January 16, 2025 | 12:13 am
Updated January 16, 2025 | 7:55 am
The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) is spearheading efforts to transform the historic Turley Building into “The Landing,” a modern innovation hub designed to attract and support entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small businesses. Local officials said the project aims to create a collaborative space fostering innovation and economic growth.
The Turley Building is connected to the RiverPark Center, which sits at 101 Daviess Street and is owned by the City of Owensboro. It has a rich history as the former home to what was then called the International Bluegrass Music Museum but has sat vacant for several years. Owensboro City Manager Nate Pagan explained how the City came to oversee the property.
“For many years, the Turley Building was home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, operating under a lease agreement with the RiverPark Center,” Pagan said. “When the museum relocated in 2018, the RiverPark Center intended to secure a paying tenant, but that never materialized. Instead, the vacant building became a financial burden.”
To alleviate the strain, the City took over management of the Turley Building last year.
“We amended our lease agreement with the RiverPark Center and assumed responsibility,” Pagan said. “Since then, we’ve been working closely with the GOEDC to explore ways to repurpose it into something valuable for the community.”
GOEDC’s plan for The Landing includes a three-floor facility with a coworking space on the first floor, offering shared offices, conference rooms, and several amenities. The second floor will feature mixed-use spaces, including training rooms, recording studios, and podcast booths. The third floor will house private offices for startups and scalable businesses ready to expand beyond their initial stages.
GOEDC President and CEO Claude Bacon underscored the significance of The Landing.
“This is the start of creating opportunities for young professionals and entrepreneurs to stay in Owensboro,” Bacon said. “We want to provide a space where ideas can flourish, companies can grow, and people can collaborate in ways that will shape the community’s future.”
Jamie Johnson – GOEDC Vice President of Workforce Development, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship – said the project will be a resource for mentorship, professional development, and innovation. Johnson recently earned an Entrepreneurship Center Management certification through the International Business Innovation Association, where she studied under professors who have experience opening and operating an innovation hub.
“The Landing will be more than just a workspace. It will be a hub for mentorship, professional development, and innovation, empowering people to turn ideas into thriving businesses,” Johnson said.
While still in the fundraising phase, Pagan affirmed the City’s commitment to the project.
“The City is supportive and will do everything it can to back economic development initiatives like this,” Pagan said.
He also highlighted the project’s alignment with the City’s broader goals.
“This initiative fits perfectly with our mission to promote entrepreneurship and economic development,” he said. “It’s about creating a resource that not only helps downtown but also attracts and retains talent in Owensboro.”
The Landing’s staffing structure will include an executive director responsible for overseeing operations and providing mentorship to tenants. Additional roles will include a small business development center coach, a director of services, marketing, and sales, as well as an administrative assistant. GOEDC also plans to leverage a network of local mentors and third-party professionals to offer specialized guidance and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
With extensive renovation costs projected, The Landing is positioned as a partnership between the public and private sectors. Bacon said naming opportunities for the building and its key spaces are available, further incentivizing private investment.
“This is about more than just one building,” Bacon said. “It’s about fostering a culture of innovation and creating a reason for people to build their futures right here in Owensboro.”
GOEDC is also planning events such as pitch competitions, training workshops, and networking opportunities to engage the community and showcase The Landing’s potential.
Bacon said GOEDC is currently seeking private funding before returning to the City and County for additional support and exploring grant opportunities to meet the project’s financial needs.