GOEDC outlines progress on Massie Property, innovation hub, and major expansions

The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) is pushing forward on multiple fronts to prepare for the region’s future, including major investments in industrial land, entrepreneurship, and business expansion projects.

GOEDC President and CEO Claude Bacon and Vice President of Business Development Brad Davis detailed the organization’s strategy, highlighting development at the Massie Property, progress at the AirPark, an expansion of entrepreneurship programming through “The Landing,” and updates on several large-scale private sector projects.

Massie Property positioned as next wave of industrial growth

City officials finalized the purchase of the 121-acre Massie Property in 2025, and GOEDC is now seeking state funds to begin infrastructure improvements. Davis said the site is seen as a critical next step for Owensboro’s economic development efforts, especially with limited acreage remaining at the AirPark.

“We’ve submitted this site several times already, and now that the City owns it, we’re hoping to make it pad-ready,” Davis said. “That means site studies, entrance and egress improvements off Parrish Avenue, and potentially grading to prepare for construction.”

GOEDC has applied for $1 million through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI), a program funded by the state’s general fund to support shovel-ready industrial sites. Davis said funding announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

“Most utilities are already near the site, and access to the bypass makes it very attractive,” he said. “We want to be in a position where, when a company is ready, we’re ready too.”

Bacon noted the City’s investment in the property goes well beyond the land purchase.

“Buying the land was a big first step, but it will take significant additional investment to make it competitive. That’s what we’re focused on now,” he said.

AirPark near capacity with 55 acres under option

Development at the AirPark continues at a strong pace, according to Davis, with four projects currently under option that could account for about 55 of the remaining 90 acres.

R+L Carriers has already opened its facility and is believed to have exceeded its initial 63-job projection. Davis said no operational issues have been reported and that activity at the site appears strong.

GOEDC is also exploring utility extensions and access improvements to maximize the final section of the AirPark fully.

“It’s taken roughly 25 years to get the AirPark to this point,” Davis said. “These developments take time, and we’re nearing the end of this chapter.”

Bacon said the limited space at the AirPark underscores the need for the Massie Property.

“You can’t recruit new industry if you don’t have land,” he said.

‘The Landing’ set to transform downtown entrepreneurship

In downtown Owensboro, GOEDC is working to renovate the historic Turley Building into “The Landing,” a three-floor coworking and entrepreneurship center. While construction funding is still being sought, Bacon said programming has already begun under the leadership of Jamie Johnson, GOEDC’s Vice President of Workforce Development, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship.

“Jamie is doing incredible work to build out support systems so that when the doors open, we’re not starting from scratch,” Bacon said. “We’re building a pipeline of entrepreneurs and innovators right now.”

The Landing will house coworking space on the first floor, entrepreneurial training and business development offices on the second and third floors, and potentially other features depending on partnerships and demand.

GOEDC has submitted the Turley Building renovation as a legislative request in this year’s state budget cycle, and local architects have already donated preliminary design work.

Expansion projects moving forward

A couple of major expansion projects announced in 2024 remain on track:

• Mizkan America is preparing to break ground later this spring on a $156 million expansion expected to create 44 full-time jobs. The work will occur on their existing property, and Davis said only minor infrastructure coordination remains.
• UniFirst is expanding its local facility by 109,000 square feet in a $28 million project that is currently under construction. The expansion is expected to be complete by March or April.

Mall redevelopment seen as economic asset

GOEDC has also supported the Towne Square Mall redevelopment effort, led by TS Entertainment.

The Hatton family recently announced that its upcoming entertainment center at Towne Square Mall will be rebranded as Maui’s Indoor Theme Park, positioning Owensboro as the flagship location for a new resort-style concept.

The project has implications for both tourism and economic development, offering a competitive draw for visitors while enhancing Owensboro’s appeal to prospective employers, Bacon said. He called the vision “bold and transformational,” noting the development has already received state tourism incentives and support from the City of Owensboro.

Looking ahead

With limited industrial land remaining, entrepreneurship programming underway, and multiple large-scale expansions in motion, GOEDC leaders say Owensboro is well-positioned, but must continue to invest.

“We’re in a good place,” Davis said. “But staying competitive means always looking at what’s next.”

Bacon agreed.

“Our goal is to keep pushing forward,” he said. “That means developing land, supporting small businesses, and backing big ideas that move the community ahead.”