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Louisville Business First
Could two-way streets save Downtown Louisville?
Improving economic development and increasing public safety are top goals for most public officials, but an internationally renowned urban planner says many cities are overlooking a simple method for achieving both things — converting one-way streets to two-way traffic.<\p> Jeff Speck is a partner is the Brookline, Massachusetts-based firm Speck Dempsey and author of the 2012 book, “Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America One Step at A Time.” He will be in Louisville for a talk titled, “Walkable Louisville,” at the Louisville Free Public Library’s Main Branch at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 21.<\p>
Iconic Downtown building eyed for new hotel
A new hotel is coming to one of Downtown Louisville’s most iconic buildings.<\p> The Henry Clay will be renovated into a mixed use complex, featuring space for a restaurant, gym and spa on the first floor, according to a filing with Louisville Metro Planning and Design. Floors five, six and seven will include 33 apartments and 72 hotel guest rooms. <\p>
UofL, partners land advanced manufacturing grant
The University of Louisville and partners have been awarded $1 million from the National Science Foundation to accelerate manufacturing innovation throughout Kentucky and surrounding regions.<\p> Funding for the project, dubbed Advancing Manufacturing and Building Construction Technologies (NSF AMT), comes via an NSF Engines Development award through the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, setting them up to pursue an NSF Engine award of up to $160 million – the largest award ever offered by the NSF, according to a UofL news report.<\p>
Vogt Awards announce new member to leadership team
The selection committee of the 2024 edition of the Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Invention and Innovation Awards will be overseen by a name well known among founders in the metro area: Maggie Harlow. <\p> Harlow, the president and CEO of Signarama Louisville Downtown, has officially taken over the position, per a news release, after serving as a chair elect to Monique Quarterman, the executive director of KY Innovation, among other titles. <\p>
Chain restaurant with 3 area locations files for bankruptcy
Orlando, Florida-based restaurant chain Red Lobster Management LLC and its related subsidiaries announced in a May 19 news release it has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.<\p> The news came via a late-night release distributed by the company. The company added it plans to remain open and operate as usual during the sale process. <\p>
Are investors re-entering the housing market after two-year retreat?
Investors could be launching a bit of a comeback in the U.S. housing market — although the reversal of fortunes comes amid a strategy shift for many investors in the face of low inventory. <\p> Purchases by investors grew 0.5% on a year-over-year basis in Q1, according to analysis by Redfin Corp. (Nasdaq: RDFN). Redfin defines an investor as any buyer whose name includes LLC, Inc., Trust, Corp. or Homes, or any buyer whose ownership code on a purchasing deed includes association, corporate trustee, company, joint venture or corporate trust.<\p>
Could AI cause the next market crash?
Some of the world’s premier research experts have announced the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace will forever change the landscape of how companies operate and the skills needed for workers to have jobs.<\p> In an article written by Forbes Technology Council member Charles Simon, it was noted that AI will replace 85 million jobs by 2025 but will create 97 million new jobs.<\p>
We map Greater Louisville's largest developments
A “flagship chain” hotel in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood is part of the most recent Project Watch update.<\p> Project Watch is an online mapping tool Louisville Business First launched several years ago. The map tracks commercial real estate projects in the Louisville area of $3 million or more that have been proposed or are under construction.<\p>
Xander Schauffele wins PGA Championship 2024 at Valhalla (PHOTOS)
Xander Schauffele held off a final-round charge from Bryson DeChambeau to with the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville on a warm and sunny Sunday.<\p> Schauffele sunk a birdie put from six feet on the 18th hole to set a major championship record of -21 in regulation. DeChambeau had birdied the hole just minutes before to tie Schauffele.<\p>
Most expensive homes sold in Jefferson County (April 23-May 1)
There's a shift in real estate agent sentiments toward their brokerages, according to findings from an annual survey. <\p> While 61% of agents surveyed in the latest annual Agent Priorities Report from Coldwell Banker Real Estate said they planned to stick with their company this year, that number is down from 75% in 2023. <\p>
Inside the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge and PGA round 3 (PHOTOS)
The temporary structures built for the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club are numerous and scattered throughout the grounds, but one stands above the rest (quite literally).<\p> The Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge sits on the green of the 11th hole. At 211 yards, the par 3 is the second shortest hole on the course — but spectators can also easily see the green on the 15th hole from there as well. <\p>
What Scottie Scheffler said after his arrest, second round at Valhalla
"I feel like my head is still spinning," Scottie Scheffler said Friday afternoon in a news conference following his day two performance at the 2024 PGA Championship. <\p> His day — which didn't begin inside Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville — started with a miscommunication and chaotic traffic situation that was a result of a shuttle bus accident on Shelbyville Road that killed a pedestrian, John Mills, 69, of Crestwood, who was working the tourney.<\p>
PGA Championship spectators on Scheffler arrest, release, day 2 play
It wasn't just his golf swing that had spectators at the 2024 PGA Championships — held for the fourth time at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville — shouting Scottie Scheffler's name across the course. <\p> On Friday morning, Scheffler was arrested by the Louisville Metro Police Department before he was set to tee off for the second round of the golf competition. The arrest came after Scheffler reportedly drove through a traffic impediment after a pedestrian had been struck and killed on Shelbyville Road by a shuttle bus. <\p>
Some employers are weighing a six-day workweek
Editor's Note: Welcome to The Playbook Edition, a look at stories, trends and changes that could affect your business and career. Want more stories like this in your inbox? Sign up for The Playbook newsletter. <\p> Given how some hiring managers view them and the unique pandemic-fueled hurdles they've faced, Generation Z's debut in the workplace has certainly come with some challenges. <\p>
Why this local firm had a 'most amazing day' at Valhalla (PHOTOS)
Like most of the clients who have purchased a chalet at the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, Delta Dental of Kentucky has been using the space to host its employees and brokers who provide a majority of its customers and other guests. <\p> But none of the experiences can hold a candle to what happened Tuesday at and near its chalet along the 17th hole, when the organization played host to a party of 34 people from Home of the Innocents comprised of children and staff members — and he hopes other companies and organizations will follow suit when it comes to using corporate hospitality venues for similar opportunities.<\p>
New bakery, sweets shop opens in Germantown
A new bakery and dessert shop opened in Germantown this month.<\p> Baked AF, at 1010 Goss Ave., opened on Friday, May 10. The bakery is next to Breakfast AF and Pizza AF, two restaurant concepts that share the same space at 1008 Goss Ave.<\p>
Kentucky project lands millions in state funds
A key project that will revitalize a historic building along Madison Avenue in downtown Covington, Kentucky, received a multimillion-dollar windfall from the state. Organizers behind the effort said the funds will kick-start development with a targeted completion date set for next year.<\p> SparkHaus, a conversion of the now-vacant Sims Furniture building, received $6 million in state funding to support its build out. The estimated $15 million project, first announced in spring 2023, aims to bring together entrepreneurs, founders, investors and support organizations under one roof.<\p>
‘This is just the start’: Kentucky startup debuts smart wristband
The day has finally arrived. After years of development — and more than 12 months after its soft launch — a Northern Kentucky wearables startup is now on the market.<\p> Safewave Technology made its official debut Monday, May 6. The company’s smart wristband connects via Bluetooth to fire alarms, Ring cameras, security devices and more — essentially turning any at-home notification or alert into a vibration you can feel. The company is targeting those who are deaf or hard of hearing, but there’s also a use case for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s and special needs. <\p>
Golfer Scottie Scheffler arrested by LMPD outside Valhalla Golf Club
Editor's note: On Saturday, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said there is no LMPD body camera footage of Scheffler's arrest, according to WLKY. At first, he said the officer didn't have the camera on but later clarified he wasn't sure if it just wasn't on or there was no camera at all on the officer.<\p> "The officer did not have body cam footage turned on," said Greenberg. "We will release footage that we have. We have not yet discovered any video of the initial contact between Ofc. Gillis and Mr. Scheffler. There is some footage from across the street from a fixed camera when Mr. Scheffler was being arrested." Greenberg said that footage will be released in the coming days.<\p>
Nonprofit to break ground on $6M tech center
David Christopher launched the Academy of Music Production Education and Development (AMPED) as a summer music program for kids in 2014 with just $24,000. <\p> Ten years later, the nonprofit has 22 employees and a $4.3 million annual budget that it uses to operate a business incubator, a workforce training program and an innovation center. <\p>
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