Ky. —A $5.8 million project to transform a vacant downtown Owensboro building into a regional entrepreneurship and coworking center is fully funded, clearing the way for construction to begin in early 2027
The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) announced Friday, Oct. 23, that state and local funding commitments have been secured to renovate the historic Turley Building at 101 Daviess St. into The Landing Entrepreneurship Center, a three-story facility designed to support startups, small businesses, entrepreneurs and remote workers.
The project will receive $2 million from the City of Owensboro, $1.55 million from Daviess County Fiscal Court and $2.25 million in state funding allocated through Kentucky’s 2026-28 biennial budget.
Together, the commitments fully fund the estimated $5.8 million renovation and buildout, representing a significant public investment in downtown revitalization and small business development in Western Kentucky.
The Turley Building, owned by the City of Owensboro and connected to the RiverPark Center, will be converted into a modern workspace offering flexible coworking areas, private startup offices, meeting rooms and collaborative spaces.
The Landing will also house an office of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, providing entrepreneurs with access to business coaching, technical assistance and resources to help secure financing and grow their companies.
An executive director will oversee the center’s operations and provide mentorship to members. GOEDC also plans to organize pitch competitions, educational workshops, networking events and entrepreneurship training programs.
“I’m proud to stand here today and announce that The Landing renovation estimate of $5,800,000 is fully funded,” saidClaude Bacon, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation.
“The Landing will be a true home for entrepreneurs, small business, and innovators. It will be a place where someone with an idea and a laptop can find a desk, a mentor, a network, and a path to building a business right here.”
The project is intended to address the evolving needs of entrepreneurs and professionals who increasingly seek flexible work environments, access to business resources and opportunities to collaborate with other business owners.
Bacon said the facility will also serve as an economic development tool to help Owensboro attract and retain professionals, particularly remote workers and younger entrepreneurs who can establish businesses without relocating to larger metropolitan markets.
“It will offer a modern coworking space for remote workers, freelancers, and growing teams who want a professional home,” Bacon said. “And it will be a powerful tool for talent attraction, because today’s workforce is rapidly evolving.”
He added that the goal is to position Owensboro and Daviess County as a community where entrepreneurs and professionals can build both successful careers and long-term connections.
Beyond supporting new businesses, The Landing is expected to contribute to the continued revitalization of downtown Owensboro by returning a vacant historic property to productive use.
Curtis Maglinger, Owensboro city commissioner, said the project demonstrates how redevelopment of existing buildings can generate additional economic activity in established commercial districts.
“One exciting thing about this project is the opportunity to take the historic Turley Building that has been vacant and give it new life and a new purpose,” Maglinger said.
“We know that a thriving downtown is built one investment at a time. When we give new life to existing buildings and create destinations that give people a reason to come downtown, we build momentum for additional growth, development, and revitalization throughout our community.”
The project is also expected to increase daily pedestrian activity downtown, potentially benefiting nearby restaurants, retailers and service businesses as entrepreneurs, employees and visitors use the facility.
State Rep. Suzanne Milesemphasized the importance of investing in entrepreneurship as part of the region’s long-term economic development strategy.
“The Landing is about more than creating a physical space. It’s about investing in people, ideas, and the next generation of entrepreneurs who will help shape the future of our region,” Miles said.
She said bringing business support services, professional resources and collaboration opportunities together will help entrepreneurs develop ideas into viable businesses while encouraging them to remain in Western Kentucky.
Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlensaid the county’s financial participation reflects a commitment to strengthening the regional economy through small business creation and development.
“We are proud to be a partner in this project and grateful to everyone who has helped bring this vision forward,” Castlen said. “The Landing is an investment not only in entrepreneurship, but in the long-term economic strength and future of our entire region.”
Design and construction planning are underway with Hafer Architectural, which is working on the renovation and development of the facility.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with the center scheduled to open in late 2028.
The Landing will provide Owensboro with a centralized location for entrepreneurship resources, coworking opportunities and business development programming, while supporting the broader goal of creating new companies and retaining talent in the region.
The project represents a collaboration among state government, city and county officials, economic development organizations and small business support providers.
With the renovation funding secured, GOEDC can move forward with developing a facility intended to strengthen Owensboro’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and create additional economic activity in its downtown business district.
About the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation
The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) is committed to fostering economic growth by supporting entrepreneurship, business expansion, and workforce development. GOEDC’s mission is to support, promote and attract a diversified, innovative and sustainable, world-class economy. For more information, visit https://edc.owensboro.com/.
TagsEconomic DevelopmentOwensboroWestern Kentucky
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