Plans to level a late 1800s building in downtown Louisville for a proposed $1.2 million pickleball and entertainment venue are drawing criticism from a vocal historic preservation group that has long tried to save the structure.
The Louisville Historical League is renewing calls to save the Odd Fellows Building, built in 1897, at 211 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. after Omni Louisville Hotel revealed its plans for the 1.2-acre block adjacent to the hotel.
Conceptual redevelopment plans call for an indoor restaurant, bar and entertainment space, outdoor and indoor pickleball courts, flexible event space, and an outdoor game area, according to an overlay permit filed Aug. 26 with the Louisville Metro Office of Planning.
These spaces will be open to the public in addition to use by hotel guests.
“Pickleball courts are not an acceptable trade off to remove this landmark structure,” said Steve Wiser, league president, at a Sept. 4 news conference. “Why are we doing a suburban project in the heart of downtown?”
A site plan shows the “conceptual redevelopment” plan for the land adjacent to the Omni Hotel Louisville between Second and Third streets in downtown Louisville.
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He pointed to a body of comments on social media posts about the redevelopment plans, many of which questioned the longevity of pickball popularity and lamented the loss of a structure dating back over a century.
A public hearing before the Downtown Development Review Overlay Committee is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 10. The committee evaluates proposals for physical changes to buildings within the Downtown Development Review Overlay District. The overlay permit is required to allow Omni to raze the structure.
“We respect the Louisville Historical League’s dedication to preserving the city’s history,” said Eamon O’Brien, general manager of Omni Louisville Hotel, in a Tuesday statement. “From the start, our goal has been to create a space that activates this area and provides lasting benefits for both our guests and the Louisville community. While specific activation plans are still under review, our commitment remains to deliver a project that contributes to a vibrant downtown.”
The Omni declined further comment.
While the decision doesn’t go before the Metro Council, the historical league is calling on city officials and elected leaders to oppose the proposed redevelopment in hopes Omni will reconsider razing the Odd Fellows Building or adjust its vision for the site.
The Odd Fellows Building in downtown Louisville, at 211 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
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As it has in the past, the league is proposing incorporation of the building into the future redevelopment plans.
“I would like to see a much more substantial development here,” Wiser said. “We need residential projects, things of that nature.”
If built, the pickleball courts would add to a handful of courts at the Baird Urban Sports Park, 615 W. Main St. That site, however, is one of several city-owned lots in the early stages of redevelopment.
In the filing with the city, Omni Hotels said after the Odd Fellows Building and an adjacent garage are demolished, it would take about five years of design and permitting work before any construction would begin.
The future of the downtown block, bound by Second and Third streets and Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Post Office Alley, has long been slated for redevelopment.
Louisville Metro Government signed an agreement with Dallas-based Omni Hotels and Resorts in 2014 for the redevelopment of the Omni block, which was formerly owned by the city. In 2015, the Louisville Metro Council approved committing $139 million for construction of the hotel, which opened in 2018.
The city also agreed to help remove legal blocks to the razing of the Odd Fellows Building, including possible landmark designation, once the hotel company figured out plans for the space. It also committed to $400,000 for demolition.
The Odd Fellows Building (right) in downtown Louisville sits in the shadow of the Omni Louisville Hotel. March 15, 2021
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In 2019, the Omni sought to demolish the building, setting off a years-long back-and-forth in local government and the courts over the fate of the structure, which over the years has been home to several groups and businesses.
The Louisville Historical League fought for the preservation of the building, eventually taking the matter to court. The group exhausted legal remedies after a February 2025 Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that upheld a 2021 Metro Council vote to strip the building of its local landmark status, clearing the way for demolition.
In April, after the court ruling, Omni again sought a wrecking permit but could not proceed with demolition until securing overlay approval.
Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at mglowicki@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4000.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Historic preservation group opposes pickleball venue near Omni Hotel