The Louisville Gardens Sound Stages project envisions the transformation of a long-vacant downtown landmark into a purpose-built film and television production facility.
Originally constructed as an armory and later known as a premier sports and entertainment venue, Louisville Gardens is poised to enter a new chapter that supports the city’s growing creative economy. The redevelopment aims to preserve the building’s historic character while repositioning it as Louisville’s first dedicated soundstage complex for film and media production.
Luckett & Farley’s role as an integrated architecture, engineering, and interiors firm aligns with the project’s adaptive reuse vision and technical complexity. The future facility is anticipated to require careful integration of high-performance production infrastructure within an existing historic structure, including structural upgrades, enhanced electrical capacity, acoustically sensitive mechanical systems, and comprehensive life-safety improvements. The design approach prioritizes flexibility, durability, and long-term operational performance while respecting the building’s architectural legacy.
The project will include dedicated sound stages supported by production offices and complementary public-facing spaces. Preparing the building for its new use will involve environmental remediation, selective demolition, and phased modernization of building systems. Structural evaluation and systems planning will support specialized rigging, lighting, and equipment demands while meeting current codes, accessibility requirements, and operational needs of a modern production facility.
Once realized, Louisville Gardens Sound Stages is expected to serve as a catalyst for downtown reinvestment and a cornerstone of Louisville’s expanding film and media industry. The project demonstrates how visionary redevelopment, supported by integrated AEI expertise, can extend the life of a historic asset while aligning preservation, economic development, and contemporary performance needs.