Plan submitted for upscale apartments at former Mercy Academy site

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - There could be big changes coming to a piece of property off East Broadway. The former Mercy Academy complex could be turning into upscale apartments.

The old school is located at 1172-1176 East Broadway. A site plan application has been submitted to Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations. The development plan proposes a four story apartment community 200,000 square feet with 195 units. The developer will be Edwards Communities, based out of Columbus, Ohio.

The building has been empty since 2007 when the Catholic high school relocated to Fegenbush Lane.

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The proposed upscale apartment building would feature one and two bedroom units, the concept appealing toward young professionals in the downtown area who also want to enjoy the Phoenix Hill area and the Highlands.

But, tearing down the building is not a good plan, according to Marianne Zickuhr of Preservation Louisville. Zickuhr said the original building is on the National Register of Historic Places. She would rather see it redeveloped, rather than be demolished.

"There have been many people who have reached out to Preservation Louisville in just the short time this story has broke talking about having gone to school there, sharing historic photos," said Zickuhr. "So it's definitely been a staple and anchor in this neighborhood."

The site was once planned to become a homeless shelter and then a drug rehabilitation center, but those plans never moved forward.

The Louisville attorney for the developer, Bill Bardenwerper, said the $25 million project could completely transform the stretch of Broadway.

The school was built in 1901 and is listed for $1,495,000.

Bardenwerper said they also plan to purchase an adjacent parking lot used by Kindred Healthcare. Construction could start in 2016 with units ready for occupancy ready in 2017.

The president of the Original Highlands Neighborhood Association told WAVE 3 News they have been in talks with the developer and their team and so far are pleased with the project.

The Original Highlands Neighborhood Association said they plan on having a future meeting in about a month with other neighborhood associations and with the developer to further discuss the project.

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