The West End deserves responsible development with a community focus. OneWest is doing just that.
Decades of lack of investment in Louisville’s West End has led to entrenched inequalities. Vacant and abandoned buildings, deteriorating infrastructure, a lack of commercial services and lower life expectancy are an everyday reality for many of the residents of the nine neighborhoods west of 9th street.
However, we are seeing some signs of new commitments and dollars flowing into the West End, and with the changes, debates over responsible development and revitalization.
OneWest is helping improve the West End
From Nashville to Cincinnati to Charlotte, OneWest has been seeking out best practices for inclusive growth. Our organization is a non-profit dedicated to generating sustainable economic development and neighborhood revitalization in the West End, in collaboration with community residents.
Our approach is rooted in a thorough understanding of the community's priorities. Through initiatives such as a Nielsen study, a Responsible Revitalization Symposium and ongoing community forums, we have gathered valuable insights from West End residents.
The differences were heartbreaking.: I toured two neighborhoods on opposite ends of town.
In our survey of other cities, we have seen an emphasis on affordability in housing, but not enough attention paid to the creation of commercial and retail spaces that deliver desired goods and services to residents.
One of our key findings from deep engagement West End residents is that more sit-down food options are a top community priority. To address this challenge, OneWest took two previously burned-out buildings at 516 A & B S. 18th St. and created a restaurant accelerator. As part of the accelerator program, tenants rent the space for two years. During that time, OneWest offers support with the goal of helping them open a permanent restaurant in the West End once their lease ends.
West End residents deserve a road to entrepreneurship
What we know from other parts of the country is that truly responsible development and revitalization will not happen if there isn’t a pathway to business ownership for entrepreneurs. It is all about building capacity and improving access to capital. Nurturing local small businesses adds to quality of life.
To build a strong service sector, it is important to have a strong in-community construction industry that can help rebuild the community and ready structures to host businesses. That is why we launched our construction industry accelerator, The Plan Room, which offers training, education, professional service support, mentoring and funds to address capital needs. The Plan Room program participants have access to a physical space at 1815 W. Broadway for training, co-working/meeting space and wide format printing to prepare bids.
Gentrification destroys West End. We need affordable housing, not corporate developments.
By cultivating the next generation of contractors, we empower talented individuals committed to creating a positive multiplier effect, including hiring individuals in the community who are facing challenges of reentry and recovery. It is all about creating an ecosystem where construction industry professionals can take their bids to the next level and compete for some of the most exciting projects in the city and state.
Responsible development requires an equity component, integrating the exceptional local talent of the West End to build excellence and create generational wealth.
Another finding from visiting other cities is that public and private local leaders must constantly assess the costs of title, acquisition, liens and debts. If the barriers to entry are too great, revitalization will not occur.
In the realm of retail and commercial real estate, a mix of incomes, socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures and races is imperative for success. Commuter housing can be a means to enhance diversity without forced displacement.
We can improve the quality of place by leaning into the West End's built-in advantage of walkability. City leaders and planners should work continue to augment what is already in place.
Louisville can be a leader in responsible development by focusing on the success of both commercial development and affordable housing. We can deliver revitalization that the entire city can be proud of.
Evon Smith is President & CEO of OneWest, community development nonprofit committed to elevating our entire city through commercial development growth in the West End of Louisville.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: OneWest is improving the West End through responsible development
