In Louisville, the historic Belvedere, inaugurated in 1973 as a public space facing the Ohio River, is currently the subject of heated debate about its future. The redesign presented by Heatherwick Studio proposed a wave-shaped copper roof and a large green area, as well as connecting the city center to the riverbank via the Interstate 64 overpass. However, the high costs and logistical complexity of the project have led to a rethinking of the initial proposal.
The city is currently organizing consultation sessions and public surveys to gather ideas on the use of the space, with new options including a pedestrian walkway, a stage, or a pavilion. The goal is to maintain the historical and cultural value of the site, but with a more viable and sustainable design. If everything goes according to plan, construction would begin in 2027 and be completed in 2030, with an estimated investment of $125 million.
