More plans for that big tower in Smoketown

Office building and retail space planned for Merchant’s Ice Tower in Smoketown

The Merchant’s Ice Tower was constructed in 1895. | Photo by LOUtoday

Last July, we shared a $12 million distillery and brewery project planned for the Merchant’s Ice Tower property at 801 Logan St. in Smoketown. Now, another project is in the works for the 13-story tower on the lot itself — a $58 million office building with retail space.

Derby City firm Beargrass Development is behind the new investment and is the same developer working on the brewery and distillery projects in nearby vacant buildings.

The cold storage building next to the tower at 930 Lampton St. will become Ferncliff Distillery and Trellis Brewing Co. will set up shop in former Schaefer-Mayer Brewery and Frank Fehr Brewery buildings at 827 Logan St. Beargrass plans to convert the 190,000-sqft Merchant’s Ice Tower structure into an office building — which has already received some office tenant interest. Who wouldn’t want to work next to a brewery and distillery?

The redevelopment could also include a retail component on the bottom floor and a rooftop bar or restaurant, but nothing is finalized at the moment.

Beargrass is working with another local firm, WorK Architecture + Design on the project — an agency responsible for other projects like Gravely Brewing, The Rabbit Hole Lounge, and Bradford Mills Lofts.

The entire project is expected to be completed in three years.

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Thursday, Jan. 5

Costume Figure Drawing | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Speed Art Museum, 2035 S. 3rd St., Louisville | Draw from a live-costumed model inspired by one of the Speed’s artworks.
NuLu Nights | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Local Seltzery, 828 E. Main St., Louisville | Free | Sip seltzers while browsing local artists and businesses wares.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Harry Potter Drag Brunch | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 10:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. | Le Moo, 2300 Lexington Rd., Louisville | $40 | See local drag queens perform during this themed brunch buffet — BYOW (bring your own wand).
Drop-In Painting | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 12-5 p.m. | Logan Street Market, 1001 Logan St., Louisville | $12-$30 | Choose a canvas and create a masterpiece with help from a Whet Your Palette staff member — all supplies included.

Sunday, Jan. 8

Beer Yoga for Beer Bellies! | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 3rd Turn Brewing, 10408 Watterson Trail, Louisville | $10 | Stretch into the new year at this all-ages class inside a historic church-turned-brewery.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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Coming Soon

The Capital Grille is opening its first Kentucky location in the Oxmoor Center next month. The fine dining restaurant is known for its in-house dry-aged steaks (hand cut daily) and impressive wine list. It’s currently hiring both front and back of house positions with plans to create 90 new jobs. (WHAS11)

Civic

Metro Council is accepting resumes for Districts 3 and 6. Councilpersons Keisha Doresey and David James resigned from their roles to join Mayor Craig Greenberg’s leadership team. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 13 to apply. Read how vacancies are filled (section 10) in the Metro Council rule book. ⚖️

Shop

If you’re into neon cowboy looks and glittery fits, then don’t want to miss the grand opening of the Velvet Outlaw — a new slow fashion clothing store in Mellwood Art Center — on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. We’ve got our eye on the bright blue armadillo suit. ✨

Eat

Want to eat healthier in 2023 but aren’t sure where to start? We’re right there with you. Luckily, Home Cuisine makes healthy eating simple, taking the guesswork out of meal prep with weekly meal plans delivered straight to your door. Bonus: They also offer Paleo, Keto, and vegetarian options. Explore meal plan options + sign up. 🍽️ *

Travel

How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to St. Croix). 🌴*

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The King is in the Frazier building

Commemorate Elvis’ birthday with local author Alanna Nash

Alanna Nash has written four books about Elvis. | Photo by Alanna Nash

This Sunday, Jan. 8, would have been Elvis Presley’s 88th birthday. And while the King of Rock and Roll isn’t with us anymore, Derby City author Alanna Nash is here to keep his “Burning Love” alive.

Alanna has been writing about the King for 45 years — which has resulted in four books and dozens of articles. On Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., she will do a reading, pinpoint a few Louisville connections to Elvis, and answer questions during the Frazier History Museum’s Elvis, The Colonel, and Author Alanna Nash event.

The discussion will revolve around her 2003 book, “The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley” — which sold out on Amazon after the release of the 2022 “Elvis” movie. Copies of “The Colonel” will also be available in the museum store.

Tickets are free for Frazier members and $14 for guests — which includes admission to the museum.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Katie.

Editor’s pick: Yesterday, bar Vetti made my veggie dreams come true.

The roasted cauliflower made with creamy viniagrette, white grapes, and golden raisins is back on the menu. It’s only for a limited time, so run don’t walk.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Experience Mayor Craig Greenburg’s inauguration.

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Editorial: Katie Molck, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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