LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Business records show the Omni Hotel in downtown Louisville wants to build a "pickleball-focused entertainment venue" projected to cost $12 million.

Hotel leaders requested a wrecking permit at 211 W. Muhammad Ali Boulevard to make way for the venue. Most of the 1.25 acres beside the hotel is flat and grassy, but is currently home to the old Odd Fellows building.

Currently, it's a rare island of green in a sea of glass and concrete.

Mike Warman walked his wife's guide dog, Riley, there during a visit to Louisville from Florida.

"This green space affords us an opportunity to take the dog out, exercise her a little bit, give her a little place to do her business. Without it, who knows? We'd be looking for a flower bed somewhere along the sidewalk," Warman said.

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