A vibrant outdoor dining and entertainment hub is emerging at Newport on the Levee, dubbed the Bridgeview Box Park.
The project will take over the space formerly occupied by Mitchell’s Fish Market, which was demolished in order to provide more substantial views and to better connect with the Levee.
According to a release, the Bridgeview Box Park will feature a turf plaza with plenty of outdoor seating, entertainment space, four shipping container-like boxes, an octagon-shaped box and a food truck with festival lighting strung above the space.
The businesses involved will offer window service and include Kon-Tiki on the Levee, an eclectic tiki bar with a laid-back vibe; a food truck version of downtown's The View at Shires' Garden with picnic-style grilled and smoked meats, sandwiches, empanadas and more; The Little Spoon Bakery and Cafe, a baked goods and coffee shop using Carabello Coffee; Bon Mi Street, offering creative takes on Asian street food and milk tea; and Leaf & Limb, a plant and curated goods shop.
“We are creating an experience akin to sitting on your deck at home, except imagine that you are sipping an umbrella drink while people watching and taking in the four bridges stretching over the river,” said Adam Schwegman, partner and senior vice president of leasing at North American Properties (NAP), the developers behind Newport on the Levee's transformation.
“The Box Park model is part of our approach to curating a retail and restaurant mix that is fresh, modern and approachable for small businesses. Moreover, the open-air design of the box park naturally lends itself to creating a comfortable gathering place for the community as we start to return to the ‘next normal.’”
According to the release, they're planning the project with the CDC's coronavirus guidelines in mind and have implemented a "Better Together" program with steps and measures in order to keep visitors and employees safe.
Their plan includes working with security to ensure crowds stay under 10 people or less; reminding guests to say six feet apart with signage around the property and marking recommended distances when waiting in line; increasing their sanitation protocols; placing hand sanitation stations throughout the spaces; providing masks upon request and encouraging guests to wear theirs; adjusting furniture in common spaces to be spaced out; providing employees with face coverings and gloves as well as asking them to monitor their health and their take temperatures.
The program will evolve once NAP has a better idea of the guidelines that Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear will put in place for restaurants, retail, entertainment and common areas.
“While we are staying nimble and making adjustments to safely serve our community under these new circumstances, our vision of transforming Newport on the Levee into an energized destination is moving forward as planned,” said Tim Perry, managing partner at NAP in the same release.
“The rules around public gatherings have certainly changed, but we believe the act of being together and communing is an important human experience that we are craving now more than ever. Bridgeview Box Park is uniquely positioned to be that casual gathering place where you come with friends and responsibly enjoy the community in which you live.”
A specific opening date has not yet been announced for the forthcoming project. Visit newportonthelevee.com to stay updated.
Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport.
