The tenants of the NIA Center in west Louisville are fighting to preserve their storefronts and community space as a proposed affordable housing project threatens to displace over a dozen local businesses. Following a critical vote by the West Louisville Opportunity Partnership (WEOP), the future of the building remains uncertain. Tenants are now working on an alternative plan to purchase the center and maintain it as a hub for Black-owned businesses and community development.

Housing Plan Rejected by WEOP Board

A recent vote by the West Louisville Opportunity Partnership board ended with a decision to reject a proposal to turn the NIA Center into affordable housing. Out of the 17 members, nine voted against the plan, six supported it, one abstained, and one did not vote. This decision gives tenants a renewed opportunity to protect the building’s current purpose.

Tenants Launch Their Own Proposal

With the housing plan rejected, tenants are rallying around a new proposal to keep the NIA Center intact. Led by Shaun Spencer, who owns a print shop inside the building, tenants are preparing to submit a plan for purchase. Their goal is to maintain the NIA Center as a business and community space.

Local Businesses at Stake

The NIA Center, located at 2900 W. Broadway, currently houses 13 local businesses. For many tenants, the center is more than just a place of work. It represents economic independence and cultural investment in the West End. Business owners say losing their storefronts would be a major setback to the community.

Request for $2.5 Million to Secure Purchase

To support their proposal, tenants are asking Louisville Metro Council for $2.5 million. The funding would help an unnamed nonprofit organization buy the building from TARC, its current owner. The goal is to stop the planned conversion to housing and preserve the building for its current use.

Displacement Concerns Remain

Although WEOP has offered some support for relocation, including a proposed $5,000 stipend for each tenant, many business owners say it is not enough. They argue that the plan undervalues their contribution to the area and ignores the financial and emotional costs of relocation. Laquisha Moore, who runs a counseling service called Levitate, has been in the building since 2018 and says the proposal would displace valuable community services.

Housing Project Details and Debate

The rejected proposal would have replaced the NIA Center with 76 units of affordable housing. WEOP, which had been working with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, supports the development. However, opponents like Moore argue that the $20 million cost is excessive and that housing could be built elsewhere without displacing existing businesses.

Free Rent Offered Until Move-Out Deadline

Current tenants have been told they must vacate the building by December 1. Until then, they will not be charged rent for the remaining six months. Still, many say this does little to address the root issue of losing a vital community hub and their customer base.