DDC Head Quiet on Details, but Says Buyers Are Interested in Whiskey Row

The head of the Louisville Downtown Development Corporation says he's heard some interest from potential buyers of the Whiskey Row buildings at First and Main Streets.The city has struck a deal with a buildings' owner—Todd Blue—that allows him to demolish the strip in two months to make room for a parking lot, then a new development. Preservationists have criticized the deal, and the development corporation is seeking buyers who will purchase five of the seven buildings and renovate them.Executive director Alan Delisle says he can't discuss details, but there have been developments since sales efforts began last week."We are hearing from people that are interested and we're providing information and working with community leaders to the greatest extent possible," he says.Blue would have final approval over any sale. He has repeatedly said that if anyone wants to save the structures, purchasing them from him is the best option. He's asking $1.5 million per building, which is more than he paid for them. Delisle says he won't say what the potential buyers are willing to pay."I have no comment on any asking price or what everybody may think they're worth or not worth. We'll just see if we can get to that stage that we can have a good, positive discussion amongst all the parties," he says.