LOUISVILLE, Ky. - In December, Spectrum News 1 reported that Louisville Metro Council is considering turning a downtown Louisville street into an entertainment district to rival Bourbon, Beale, Broadway and the like. Now, business owners on Washington Street behind Whiskey Row are unveiling pictures of what the proposed Whiskey Alley entertainment district would look like.

Tim Mulloy is one of those downtown business owners who is a partner in the Whiskey Alley efforts. He said, if this were to get the entertainment district designation, the area business owners would invest in extra signage, lighting and other cosmetic upgrades to the area. The goal is to allow the business owners to temporarily shut that part of Washington Street down from time to time to hosts live music, tailgates and other events.

"There will be outdoor music to bring what we saw in other cities that really explodes," Mulloy said.

Wesley Ammons moved to Louisville from Nashville five years ago. He said the Whiskey Row area is one of his favorite parts of the city.

"I like the area. I think it deserves the growth because this is a great area for bourbon and whiskey," Ammons said.

This change wouldn't be the first. Those who frequent downtown Louisville have seen the growth first-hand. The recent openings of the Moxy Louisville Downtown and Hotel Distil are a clear example of that. In fact, Hotel Distil is already getting national attention after landing a spot of USA Today's Best New Hotels list. 

"It was a privilege and an honor to receive that designation," general manager Dana Orlando said. "We were really excited knowing that people actually voted for us. The people who come through our doors see it is not just another hotel."

For Hotel Distil and its attached restaurant, Repeal, the Whiskey Alley entertainment district and proposed events there could be another draw for guests and customers. Bringing more people to the area would also be good for business at Hotel Distil's rooftop bar, Bitters End, which is set to open in early March.

"They will come here to experience that Whiskey Alley revitalization with the entertainment, the food and the beverages," Orlando said.

The proposal has been assigned to the Labor and Economic Development Committee. If approved, Whiskey Alley partners hope to start hosting events by late spring.