Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Tuesday the next steps in the effort to rehabilitate the Ashanti House Cultural Development Center, a historic former fire station and community center located in the Parkland neighborhood.
Greenberg, accompanied by Metro Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, said that the project represents the city’s overarching objective of converting abandoned and underutilized facilities into assets for the community.
“Throughout Louisville, I’ve made it a priority to turn vacant, underutilized places like this into resources that make our city stronger,” Greenberg said. “This building has a long history in the Parkland neighborhood, and I’m excited to work with the community to bring it new life.”
Originally constructed in 1904 as Engine 19, the structure was used as a fire station until being decommissioned and transformed into a community center. The building was acquired by the Louisville & Jefferson County Landbank Authority in 2020 from private owners to prevent further deterioration. The property was stabilized in 2024.
The first phase of restoration, which covers the remaining work required to make the property completely functional, is now being completed by contractors under a Request for Bids (RFB) issued by the city. According to city officials, community participation will determine the space’s final use after development has begun.
Funding for the project comes from the West End Community Development investment fund, one of three targeted investment funds included in the city budget to support South, West, and East Louisville. Councilwoman Hawkins advocated for directing the West End funding toward the Ashanti House project.
“The Ashanti House has a long history of serving the Parkland neighborhood, and I’m excited that these funds will help transform it into a vibrant community center,” Hawkins said. “I was proud to advocate for this funding in the budget to move the project forward and bring new life back to this historic space. I can’t wait to celebrate the grand reopening with our community.”
A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for January 14 at 1 p.m., giving interested contractors an opportunity to tour the property. The Request for Bids will close on January 30.
See more photos of the house here:
This article appears in Jan 1-31, 2026.