On Tuesday, August 26, Louisville’s Transit Authority of River City (TARC) voted unanimously to enter a 14-day exclusive negotiation period with the West Louisville Dream Team (WLDT) on the potential sale of the Nia Center for $2.1 million—an important step toward keeping this West Broadway landmark in community hands.

Why this matters

The Nia Center has long been a small-business hub and gathering place for West Louisville. After earlier redevelopment ideas fell through this summer, TARC is now negotiating directly with WLDT, which plans to preserve the building, restore its community space, and raise the capital needed to complete the purchase. WLDT’s plan targets a healthy, 90% occupancy within three years and seeks partnership with Metro Council for community-space support—aligning economic activity with civic life in the neighborhood.

The role CFN is playing

CFN is supporting WLDT and tenants through planning, engagement, and fiscal sponsorship so the community can drive the deal:

• Planning support. We’ve helped shape the Acquisition & Revitalization framework, including a Class-B operations plan focused on restoring tenancy and reopening community meeting space.
• Financial readiness. We’ve assisted WLDT with a high-level pro forma and the materials funders need to evaluate a community-ownership path.
• Stakeholder engagement. We’ve helped facilitate community discussions with current and prospective tenants and civic partners so the building’s future reflects community priorities.
• Fiscal sponsorship. WLDT selected CFN to serve as fiscal sponsor, and CFN’s Board approved that role. This enables tax-deductible contributions and grants to flow quickly and transparently in support of the purchase and near-term activation.
• Accountability & transparency. As fiscal sponsor, CFN will steward grant funds for this effort with standard nonprofit controls, reporting, and community updates.

How you can help

Assuming success with working through the LOI terms, we will continue to work on the capital stack assembly. With fiscal sponsorship in place, WLDT and CFN will continue engaging donors and grantmakers to complete the $2.1M purchase and early activation costs. We will also help WLDT focus on tenanting & space activation. The plan emphasizes rapid leasing to local entrepreneurs and restoring community meeting rooms as a civic anchor. 

Here’s what you can do to help right now:

• Fund the acquisition and activation. Make a tax-deductible gift designated for the Nia Center community-ownership effort through CFN.
• Bring your business or program. Tenants and partners interested in space at the Nia Center can connect now to be part of the first wave of occupancy.
• Spread the word. Share why community ownership of the Nia Center matters—for jobs, services, and neighborhood pride.

CFN is honored to be the fiscal sponsor and a planning partner in this community-driven effort. The Nia Center’s next chapter can be written by the neighbors who use it every day—and that’s exactly the kind of future our mission calls us to build together.

Contact Carla Dearing, Head of Community Investment, at carlad@centerforneighborhoods.org to be connected with ways you can help.