The southernmost northern city? Or northernmost southern city?

It has recently occurred to me how much I like the city of Louisville. In my old burg of Lexington, a statement like that amounts to heresy. You’re just not supposed to like the place. Of course, that logic is based on nothing more than a long standing rivalry between two college basketball teams. It has been two or three years since I have been there, but time away has made me realize how much I miss it. The city is starting to get the national props it deserves. In fact, Louisville is on its way to becoming America’s hottest mid-sized city. Consider the evidence:

? The February 2001 issue of the Utne Reader ranked it the third most under-rated city in the United States, next to Milwaukee and West Palm Beach. In fact, the writer claims, “It could become the next destination for those looking to cash out of expensive houses and harried careers in pricier coastal cities.” Read what else he had to say

? Downtown housing is booming. Lofts and mixed-use buildings are going up everywhere.

? Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company (Duany is author of Suburban Nation), is about to begin Norton Commons. This New Urbanist showpiece will be a development of 2000 homes on 600 acres. Unlike city infill projects that maintain the community’s urbanism, this is a brand new greenfield project. This easily could have been another cookie cutter subdivision but will instead be a model that other cities will look to.

? The city has just begun construction on a 20,000 sq. foot “extreme park” that will be located downtown, on the riverfront. The mayor, knowing the power of making downtown a “24-7″ kinda place, wants it to be one of the best in the country. Over a million dollars is going into it. The city has hosted ESPN’s X-Trials and the B3 (boards, blades, bikes) games. In fact this year’s gamesthird phase (preliminary engineering, redefine route, etc.) in bringing light rail as a transit option for citizens. This effort appears to have the support of the majority of those in the area.

? In a strange coalition of progressives and conservatives (Mitch McConnell supported this), the city and county merged governments. The city will soon be the 23rd largest city in the country. More important than size stats, this is a great example of city planning “regionalism”. See book review.

? Louisville has the largest Victorian neighborhood in the United States.

? Frederick Law Olmstead (designed Central Park, in NYC, among others) designed the entire original Louisville park system. His influence can be seen everywhere.

? Louisville’s Waterfront is becoming a place of trails, parks, playgrounds, concerts and an old train bridge will soon become ped-only, taking walkers, bikers, and joggers across the river to Jeffersonville, Ind.

? The Waterfront will also be home to the forthcoming $80 million Muhammad Ali Center.

? Krazy Fest has become arguably the most well known and respected annual punk/hardcore festival in the country.