By Tom Lally, Building Kentucky
Jefferson Community and Technical College (Jefferson) is proud to announce the launch of Jefferson Rising, a transformative revitalization project of the downtown Louisville campus that will elevate the student experience while serving as the catalyst for future redevelopment. When complete, the $90 million, multi-year project will create a dynamic campus with more areas for students and staff to gather, study and relax.
“We are at the dawn of a new generation for Jefferson,” said Jefferson President Dr. Ty Handy. “Jefferson Rising will not only create a world-class academic environment, expanding opportunities for students, the employers we serve and strengthen the surrounding community, Jefferson Rising will also be the foundational project toward an even more vibrant downtown Louisville.”
In addition to more modern spaces to gather, study and relax between classes, the groundbreaking project include state-of-the-art classrooms and office areas as well as new dining options and commercial opportunities.
The first phase of Jefferson Rising will bring a new science building, green space and parking garage to West Broadway, between First and Second Streets. Construction is set to begin in late August with a multi-level parking garage facing Second Street, dedicated to students, staff and faculty, with commercial space on the ground level. A new 40,000 square-foot academic science building, made possible by a $22 million investment from the Statewide Capital Improvements Plan, will be located on First Street and eventually replace the 11-story Hartford Hall Tower. A new dedicated green space – second only in size downtown to Waterfront Park – will be between the new two buildings and act as a gathering place for students and staff.
“Jefferson Rising is sure to be another downtown gem,” said Mayor of Louisville Craig Greenberg. “For decades, Jefferson has helped students from all backgrounds succeed academically, professionally and personally, and industries in need of high-skilled workers have long relied on Jefferson to build and connect to a stronger workforce. Now, individuals, families and visitors alike will see just how important Jefferson is to a stronger city, region and Commonwealth.”
Once complete, Jefferson’s new campus will reshape the entrance to downtown Louisville, entering from I-65 at Broadway. In addition, the project will serve as the anchor for the Louisville Medical & Education District, or LOUMED, a partnership among the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, UofL Health, Norton Healthcare and Jefferson.
For more information on Jefferson Rising, please visit https://jctc.me/JeffersonRising. Construction renderings can be accessed here.
