Building Louisville: How Real Estate Drives Economic Growth
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How does real estate shape Louisville’s ability to grow, attract investment, create jobs and remain competitive?
You are invited to a timely conversation with two of the region’s most experienced real estate leaders, Chris Dischinger and John Hollenbach, moderated by College of Business professor Jeff Guan. Drawing on their extensive experience in development and investment, the panelists will examine the opportunities and challenges influencing Louisville’s growth—from housing and commercial development to infrastructure, public policy and access to capital.
The discussion will explore what Louisville is doing well, what may be holding the region back and what business and civic leaders can do to support sustainable economic development.
Part of the CFE's Menard Family Lecture Series, this event is the second of three discussions examining the forces shaping Louisville’s economic future.It is free and open to students, faculty and staff at UofL, as well as the business community.
Panelists:
Chris Dischinger, Co-Principal and Co-Founder, LDG Development
Chris Dischinger is a proven leader within the real estate development industry. He is committed to the business of building better lives by developing quality, affordable communities for hard-working families and active seniors to grow and thrive.
Forming LDG Development in 1994, Chris and LDG Co-Founder Mark Lechner successfully focused on acquiring, developing, building and managing single family homes.The company eventually grew its portfolio to more than 500 homes, as well as acquiring and managing commercial real estate properties in several states. In 2002, LDG saw an opportunity to enter the Housing Tax Credit Program. By using this model, LDG has developed more than 28,000 units in multiple states including Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee.
A graduate of the University of Louisville College of Business, Chris serves on UofL's Board of Trustees, the CoB Board of Advisors, the Foundation Board and the Athletic Association Board. Chris and his wife Lisa, have been named UofL's 2026 Wilson Wyatt Alumni of the Year.
John Hollenbach, Founder/Managing Partner, Hollenbach-Oakley
As Managing Partner of Hollenbach Oakley, John Hollenbach has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Greater Louisville through some of the region’s most prominent commercial developments. His leadership has been instrumental in projects such as Blankenbaker Crossings, Eastpoint Business Center, Blankenbaker Station, Oldham Reserve, Simpsonville Commons and Lynn Family Stadium – home of Louisville City FC. Collectively, Hollenbach Oakley’s developments span more than 3,500 acres and represent over $2.5 billion in investment, supporting thousands of jobs and transforming communities.
In 2006, John co-founded Horizon Commercial Realty, a full-service brokerage, property management and investment firm with more than two million square feet of office, medical, retail and industrial assets currently under management.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky, John earned his degree in Marketing and Business Administration before launching his career in Cincinnati and ultimately returning to his hometown to make a lasting impact in commercial real estate.
Deeply engaged in civic and professional leadership, John currently serves on the UofL Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors for One Louisville and Impetus for a Better Louisville.