The Facts
-Myth- “We already have too many apartments.”
FACT:With a shortage of housing options at every market level, Louisville is in the middle of a housing crisis. All areas of our community need more housing, including St. Matthews.
The best, most sustainable housing solution is through higher density options in existing cities, just like Gilmans Point. We can’t have more efficient, sustainable communities without developments of this kind.
In recent years, Louisville has seen the number of renters steadily increase, increasing demand for more rental options at every income level. With fewer rentals and apartments available, rent throughout the city is continuing to rise. Through Gilmans Point, our goal is to create more market-rate options for renters looking to live in the St. Matthews area.
According to Louisville’s 2019 Housing Needs Assessment,released in 2022, the assessment determined that Louisville needs an additional 31,412 units to accommodate the housing need, creating a cascading effect, resulting in more housing opportunity for all income brackets.
-Myth- “It’s affordable Housing.”
FACT: Though LDG Development does build affordable housing, Gilmans Point will be a market-rate development that will offer luxury 1 and 2-bedroom apartment homes for rent. This development offers a sophisticated lifestyle balancing luxury with a rooted commitment to the local community.
-Myth- “It’s going to be too big for the site.”
FACT: The site is nearly 9 acres, and current zoning would allow nearly 100 more units than are being proposed. The first version of this plan, which elicited significant community feedback, was nearly 300 units. But, after hearing from the community, LDG decided to reduce the size of the development, increase the open space, and increase traffic and drainage improvements. The current plan complies with the zoning on the property, too, but at a lower density.
-Myth- “The complex will create more traffic issues.”
FACT: We have conducted a traffic study of the area, specifically the intersection at Westport Road, Ridgeway, and the railroad track. According to the analysis, the complex would have only a minimal impact to existing traffic, and current neighbors are not expected to notice additional traffic impact.
However, we want to go above and beyond to ensure our development will not impact traffic patterns, so we’re funding the expansion of Westport Road to three full lanes from Thierman Lane to Ridgeway Ave. We are coordinating with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to improve the function of the intersection at Westport and Ridgeway by making northbound Ridgeway traffic come to a stop, while allowing traffic turning right on Westport to continue. The new configuration will eliminate the “guessing game” drivers contend with at the intersection today.
-Myth- “Green space is being taken away.”
FACT: Since this is a privately-owned site, this is not public greenspace. This development will preserve more than 3 acres of open green space throughout the full 8.5-acre site, allowing for ample open space for the development, its residents, and the community.
-Myth- “Gilmans Point will not match the aesthetic of the St. Matthews neighborhood.”
FACT: Along with the reduction in density, we have redesigned the development with details like hip roofs, masonry and cement siding, along with other design details to make the buildings more “residential” in character. The buildings were custom-designed by award-winning, Louisville-based firm, Work + Architecture, with a design that prioritizes neighborhood harmony.
-Myth- “Community feedback has not been incorporated in the Gilmans Point site plan.”
FACT: Community feedback has played an important role in shaping the development site plan.
Residents had the opportunity to share input through a community meeting, and that feedback led to meaningful changes. The original plan called for a rezoning of the site to create fewer, larger and taller buildings with nearly 300 units, underground parking, and limited open space. After several smaller group meetings and discussions, in response to community concerns, the development has been reduced to 199 units, more open space has been added, and a direct access to Ridgeway has been removed. The overall look of the buildings was also redesigned based on feedback.
The property has been zoned for commercial and multifamily uses for decades, and the current site plan complies with all applicable requirements. Save one variance that the Board of Zoning Adjustment has already approved.
In addition, we funded a stormwater study in coordination with the City of St. Matthews and will install a stormwater runoff, detention, and water quality treatment system. Once complete, the on-site infrastructure will reduce stormwater runoff compared to what the property currently generates.
Overall, we have gone above and beyond to ensure that Gilmans Point will be a positive addition to the St. Matthews community.