City officials and community leaders gathered Thursday to break ground on a $2.5 million renovation project at Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing, a historic site along the Ohio River in Southwest Louisville.
The expansion, led by Miranda Construction and designed by KNBA (K. Norman Berry Associates), will double the size of the current visitor center’s multipurpose room, allowing it to accommodate nearly 250 people. The project also features a new outdoor event space with accessible paths, lights, and upgraded pavement.
“Located along the Ohio River in Southwest Louisville, Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing is an incredible destination that offers engaging opportunities for visitors to learn about Louisville’s history while taking in the beautiful scenery,” Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a press release. “This project will foster a new sense of community at Riverside that allows us to continue to invest in and grow our parks system.”
Further improvements include enlarged bathroom facilities to fit the larger event space and a food preparation section acting as both a classroom and a catering area. The makeover also intends to enhance views of the Ohio River with huge windows and an outdoor patio.
Funding for the project was made possible through a combination of public and private contributions. Riverside’s board and community partners contributed approximately $1 million, with the James Graham Brown Foundation providing $750,000.
The remaining $1.5 million was allocated by Mayor Greenberg’s administration from the city’s general fund.
“We are excited to be able to take advantage of Riverside’s historic connection to the Ohio River and incorporate its beautiful sights into this event space with large windows for viewing and a more formalized outdoor patio to include space for tents,” Executive Director of Louisville Parks and Recreation Michelle King said in a release.
Efforts are already underway to secure funding for the next phase of the visitor center’s expansion, which will include an expanded museum exhibit space, new classrooms, an archaeology lab, and a river view gallery with a balcony.
For more information or to donate to the project, visit this link.
This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 13, 2025.
