LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville has begun construction of a $90 million facility in hopes of boosting growth of Kentucky’s technology economy.
The University said the four-story building will be their hub for “next generation engineering education.”
Featured amenities include classrooms, high-tech labs, various rooms and various rooms for events and student engagement.
"These investments are the exciting ways we move our commonwealth forward for everybody's kids and grandkids and great grandkids. what we are doing here today is going to create intra generational change that creates more opportunities for everyone that comes after us," Gov. Andy Beshear said.
The complex will sit behind the J.B. Speed School of Engineering on Eastern Parkway and will have cutting-edge research labs UofL said will “provide hands-on learning opportunities, developing new technologies and collaborating with industry.”
President Kim Schatzel said UofL is creating bold new opportunities for students, researchers and the commonwealth with the addition of the facility.
Not only do they believe it will boost their efforts in filling Kentucky’s talent pool with STEM graduates, these critical workers will help industries such as cybersecurity, electric vehicles, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
Louisville has become a hub for engineering and manufacturing. About 2,400 manufacturing firms call the city home and has a workforce of 82,500.
“Louisville is poised for enormous growth, and UofL research and graduates are a key part of our ongoing and future success,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “I’m proud to support this investment in UofL, Louisville’s top-tier research university, that will create new opportunities for people and businesses throughout our city.”
STEM workers have grown in the commonwealth, but UofL said Kentucky still falls behind neighboring states and the national average.
The school currently has seven different programs, ranging from chemical engineering to computer science.
The building is expected to be completed in summer 2025 in time for the Speed School’s centennial celebration.
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