Each month, we will be highlighting a nonprofit organization that the Louisville Mom Collective considers to be an integral part of the Louisville community. This month, we are focusing on OneWest as the Heart of LMC.
“OneWest is a community development corporation focused on elevating the entire city of Louisville by developing commercial real estate in the West End.”
The vision of OneWest is to build beautiful, vibrant structures in west Louisville. With these buildings, there is a hope that there will be great restaurants, more affordable grocery options, and retail and services in this part of the city. Through the development of the businesses, there will be more opportunities for employment and business development.
For those unfamiliar with west Louisville, it consists of nine neighborhoods: Algonquin, Park Hill, Park Duvalle, Chickasaw, Shawnee, Portland, California, Parkland and Russell.
A few of the current projects include: 1405 Warehouse, Royal Theater, South 18th St. Row Houses, all with the goal of revitalizing vacant and abandoned properties. The starting point for development will be a revitalized 18th Street and West Broadway corridor would have more locally-owned and operated restaurants, office space for small businesses in support of West Louisville entrepreneurship, a streetscape that’s more pedestrian-friendly, and opportunities for like-minded partners to instill more community pride.
Contributing writer, Dr. Erica Gray, states that the “goal is for more Black people to obtain those to help develop and grow; to keep financial equity in the West and continue to grow money and businesses there.”
What can you do?
Invest. Every donation is a step closer to achieving the vision of developing the West End.
Attend events. Throughout the year, OneWest coordinates with organizations to offer webinars and conferences to discuss how to best utilize resources to build up west Louisville.
Support local. There are opportunities throughout the year to support local farmers’ markets and small businesses through the Louisville Independent Business Alliance.
Spread the word. Tell a friend. Share the events within your networks.
