The City of Ludlow will develop an activated community space on a vacant lot adjacent to City Hall.
The development will feature a public gathering space for festivals and community events and a train viewing platform adjacent to the Norfolk Southern rail line that runs through the city.
Designed by Human Nature, the locally renowned landscape architecture and environmentally planning firm, the site will also feature:
- A public area surrounding the city’s historic fountain
- A tree grove with seating
- A bio swale to mitigate storm water runoff
- Special pavers in area that can be utilized for festivals, community events and other gatherings.
- An entry sign
- An area for the city’s annual Holiday Tree Display
- 45 public parking spaces
“A town square will not only provide a gathering place for our residents, community groups and events,” said Ludlow Mayor Ken Wynn. “But an attractive and inviting public space can also be a factor in bringing new residents, businesses and economic development to the city.”
Ludlow City Administrator Elisha Chamberlain said the new community lot is being designed to facilitate parking for the Ludlow Municipal Building and for future development, tourism and a town square that is called for in the city’s strategic plan.
“In an attempt to identify infill development spaces, and best use of the spaces, Ludlow is choosing to develop the vacant brownfield lot located next to the city building into an activated parking lot,” Chamberlain said.
Given Ludlow’s history with the railroad – for years the city was home to a Southern Railroad Roundhouse – city leaders are particularly excited about the handicap accessible railroad viewing platform that will be part of the Town Square project.
“The lot will be home to a train viewing station that will embrace the rail history of Ludlow as well as provide a viewing space of the many trains passing through the community daily for rail enthusiasts,” Chamberlain said. “Train Viewing Platforms are a unique tourist attraction which provides an area for those who love rail or who want to learn about rail. These platforms provide a draw bringing all walks of life to the City which benefits the entire community.”
Details of the development schedule and costs are still being finalized. The city is working with the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD) Brownfield Program to offset costs by applying for funding through their grant and zero interest loan cleanup funds.
City of Ludlow