July 5, 2006

Abramson, Northup Unveil Model Village at The Villages of Park DuValle Revitalization Proves Key to Neighborhood’s Success
Pictured from left to right: Michael Bauer, President, Louisville Real Estate Development Co.; Metro/Councilman Leonard Watkins; Ambrose and Kay Davis, Homeowners; Congresswoman Anne Northup; Metro/Councilwoman Mary Woolridge; and Mayor Jerry Abramson
LOUISVILLE, KY – Mayor Abramson and Congresswoman Northup held a press conference on Friday, July 7th at 1:30 p.m. to showcase nine new model homes at The Villages of Park DuValle. The press conference was held off of Algonquin Parkway, at 1801 Mae Street Kidd Court and featured speakers Congresswoman Anne Northup and Mayor Jerry Abramson as well as Metro Council Members Leonard Watkins and Mary Woolridge. Media to toured the nine new model homes following the press conference. “Park DuValle is an award-winning, nationally recognized model neighborhood that utilizes the best concepts of redevelopment from the ground up,” stated Mayor Jerry Abramson. “With this last phase of construction, we are seeing the completion of a very successful HOPE VI project that delivered on its promise of new hope for the Park DuValle neighborhood.” Since 1996, there have been 268 single-family homes built with just over 100 lots still available for homebuyers. Potential homebuyers can choose from among 30 floor plans and receive information on financial assistance. The plan for The Villages of Park DuValle was patterned on the principals of new urbanism, which reflects the classic architecture found in Louisville, and combines townhouses and rental apartments with new single-family homes for people of various income levels. When completed, the 125-acre property will link more than 600 rental units with nearly 400 new homes mingled among recreational facilities, an education center, town center and health center. Congresswoman Anne Northup said, “It has been a great honor to work hand-in-hand with local and federal officials to make it possible to transform this neighborhood into a vibrant, urban community.”

To celebrate the last phase of construction at The Villages of Park DuValle, the public was invited to take free tours of the nine model homes during the Festival of New Homes on Saturday, July 8th and Sunday, July 9th from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Builders and sales staff were be on-hand to answer questions on everything from home design to financial assistance. Participants can also register for door prizes. “Almost 300 single-family homes are occupied and an average of 30 contract homes are under construction at any given time, demonstrating the strong demand to live in Park DuValle,” said Michael Bauer, President and CEO of Louisville Real Estate Development Company. The revitalized neighborhood of the former Cotter and Lang Homes was made possible through a private/public partnership that generated $200 million through a combination of federal grants and loans. The Metro Louisville Housing Authority received a $20 million HOPE VI grant in 1996 to launch the development.