Gresham Smith and University of Louisville Join Forces for Urban Green Initiatives

Strategic Partnership for a Greener Future

In a significant move towards enhancing urban sustainability, Gresham Smith, a leading architecture and engineering firm, has partnered with the University of Louisville’s (UofL) Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute. This five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) is part of the Greenprint Initiative, a comprehensive 10-year program designed to improve the environmental and health aspects of downtown Louisville.

The core objective of this collaboration is to develop a systematic and evidence-based approach that focuses on transforming underutilized urban areas into vibrant, green spaces. By integrating scientific research with design coordination and community engagement, the partnership aims to leverage the latest findings on how nature impacts human health and boosts environmental resilience.

Kathryn Cardarelli, the Executive Vice President and Provost at UofL, emphasized the importance of establishing reliable environmental baselines prior to development and evaluating the outcomes post-construction. This data-driven strategy is pivotal for informing future design efforts and optimizing investments aimed at enhancing community health and environmental wellbeing.

Under the terms of the MOU, Gresham Smith will work closely with the Envirome Institute to meet various research needs and develop innovative design strategies within the Greenprint area. This segment of downtown Louisville is bordered by the Ohio River to the north, York Street to the south, 9th Street to the west, and Hancock Street to the east. The partnership emphasizes the integration of health and environmental goals in urban redevelopment projects.

The Envirome Institute will play a crucial role in conducting research, maintaining vital environmental and human activity data, and providing timely insights to support effective design strategies. Both organizations are dedicated to aligning research efforts with design processes to amplify the impact of their initiatives in downtown Louisville.

Louis Johnson, the Executive Vice President of Land Planning at Gresham Smith, stated, “This collaboration sets a precedent for how cities can employ data-driven green design to enhance quality of life.” He expressed enthusiasm about working alongside UofL to realize a shared vision of a healthier and greener Louisville.

This recent agreement builds upon years of collaborative efforts between Gresham Smith and the Louisville community, highlighting successful projects like the Trager MicroForest, LOUMED, and Broadway All the Way. As these endeavors demonstrate, the partnership is rooted in a commitment to creating innovative, sustainable solutions that benefit the public.

About Gresham Smith

Gresham Smith is a premier architecture, engineering, and consultancy firm, known for its integrated solutions for both private and public sector clients. Generating $354 million in annual revenue and operating 27 offices across the United States, their expertise spans various sectors including aviation, healthcare, and transportation. Renowned for its innovative practices and commitment to exceptional client service, Gresham Smith prides itself on its core purpose: to design and consult for healthy, thriving communities. More information can be found at their website: GreshamSmith.com.

About University of Louisville

Founded in 1798, the University of Louisville is one of the first publicly owned universities in the nation. Recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research 1 institution, UofL is committed to creating thriving futures for its students and the community. With a vibrant atmosphere that fosters innovation and connections, UofL plays a vital role in powering Metro Louisville and contributing to the educational development of over 25,000 students. For more details, visit Louisville.edu.