Muhammad Ali Center and City of Louisville Celebrate Phase I Groundbreaking

On June 11, 2002, the City of Louisville and the Muhammad Ali Center broke ground for Phase I of the city's new facility. Among those participating in the ceremony were Lonnie and Muhammad Ali, Mayor Dave Armstrong, and Ina Bond, chairperson of the Muhammad Ali Center.

Phase I of the construction process will encompass a $7.5 million, 450-space parking garage owned by the Parking Authority of River City (PARC) and a one-acre public plaza. The plaza will include an entry atrium from historic Main Street, dramatic upper level views of the Ohio River, and will be connected to the city's Belvedere and Riverfront Plaza via a new pedestrian bridge across Sixth Street.

"We have anticipated this day for many years," said Lonnie Ali, on behalf of both she and her husband. "The first turn of dirt will lay the groundwork for a striking piece of architecture that will become a great addition to this community," she said. "But more importantly, will become an active Center for conflict resolution and individual motivation and development which the rest of the world can share."

"It will become a place where its physical space has no boundaries," said Ina Bond, and "it will reach and inspire people everywhere, and make a difference in this world."

When completed, the 93,000 square foot Muhammad Ali Center will house 24,000 square feet of exhibit space, educational classrooms and distance learning facilities, multimedia and interactive experiences, an orientation theatre, a library, retail shop, cafe, and function rooms for up to 300 people. It will also house the University of Louisville's Muhammad Ali Institute for Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution.

When completed, the Center is expected to attract 400,000 visitors a year to the city. Mayor Armstrong said the Center "will be the crowning jewel in downtown development."

Immediately following the groundbreaking, over 200 guests assembled to a special reception at Morton's of Chicago, just a couple blocks down the street from the site. Here, Lonnie and Muhammad Ali recognized Morton's as an "Associate Corporate Sponsor" and thanked the restaurant group for advancing the Center's cause.

Phase II Groundbreaking for the Center will take place in the fall of 2003 when the parking amenities have been completed, and doors are expected to open in mid-2004.