In partnership with Booker Design Collaborative and NTS Development, Gresham Smith provided civil engineering services for the J.D. Nichols Plaza, a park-like public space on the University of Louisville’s J.D. Nichols Campus for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. With fun, user-friendly features, the urban infill project creates a pedestrian connection from Floyd Street to South Preston Street, between Market Street and Jefferson Street, transforming a blank courtyard into an urban oasis for visitors to gather, eat and relax.

Client

NTS Development

Location

Louisville, KY

Accolades

2017 ACEC Kentucky Grand Award

1

acre open space

2

cornhole boards

2

ping-pong tables

Fun User-Friendly Features

Fun User-Friendly Features

With a variety of amenities, including outdoor ping-pong tables, concrete cornhole boards, bistro and picnic tables and bike racks, the plaza is a much-needed respite for students, downtown workers and tourists.
The Site’s Slope Challenges

The Site’s Slope Challenges

The project was constructed between an existing office building and parking garage, with two future office buildings planned in the area. The site’s grading design was complex, but in the end we kept the plaza accessible while including all of the outdoor amenities originally planned for the space.
Sustainable Stormwater Management

Sustainable Stormwater Management

Stormwater from the site drains through the permeable pavers and into the gravel base below, which reduces the impact to the surrounding combined sewer system.

Gallery

Project Contact

Our team is committed to improving the places we call home.

Bring genuine ingenuity to your community.

Louis R. Johnson, PLA, ASLA
Louis R. Johnson, PLA, ASLA
Executive Vice President, Land Planning