Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has announced the first project to receive funding under the Downtown Louisville Building Conversion Program.
The first project given the go-ahead is 531 Court Place, known as the Jefferson County Fiscal Court Building.
106 Residential Apartments
Jefferson County Fiscal Court Building will undergo a transformation from a former government office building into a modern residential space that includes affordable housing.
Downtown Louisville Building Conversion Program provides funding to convert vacant office spaces into vibrant residential, hospitality, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations.
“Revitalizing the Jefferson County Fiscal Court Building adds to our incredible downtown momentum as we continue building downtown into a thriving, mixed-use community,” said Mayor Greenberg. “By transforming this historic structure into sustainable housing, we’re fostering a more dynamic, 24/7 neighborhood with thousands more people living and working in the heart of Louisville.”
The redevelopment, led by Weyland Ventures, will convert the 10-story art deco-style building into 106 residential apartments, with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, along with a live-work space and ADA-accessible units.
Of the total unit mix, 33% are planned to be affordable to households earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI).
Shared amenity spaces will be available on the ground floor and basement level, providing tenant storage, a fitness room, and other community-focused features.
“This project revitalizes a downtown Louisville landmark, creating a vibrant, inclusive space for residents,” said Mariah Gratz, CEO of Weyland Ventures. “By combining historic preservation with modern living, we’re meeting today’s housing needs while honoring the city’s architectural heritage.”
$28 Million Project
Originally built in two phases – six stories in 1938 and four additional stories in 1956 – the Fiscal Court Building has long held county government offices.
With the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office moving out, the conversion project presents an opportunity to preserve its architectural and historical significance while adding affordable and market rate housing units.
The Fiscal Court Building was designated a Metro Louisville Local Landmark in 2001 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024.
The Downtown Building Conversion Program serves as the final funding source to close remaining financial gaps for the renovation project.
Metro Government received 19 applications for projects seeking funding through the Downtown Louisville Building Conversion Program and six advanced to the finalist stage and are pending further evaluation.
The Fiscal Court Building was selected as the first recipient due to its advanced project readiness.
Additional funding awards may follow as other finalists meet key milestones.
The Fiscal Court Building’s project is estimated to cost $28 million, with Louisville Metro Government contributing $3 million from the Downtown Conversion Fund.
For more information, visit louisvilleky.gov/government/economic-development/downtown-louisville-building-conversion-program.
