunity for the city’s creative sector. The Louisville Downtown Partnership also supports the development, citing the growing need for diverse housing options in the downtown area.
“We are already behind in terms of housing, and we were behind before COVID,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of the Louisville Downtown Partnership. “We want different housing types, including apartments, condos, and garden homes, at varying price points.”
The Starks Building, once home to the Starks Department Store, is just one of several vacant properties in downtown Louisville under consideration for redevelopment. Other properties include the Kentucky Home Life Building, 500 West Broadway, and the Courier-Journal building.
The proposed artist lofts at the Starks Building would offer rents approximately $400 below market rates, with free studio space included for residents. Goodwine believes the building’s location, nestled in the heart of downtown, would provide exposure for local artists and attract attention from both tourists and business professionals visiting the area.
“Downtown is where all the tourists and business people end up,” Goodwine said. “It will get a lot more eyes from people outside of Kentucky, which is great for the local arts scene.”
As the project moves forward, local leaders hope it will help revitalize not just the Starks Building, but the surrounding area, contributing to a vibrant, dynamic downtown Louisville that celebrates both creativity and community.
