LOUISVILLE SELLING HOMES IN BLACK WEST END FOR $1

Published Aug 28, 2025 at 1:52 PM EDT

Abandoned homes, like this one on West Muhammad Ali Blvd, can be bought for $1.

LOUISVILLE, KY — The Louisville Landbank Authority is selling several vacant properties for $1 as part of its "Landbank-A-Rama" campaign in the city's predominately black West End.

The campaign seeks to revitalize properties, improve neighborhood safety and broaden the local tax base, but some community members have voiced concerns that, despite the price tag, the homes remain out of reach to west Louisville residents.

The West End is a large, historically significant area west of 9th Street, encompassing diverse neighborhoods like Portland and the historic riverfront neighborhood of Shawnee. The area is known for its rich Black history and cultural attractions such as Shawnee Park and Chickasaw Park. The neighborhood was home to prominent African-American figures, like Muhammad Ali and Dr. Sarah Fitzbutler.

The West End offers more affordable housing options compared to other parts of the city, and there are ongoing efforts to attract development and investment, particularly through the West End Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, but the area has a high crime rate.

Louisville ranks 8th among peer cities for violent crime, indicating a high level of crime within the peer group.

Some residents, however, worry that ongoing development could lead to the displacement of the Black population that has historically lived in the area.

While the sale price of Landbank-A-Rama homes is $1, prospective buyers have to demonstrate a minimum proof of funds to invest in the property. Most homes will cost at least $100,000 to rehabilitate, according to Landbank Authority numbers, and applicants must show proof of $29,900 ready to invest.

Community leaders worry the requirements put the program out of reach for the average black resident and that the concentrated focus on west Louisville properties could encourage gentrification.

"Most of those homes, they already have them pre-assessed for up to $100,000 or even more," said Metro Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, whose district touches west Louisville. "If they can barely fix up their own home, the average person wouldn't have that amount of money. So for me, I think that this is just the start of gentrification, period."