The 312-unit Donerail Run multifamily apartment complex, which was completed in February 2022, has been recognized for providing both affordable housing in a community that needs it and vital social services to residences.
The housing complex was named the multifamily development of the year for Louisville, Kentucky, in the 2023 CoStar Impact Awards, which were selected by a panel local real estate experts.
The project has been awarded 164 housing vouchers through the Louisville Metro Housing Authority.
"Affordable housing is desperately needed for the residents of Louisville," said Laura Barlow, development coordinator for LDG Development, which headed the project. "Donerail Run offers a well-constructed, beautifully designed, energy-efficient housing option for individuals, families and seniors. The property is located in a very desirable and highly sought-after area of Louisville and provides wonderful amenities and services to the residents."
On-site services for guests include the Norton Prevention and Wellness Mobile Prevention Center, the Dare to Care Food Bank's Kid's Cafe and Silver Meals Programs, pop-up food pantries, a Louisville Orchestra music camp, a summer learning camp and an after-school kids club.
About the project: The development includes 13, three-story walk-up residential building with 48 one-bedroom units, 108 two-bedroom units and 156 three-bedroom units. The total development cost was roughly $61 million.
What the judges said: Judges praised both the quality of the development and how it addresses a pressing need for affordable housing in the area.
"This project is truly trying to address the affordable housing issue. The list of amenities offered is unique and innovative," said Victoria Mayer, senior associate at Gensler.
"Housing affordability is an increasingly important issue in cities," said Sumei Zhang, associate professor at the University of Louisville. "I am thankful for the developer's efforts on providing more housing units to low and moderate income population in the area."
They made it happen: Autumn Roller, Katelyn Smith and Kristen McNair of Winterwood Inc., Michael Gross and Ramona Vasta of LDG Development, and Laura Barlow, development coordinator for LDG Development.
