Recently, Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects proudly joined city leaders, community members, and longtime partners to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Beecher Terrace redevelopment in Louisville. Nearly a decade in the making, this transformation represents a major milestone in affordable housing, not just for the Russell neighborhood, but for the entire city.
Originally built in 1939, Beecher Terrace has been a cornerstone of West Louisville’s history. The newly completed redevelopment goes far beyond replacing buildings; it redefines what housing can contribute to a neighborhood. With 640 new units now open, Beecher Terrace has reemerged as a vibrant residential community, offering affordable, thoughtfully designed homes that residents are proud to call their own.
Dignity, stability, and Opportunity for Families
A representative for State Senator Gerald Neal, who grew up in the area, reflected on the project’s significance, noting how the redevelopment brings “dignity, stability, and opportunity for families.”
Elizabeth Strojan, Executive Director of the Louisville Housing Authority, captured the heart of the project’s mission during the celebration, saying that when people ask themselves, “Would I live here?” the answer is a confident yes. “Because it’s more than housing. It’s about investing in the future of Louisville.”
That vision echoed throughout the event. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg praised the development as a model of what effective collaboration can achieve: “This is what government looks like when it works. What we see here is great progress.”
Built for community
The redevelopment was led by McCormack Baron Salazar, with Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects serving as architect across multiple phases. Laura Kinsell Baer, Vice President at McCormack Baron Salazar, reflected on the project’s long and layered history: “It’s not just housing, it’s a neighborhood of people.”
This human-centered approach guided every design decision. Over nearly ten years, the team adapted to evolving needs with a clear goal: to create not just new residences, but a revitalized community. Former residents who returned for the celebration expressed their excitement at the modern amenities, welcoming public spaces, and thoughtful layouts that now define Beecher Terrace.
baxter community center: A cornerstone of the neighborhood
As Beecher Terrace reopens, another essential community resource is also being renewed: the historic Baxter Community Center, which hosted the celebration. This iconic Art Deco building is being transformed into a vibrant hub for learning, collaboration, and connection.
The renovation preserves the historic lower and ground floors, converting them into flexible spaces designed for interaction and education. A standout feature will be a striking collaborative wall and social stair to support informal learning, presentations, and creative exchange.
Classrooms throughout the building will accommodate specialized instruction, while a modern glass-and-steel addition will house a new circulation space, acting as both a gateway and a connector for future opportunities.
Outside, new exterior spaces will offer play areas, fixed seating, and a social stair that doubles as a mini amphitheater, creating welcoming, multifunctional places for residents of all ages. The original gym and stage, beloved neighborhood fixtures, will be preserved and revitalized to continue hosting performances, sports, and community events.
The Baxter Community Center will remain a cornerstone of the neighborhood, blending tradition and innovation for generations to come.
A model for the future
As one of Louisville’s largest housing developments in recent history, Beecher Terrace shows what is possible when vision, persistence, and partnership come together. The Kentucky Housing Corporation underscored the urgency and impact of this work: “We need deeply affordable rental housing for so many, and this shows you can have both affordable and desirable.”
The Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing also played a vital role in funding the redevelopment, highlighting the importance of long-term investment in equitable housing.
Sherman Carter Barnhart is honored to have helped bring this vision to life. We believe design has the power to support and strengthen communities—and at Beecher Terrace, that transformation is already underway. From the return of legacy residents to the arrival of new families, this community is ready for its next chapter.
