Miami University

Farmer School of Business, Real Estate Program Tour

GERMANTOWN MILL LOFTS

Germantown Mill Lofts is a 189-unit historic adaptive-reuse apartment community located at 946 Goss Ave. in Louisville’s Germantown/Schnitzelburg neighborhood. The property occupies a historic cotton mill originally built in 1889 and was transformed into loft apartments and commercial space by Underhill Associates, with the redevelopment completed in 2016. More than $14.5 million was invested in revitalizing the historic mill, and the project received historic-preservation and architectural awards. The original mill complex was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, with the listing expanded in 2016. The 250,000+ square-foot property combines historic industrial architecture with modern residential amenities. Apartments feature elements such as original hardwood floors, exposed brick and mechanical details, oversized windows, high ceilings, wood beams, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. Floor plans range from studios to one- and two-bedroom lofts, including the distinctive small “Caboose” units.

SWISS VILLAGE

Swiss Village is a historic adaptive-reuse and residential redevelopment in Louisville’s Schnitzelburg/Germantown neighborhood. Centered around the historic Swiss Hall, originally built in 1926, the project preserves the character of an important neighborhood landmark while introducing modern apartments and townhomes with contemporary finishes and amenities. The community combines the character and scale of neighborhood living with conveniences including private garages, EV charging, in-unit laundry and outdoor spaces, creating a distinctive residential community in a walkable location.

MYERS LOFTS

Myers Lofts is a historic adaptive-reuse project in Downtown Louisville that transformed the former University of Louisville School of Dentistry building into 44 contemporary loft apartments. Originally constructed in 1900, Myers Hall had sat vacant and in decline before Underhill Associates acquired the property in 2021 and undertook its preservation and conversion to residential use. Located in Louisville’s Medical & Educational District, Myers Lofts combines the architectural character of a historic institutional building with modern residential living and provides convenient housing for the growing medical, educational and downtown workforce.

THE STARKS BUILDING

The historic Starks Building, a 14-story landmark in Downtown Louisville, was constructed in 1913 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Underhill Associates is pursuing an adaptive reuse of the long-vacant office tower, transforming it into a mixed-use development with 225 market-rate residential apartments, 156 hotel rooms, and ground-floor restaurant and retail space. The building’s historic character and existing structure make it well-suited for conversion to residential and hospitality uses.

315 W. MUHAMMAD ALI BLVD. 

315 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. is a 1909 historic building in Louisville’s Central Business District and has an Architectural Heritage designation. The building contains approximately 44,800 square feet across five floors, with roughly 8,960-square-foot floor plates and a mostly finished basement. It is currently configured as office space and has historically been occupied by Jefferson County government offices. The property is directly adjacent to the Starks Building, near the planned Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, and a few blocks from Louisville Gardens. The building is also within the downtown business district and an Opportunity Zone, making it part of an area experiencing continued downtown reinvestment.

THE ENVIROME INSTITUTE

The Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute is a research institute at the University of Louisville focused on understanding how the environments in which people live affect their health, particularly cardiovascular and metabolic health. It was established in 2018 with support from Louisville philanthropist Christina Lee Brown. The Institute is also developing the New Vision of Health Campus in downtown Louisville at Muhammad Ali Boulevard and 5th Street. The project involves renovating historic buildings and creating research facilities focused on nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, metabolism and healthy urban design.

COLT CLUB LOFTS

Colt Club Lofts is a new mixed-use development located at Fifth and Market in the heart of downtown Louisville. The property features 21 Airbnb units and a growing collection of commercial tenants, including Barry’s Bagels, Secret Recipe Bakery, and SOLE Speakeasy. We are also exploring opportunities with several bourbon tasting groups to occupy our remaining commercial space. The site was strategically selected for its proximity to the Kentucky International Convention Center, Derby City Gaming, a wedding venue directly across the street, and its central location within Louisville’s Bourbon District, a major tourism destination. From a development perspective, the property is located in a designated Opportunity Zone and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making the project eligible for both federal and Kentucky historic tax credits.  
 

BIOS

JEFF UNDERHILL

Jeff Underhill has expansive knowledge of the real estate industry, with over 30 years of experience and apprenticeship under his father, from whom he took over the family company along with his brother and helped evolve it immensely. He excels in construction and property management, and he is extremely versed in projects involving state and federal historic tax credits. Underhill takes pride in the recognition that the family business has received, especially for historic preservation of the Louisville community. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Miami University of Ohio and is an active member in numerous civic organizations, including the Rotary Club. Underhill enjoys biking, skiing, and following college football and basketball. He resides in Louisville, KY.

TODD UNDERHILL

Todd Underhill has been working in real estate for almost 45 years, specializing in adaptive reuse real estate. Underhill boasts a strong law and financial background with previous employment at the accounting firm of Grant Thornton International and the law firm of Triplett, Underhill, Jennings, and Ackerson. His expertise lies in bringing the financing together for Underhill redevelopment ventures. His business acumen, creativity, and negotiating skills are key to moving deals forward. He is a commercial and residential Real Estate Broker. He received his undergraduate degree from Miami University of Ohio and his law degree from the University of Louisville. Prior board seats include Premier Global (NYSE: PGI), King Southern Bank, Brasch-Barry Constructors, Goodwill, MCI, Thermoview, Big Brother Big Sisters of Kentuckiania, and the University of Louisville Natatorium. Underhill enjoys golf, following football and basketball, and playing with his 13 grandchildren. He resides in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife.

JOHN HUNZICKER

John Hunzicker joined the Underhill Associates team in May 2020 as Operations Manager overseeing all properties. In this role, John is responsible for the management of Underhill Associates properties and the development of future projects. In 2024, John became the Underhill Associates principal broker leading the brokerage arm of Underhill Associates. Before joining Underhill Associates, John worked in corporate development and insurance consulting in Chicago and New York City. He is a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University majoring in finance and accounting.