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Board approves Newlou Marketplace Phase 2 variance and waiver to connect new building to existing complex
Summary
The Board approved a variance allowing a three‑story, mixed‑use Phase 2 building to encroach into a rear setback and a waiver to omit a five‑foot vehicular use area landscape buffer along Billy Goat Strut Alley so the developer can provide a pedway connection to Phase 1.
The Louisville Metro Board of Zoning Adjustment voted to approve a variance and waiver requested for Newlou Marketplace Phase 2, a proposed three‑story, mixed‑use building along East Main Street.
Staff and the developer said the project will add approximately 61,000 square feet of mixed residential and commercial space and connect to the existing Phase 1 marketplace via an open‑air pedway that spans Billy Goat Strut Alley. The waivers and variance sought would allow the building to encroach 2 feet into the rear setback (proposed 3 feet where 5 feet is required) and to omit the 5‑foot vehicular use area landscape buffer along the alley to preserve pedestrian connectivity and active frontage.
Why it matters: The proposal aims to increase walkability and integrate Phase 2 with the successful Phase 1 retail and parking arrangement. Staff recommended approval, finding the variance and waiver are adequately justified under the standards of review. The Board approved both items after applicant testimony describing the pedestrian connection, patio spaces on the alley, and planned streetscape improvements.
Office of Planning presented zoning, site plans and elevations. Applicant representatives and engineers showed renderings illustrating second‑level pedway links, outdoor mezzanines and nighttime renderings. They told the Board the pedway will connect mezzanines in Phase 1 and Phase 2 and that they had coordinated stormwater improvements with MSD to reduce combined‑sewer impacts. Staff noted the parcels were vacant and that the design preserves a strong pedestrian connection between Main Street and the interior courtyard.
The Board voted in favor of the variance and the waiver, adopting staff findings and conditioning approval on compliance with the approved plans. The items carry the usual building permit and inspection follow‑ups required for site work and pedway construction.
