Bowling Green Updates Community on Key Projects
Bowling Green, KY – City officials gathered at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Thursday evening to provide residents with updates on several important city projects that are in progress. The meeting featured a presentation from the city commission along with heads of various departments, covering topics like the Southern Queen hotel restoration, the development of Riverfront Park, and changes to local roadways.
Southern Queen Restoration
The Southern Queen, a historic hotel that served the Shake Rag area of Bowling Green for many years, fell into disrepair over the years. However, local real estate developer Desmond Bell and Bell Vue Properties are taking on the challenge of renovating this landmark. The city had previously acquired the Southern Queen along with adjacent properties in 2021, and city commissioners unanimously voted to transfer ownership to Bell in 2022.
City Commissioner Melinda Hill spoke about the ongoing renovations during the meeting, mentioning that work at nearby 136 State St. has been concluded, and renovations have started at 533 East Second St., which will be used as rental properties. Hill shared optimistic news, stating that the Southern Queen is scheduled to reopen as a “boutique hotel” by 2025, featuring a downstairs space for businesses, as well as rooms for overnight guests that will include historic artifacts from the Shake Rag area.
“Thanks to the City of Bowling Green and Mr. Desmond Bell, the Southern Queen will once again be open for current and future generations to enjoy,” Hill added.
Riverfront Park Development
Another major project discussed was the development of Riverfront Park, which is set to revitalize a massive 71-acre area along the Barren River into a vibrant outdoor adventure space. Brent Childers, director of Neighborhood and Community Services, described the goal of the park as a place everyone will want to visit. “We want to build this park where everybody says, ‘you gotta go to Bowling Green. You gotta see what they got,’ ” he remarked.
Childers informed attendees that construction for phase one of the Riverfront Park project, which includes a new boat ramp and enhanced access to the river, is expected to start next year. “We’re going to make it to where anybody can get down and touch the water and be part of that natural opportunity,” Childers noted.
Operation PRIDE’s Initiatives
Melanie Lawrence, leader of Operation PRIDE, also spoke at the session about beautification efforts happening in the city. The organization is working on constructing a new gateway at the intersection of Kentucky Street and Sixth Avenue, which will mirror existing gateways along Interstate 65. These gateways welcome visitors with red lettering and stone pedestals with flagpoles.
Lawrence expressed that these gateways serve as the city’s exterior front doors, enhancing the community’s appearance. “We hang wreaths on our front doors, we made them look pretty because we want to be welcome,” she explained.
In addition to the gateways, Operation PRIDE has plans to plant 325 flowering and evergreen trees around the city. This effort aims to combat unpleasant odors emanating from the river. Lawrence shared that the project has secured close to $150,000 in funds to improve the public spaces in Bowling Green.
Traffic Improvements with Roundabouts
City officials also addressed improvements to traffic flow in the area, especially at the intersection of Victoria Street, Old Barren River Road, and Veterans Memorial Highway. City leaders announced that a roundabout will replace the existing traffic light, with funding support of $12 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s District 3 Chief Engineer, Joe Plunk, assured residents that this new roundabout would enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, emphasizing the need for safer crossings. “They’re going pretty fast through your community, and that puts road users, pedestrians and bicyclists at risk,” he said, highlighting the city’s urgency to implement these improvements.
With grant funding expected to expire in September 2026, Plunk noted that all work needs to be contracted or completed by that deadline, promising residents they will see prompt action on these projects.
The special work session provided a valuable forum for city officials to connect with the public by sharing insights into these significant local improvements. As projects like the Riverfront Park and Southern Queen hotel restoration take shape, the community looks forward to enjoying the new recreational opportunities and the enhancement of their surroundings.
