A Hometown Hero Comes Home: Denton Floyd Hosts Will Smith's Banner Dedication at Grocers Ice Lofts
Denton Floyd was proud to host the Greater Louisville Pride Foundation's dedication ceremony honoring Dodgers catcher Will Smith with an official Hometown Heroes banner. The event took place at Grocers Ice Lofts, our adaptive reuse development at 609 E. Main St., where the banner now marks the building's historic façade.
For Denton Floyd, hosting this milestone celebration at Grocers Ice Lofts was a meaningful opportunity to connect one of our signature revitalization projects with a story that speaks to the heart of this community. Grocers Ice Lofts stands as an example of how thoughtful adaptive reuse can preserve Louisville's architectural heritage while creating vibrant, modern spaces, and it was a fitting backdrop for honoring a hometown legend.
Smith's accomplishments on the field are well documented: three World Series championships, three All-Star selections, and a historic performance in the 2025 World Series, where he caught every inning of the series, setting a new record for innings caught by a catcher, and delivered the decisive home run in the 11th inning of Game 7. He recently signed a ten-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers, affirming his standing as a cornerstone of the organization.
Equally compelling is Smith's connection to Louisville. A graduate of Kentucky Country Day and the University of Louisville, Smith's path from local Little League fields to the College World Series to Major League Baseball reflects the kind of hometown success story that resonates deeply with our community. He was selected 32nd overall by the Dodgers in the 2016 MLB Draft and has since become one of the league's most respected catchers, known for his preparation, leadership, and consistency at the plate.
Reflecting on the honor, Smith shared: "I spent the first 25 years of my life calling Louisville home. From little league games at St. Matthews, growing up at KCD, to attending U of L, I will always be grateful for the people who encouraged and believed in me to achieve my dreams."
Smith's impact extends beyond baseball. In 2021, he and his wife, Cara, founded the Catching Hope Foundation, which supports underprivileged children by building critical leadership and self-advocacy skills. Through the foundation's efforts, the West End School in Louisville received new equipment for its sports programs, a tangible example of the difference community-minded giving can make.
Denton Floyd was honored to provide the setting for this celebration. Supporting events that bring the community together at our properties reflects our broader commitment to investing in Louisville, not just through development, but through the people and stories that make this city exceptional.
The Hometown Heroes banner program, relaunched in 2022 as part of its 20th anniversary, is funded entirely through private donations and aims to establish a lasting "Avenue of Heroes" honoring the city's most celebrated hometown figures. Congratulations to Will Smith on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to the Greater Louisville Pride Foundation for choosing Grocers Ice Lofts as the site for this special occasion.