New plans for Mid City Mall revealed, as developer prepares to meet with neighbors

A developer eying the Mid City Mall property on Bardstown Road in the Highlands has ties to major grocery chains like Publix, Whole Foods and Kroger.

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A zoning certification filing offers the first concrete glimpse at what could be coming to the Mid City Mall property on Bardstown Road- and a new developer appears to be eyeing the site.

Documents filed with Louisville Metro show plans for a significant overhaul of the shopping center, including a new 54,000-square-foot grocery store and six standalone retail buildings totaling 53,000 square feet. The applicant listed is Christian Olteanu with Gaskins + LeCraw, Inc., out of Duluth, GA.

Branch Properties, a developer considering investing in the property, confirmed it's evaluating the site but isn't ready to reveal specifics yet.

"Branch Properties is evaluating potential improvements at Mid City Mall. The team is reviewing a range of options at this stage, and no final plans have been determined," the company said in a statement.

The company added that it "looks forward to sharing more information and engaging with neighbors and city leaders at the appropriate time."

That engagement appears to be starting soon. Branch Properties representatives are scheduled to appear at upcoming neighborhood meetings to discuss possible plans for the property, giving nearby residents their first chance to hear directly from the company and ask questions.

The development filing comes as the Mid City Mall has been on the market since November 2024, and as several longtime tenants have already departed. Ramen House relocated to Spring Street. The Nearly New Shop closed its doors in September. And perhaps most notably, the iconic Back Door Bar closed in May 2024 following the passing of longtime owner John Dant, marking the end of an era for the beloved neighborhood watering hole.

Most recently, the Baxter Avenue Theatre had its final showing after nearly 30 years in the neighborhood.

What could be coming

According to the zoning certificate filed with Metro Louisville government, the proposal is for new construction on the 11 acre property, which would include a new grocery store and multiple stand alone retail buildings.

The 54,000-square-foot grocery store would be a significant addition to the Highlands corridor, though it remains unclear which retailer might fill that space. Branch Properties- the developer eying the site- has a large grocery portfolio which includes Publix, Whole Foods, and Kroger.