The American Planning Association has named Downtown Louisville's West Main Street as one of the Top 10 Great Streets in America. The association, based in Washington D.C., cited West Main for its history, architecture, cast-iron facades and the unique sense of place it conveys to locals and visitors. "West Main's successful revitalization didn't happen on its own," said APA executive director Paul Farmer. "It required visionary planning, dedicated public leadership and public and private investment."
Mayor Jerry Abramson said West Main's rebirth is "an urban planning success story." And he added: "Main Street is a true treasure in Louisville.... and it defines who we are as a city. Those beautiful 19th Century buildings, with their unique cast-iron facades, are part of our history - and they are our future." West Main Street is the center of Louisville's cultural arts district and it is home to Louisville Slugger Bat Factory and Museum, Muhammad Ali Center, the Frazier International History Museum, the Louisville Science Center, the Kentucky Center, the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts, among others. And Actor's Theatre of Louisville is just a few blocks away. Numerous creative firms, ranging from advertising agencies to architectural firms, have located along West Main, as have restaurants and retail stores. "We in Louisville have known for years that West Main is a treasure for our city -- and now others have discovered our secret," Mayor Abramson said.
