LOUISVILLE, Ky. — NuLu, just east of downtown on Market Street, is one of the fastest growing areas in the city.
What makes East Market Street unique are the unusual parking spots that have been the same since the horse-and-buggy days when people came to the markets along the street.
In 2024, vehicles still park at an angle which often makes it dangerous for drivers to pull out of with blind spots.
Starting on June 17, the street will be getting a facelift through a major Streetscape project. It's designed to make the street safer for pedestrians and drivers.
Lacy Robinson and Zander Chan visit NuLu twice a month.
"If we can fix this parking situation it will be better for the community as a whole, so I think dealing with the construction for a small amount of time is totally worth it," Chan said.
The project is supposed to be completed by October 2025.
Market is one of the city's widest streets. A median as well as wider sidewalks and a bike lane will be added to improve the street and slow down traffic.
Construction will take place in the 900 & 1000 blocks of East Market.
"Well of course we're concerned because eventually it's going to cause one lane only trying to enter into my property or any other business on this strip," said Faysal Turk, the general manager at Five Iron Golf.
The business just opened in NuLu last month. He's already witnessed several accidents in front of his building.
"People pulling out of the side parking lot when they park on the main roads," Turk said. "Unfortunately things happen."
Even though construction will take place block by block, he is concerned about foot traffic.
"It's good for the safety and the structure of the area; at the same time we're going to take some hit back on that," said Turk.
Clay Livingston, owner and operator of the cocktail lounge called Seven, is in support of the project.
"I think when it's done NuLu will be an even better than it is now," he said.
Livingston isn't worried about pedestrian traffic since areas will only be affected for a short period of time.
"There's still plenty of parking on Main and Jefferson so I'm not overly concerned about it, if it starts to run over then concerns will start to mount," he said.
In the meantime, customers like Robinson will continue to support the businesses during construction.
"We will always come back to enjoy the bars and the restaurants," Robinson said.
These are growing pains never imagined in the days when pigs were running through the streets.
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