Good Evening NIA Center Supports,
We've WON round 1 and have entered the ring for round 2!
The West Louisville Dream Team has made an offer to purchase the Nia Center from TARC.
Support us by contacting Metro Councilman Ken Herndon ((502) 574-1104)/ ken.herndon@louisvilleky.gov) and Mayor Greenberg ((502) 574-2003/ craig.greenberg@louisvilleky.gov) and telling them you want them to fund the West Louisville Dream Team Nia Center Project. We need additional funds to cover deferred maintenance, upgrades and REcreating the community space Metro removed from the building.
Join us if you can or send someone! News conference Wednesday, July 30th 10:30am, Nia Center Lobby!
Looking to invest or lease space email us at saveniacenter@gmail.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Contact: Shaun Spencer – WLDT, Founder and Immediate Past-President & NIA Tenant | shauncspencer@gmail.com | (502) 472-4641
West Louisville Dream Team Announces its Community-Driven Purchase and Revitalization of Nia Center Plan— Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10:30am / Nia Center Lobby
LOUISVILLE, KY — In a bold effort to reclaim a cornerstone of West Louisville’s economic and civic life, the West Louisville Dream Team (WLDT) has submitted a formal offer to purchase the historic NIA Center—fending off looming plans for its demolition. The proposal lays out a clear, community-led vision to restore the center to many of its original purposes: economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and public gathering.
WLDT, a grassroots collaborative of residents, business leaders, and civic advocates, has offered $2.1 million to acquire the building from TARC, with the intent to close before the end of 2025 pending board approval. The group is also requesting support from city leadership to fund facility upgrades and restore community use space.
“This isn’t just about preserving a building—it’s about keeping a promise to West Louisville,” said Timothy Cox, President of WLDT. “The NIA Center was built to empower, uplift, and connect. We’re ready to return it to that purpose.”
A Legacy of Purpose, at Risk
Founded in 1998 under Mayor Jerry Abramson, the NIA Center—named after the Swahili word for “purpose”—was envisioned as a symbol of equity and reinvestment in a community long denied resources through systemic disinvestment. Once a thriving multi-use center for small business training, job placement, transportation, and civic gatherings, the building has seen its offerings gutted over time, with Metro Government’s takeover resulting in the removal of core services.
Despite these setbacks, the structure remains in solid condition, with recent additions such as a café, My HUB Printing Center, and the Kentucky Driver’s License branch proving its continued viability.
“TARC has stated that it does not wishes to be a landlord,” said Shaun Spencer, WLDT founder and board member and long-time NIA Center tenant. “We respect that. But demolition is not the answer when the community is ready to lead.”
A Viable, Vetted Alternative
WLDT’s proposal includes:
A $2.1M purchase offer, timed to allow TARC to retain a portion of the original federal grant
Immediate stewardship, guided by a commitment to equity, inclusion, and transparency
Partnership with Center for Neighborhoods (CFN) as fiscal sponsor, ensuring strong compliance and grant management
Increasing leasing to 90% occupancy, driven by demand from businesses, nonprofits, and community service providers
Nearly 1,000 residents have signed a petition in support of preserving the center
Why It Matters
The WLDT proposal is not just about real estate. It’s a model of community reinvestment.
Revitalization over Displacement: Preserves a high-profile community asset without erasing history
Equity in Action: Channels public investment into Black-led community ownership
Jobs & Wealth: Supports small business growth, employment, and nonprofit incubation
Accountability Through Ownership: Keeps control local and mission-aligned
Call to Action: Support from City Leadership
WLDT is asking Louisville Metro Council and Mayor Craig Greenberg’s administration to allocate public funds for building upgrades and community programming space.
“This isn’t just a proposal. It’s a promise—fulfilled by the very people who were promised it in the first place,” said Spencer.
About the West Louisville Dream Team (WLDT)
WLDT is a collective impact coalition comprised of residents, business owners, and others focused on advancing racial equity, economic justice, and positive attributes through resident-led goals, initiatives, and strategies in Louisville’s West End.
Media Contacts:
Shaun Spencer Timothy Cox
Immediate Past-President & NIA Center Tenant. President, WLDT
WestLouisvilleDreamTeam@gmail.com WestLouisvilleDreamTeam@gmail.com
(502) 472-4641 (502) 296-7257