Crews are working in downtown Louisville to change the landscape and perception of South Fourth Street as part of a beautification project funded by the Louisville Downtown Partnership and the mayor's 2026 budget. Jessica Wethington of the Louisville Downtown Partnership said, “By transforming this historic spine, we also hope it will be a catalyst for further business development in the future.” The Fourth Street beautification project is expected to cost $340,000. Wethington explained that the area will feature 45 tree fountains that will be transformed into lush green spaces with hydrangeas, boxwoods and various types of foliage plants. The landscaping is protected by decorative fencing inspired by larger cities such as New York and Chicago. “You'll see they're about 6 inches tall and they taper down the side, so when people open and close their car doors, they don't get in the way,” Wethington said. Designated areas for pets and a built-in irrigation system help maintain green spaces. Wethington noted that the Louisville Downtown Partnership's downtown ambassadors will be responsible for keeping trash out of landscaped areas. “So we just want to create a vibrant downtown. Bring people down, create a really nice environment for people who work downtown and live downtown,” she said. Downtown residents have noticed the city's efforts. One resident noted: “It looks a lot better. And they're constantly fighting, people throwing away trash, stuff and debris.” Another resident who works remotely said: “I work remotely so it's nice to be able to walk around the neighborhood so if they try to spice things up that's great, I love it.” The project is expected to be completed this fall.
Crews are working in downtown Louisville to change the landscape and perception of South Fourth Street as part of a beautification project funded by the Louisville Downtown Partnership and the mayor's 2026 budget.
Jessica Wethington of the Louisville Downtown Partnership said, “By transforming this historic spine, we also hope it will be a catalyst for further business development in the future.”
The Fourth Street beautification project is expected to cost $340,000. Wethington explained that there will be 45 tree fountains in the area, which will be transformed into lush green spaces with hydrangeas, boxwoods and various types of foliage plants.
The landscaping is protected by decorative fencing inspired by larger cities such as New York and Chicago.
“You'll see they're about 6 inches tall and they taper down the side, so when people open and close their car doors they won't be in the way,” Wethington said.
Designated areas for pets and an integrated irrigation system help maintain green spaces. Wethington noted that the Louisville Downtown Partnership's downtown ambassadors will be responsible for keeping trash out of landscaped areas.
“So we just want to create a vibrant downtown. Bring people down, create a really nice environment for people who work downtown and live downtown,” she said.
Downtown residents have noticed the city's efforts.
One resident noted: “It looks a lot better. And they're constantly fighting, people throwing away trash, stuff and debris.”
Another resident who works remotely said: “I work remotely so it's nice to be able to walk around the neighborhood so if they try to spice things up that's great, I love it.”
The project is expected to be completed this fall.