Impelliizzeri's plans large presence on Arena block

We have stayed in downtown Louisville twice - for Thunder. Splurges each time. The first time was at the new Marriott, discount from employer. Next time, 21C. We had fun walking from 10th & Main (where my company's party was) to Slugger Field to Tap Room to our daughter's and friends' RVs.
We like the Friday night trolley hops. Wimps, though, we prefer warmer weather.
I can see staying downtown for anniversary, birthdays etc and restaurant hopping.
I can't wait to see the crowds, the first Friday trolley hop, first Bats Friday night game, with all of these new restaurants. Throw in good weather! You'll have to park in Butchertown!

I want to thank everyone for their best wishes! We decided to go to the 100 block of West Main because we belive this is the next step in revitalizing downtown and this area. We have been looking at this since the decision was made to build the arena there. Every city in America has a successful bar/restaurant scene around a city based arena. This is the reason every city that has embarked on a city arena has envisioned. " Yes, build it they will come", is a universial plan. It has worked everytime it's tried. Of all the things that have been tried, this is our best shot at rebuilding a vibrant downtown.

I have a couple of personal connections to Freedom Hall and the 100 block of West Main. First the day I was born my father was putting the first roof on Freedom Hall and he was taken off the job when my mother went into labor. I will miss it. I spent many a Saturday afternoon, as a kid, watching the Cards play there. As I got older I spent many a night at Time Piece( later City Lights), Windmill, and The Great Midwestern on Washington Street. I've seen the sun come up on the 100 block many a morning. I'm sure I will see the sun rise there again soon.

This is our chance as independents to make a statement to the powers that be, we as independents are the lifeblood of the entertainment and the dining scene in Louisville, not an out of town conglomerate. The O'Shea's, the Ton brothers, Sol Aztecas, BBC, Brownings, Benny Impellizzeri, and all of those that will follow are the true future. People that love this city and it's history. Please embrace them all, as we will support each other.

This city is a mecca of independent dining options, please support them all!

Thanks for your post, Wes, and best of luck on Whiskey Row. Also thanks for the reminder about City Lights - I had a nice time there once... Which building was that? Is it next to O'Shea's? Also, where was the Stairways building? I think it was in the 600 block, but not sure.