Nestled in the Poplar Level neighborhood, the Louisville Nature Center (LNC) has long been a sanctuary for nature lovers, educators, and families. It’s a place where children discover the joys of outdoor play, visitors immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty, and conservation takes center stage.

Now, as part of its strategic vision 2024, the LNC is embarking on an ambitious journey to increase its impact as a community hub for environmental stewardship, education, and nature immersion.

A Shared Vision for Green Space

Schmidt Associates is honored to partner with the LNC on a long-term campus expansion and improvement plan that enhances inclusivity, broadens experiences and engagement with the natural world. This transformation goes beyond building and landscape improvements—it is an investment in sustainable design principles that will inspire the community to think critically about how we can build and develop more resourcefully and mitigate climate change.

The reimagining of the visitor center and incorporating Living Building Challenge standards (the highest standard of sustainable design certification available globally) is an aspirational goal of the plan and would make the Louisville Nature Center the home to the first certified Living Building Challenge project in the state.

For Veena Reddy, a Schmidt Associates project architect with a personal connection to the LNC, this work is especially meaningful:

“The Louisville Nature Center has been a part of my family’s life for years. We hike the trails, play in the nature playground, have picnics with friends, and participate in community events,” Reddy said. “To help shape its future—expand its mission and reach, and ensure it remains a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable resource for generations to come—is a true honor.”

Planned improvements include:

• Sustainable visitor center – Designed to meet Living Building Challenge standards, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly design
• Enhanced accessibility – Improved wayfinding and inclusive features to ensure everyone can explore and enjoy the space
• Tree canopy walk and accessible treehouse – Offering a unique perspective of the urban forest
• Expanded nature play areas – Creating safe, engaging spaces for outdoor learning and discovery
• Constructed wetland – Supporting biodiversity and serving as a hands-on conservation education tool
• Increased community engagement – More space for educational programs, community events, and sustainability initiatives such as native plant sales and rain barrel distribution

Sustainability at the Forefront

The new visitor center will be one of the most sustainable buildings in the region, designed to meet the Living Building Challenge, a rigorous standard that pushes projects to give back more than they take.

Key sustainable features:

• Net-positive energy – All energy is generated on-site
• Water conservation and reuse – Includes rainwater capture and greywater systems
• Locally sourced, non-toxic materials – Prioritizing environmental health
• Regenerative design – A building that actively benefits the environment

By integrating sustainable architecture, environmental stewardship, and innovative site design, this project is more than a renovation—it’s a model for future urban nature centers.

A Project Rooted in Servant Leadership

At Schmidt Associates, we design with purpose—not just for aesthetics but to serve the communities that rely on these spaces.

This project is a true collaboration, shaped by the voices of LNC board members, staff, and the Louisville community every step of the way.

For Reddy, bringing this vision to life is deeply personal:

“I’ve always been passionate about green spaces and sustainability in Louisville, and this project is a dream come true. It’s about more than a building—it’s about creating a space that fosters learning, connection, and appreciation for the environment.”

For years, the Louisville Nature Center has been an oasis—a place where people can connect with Kentucky’s unique biodiversity. With the planned improvements, it will flourish as a vital resource for environmental education and set a precedent for sustainable design and community-centered planning.

Expanding Access to Nature

The LNC’s transformation is part of Schmidt Associates’ broader effort to enhance community access to nature, much like our team’s work on Louisville’s Tyler Park, where improvements focused on accessibility, usability, and outdoor engagement.

If you’re inspired by this project, explore Schmidt Associates’ work in sustainable design and discover how we can partner to create eco-conscious, community-driven spaces that inspire and endure. https://schmidt-arch.com/