Owensboro Secures Full Funding for Turley Building Renovation into The Landing
Construction on downtown Owensboro’s historic Turley Building is set to kick off in early 2027 following the securement of $5.8 million in local and state backing to transform the structure into The Landing entrepreneurship and coworking center. The three-floor project at 101 Daviess Street will provide 17,000 square feet of private offices, shared workspace, and business support, with an opening targeted for late 2028.
State and Local Financial Commitments Drive 101 Daviess Street Buildout
Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Claude Bacon announced the funding milestone during a Friday ceremony celebrating the partnerships behind the project. Funding for the overhaul consists of a $2 million contribution from the City of Owensboro, $2.25 million drawn from Kentucky’s 2026-28 state budget, and a $1.55 million commitment issued by the Daviess County Fiscal Court. These commitments fully cover the estimated renovation of the city-owned building, which connects to the RiverPark Center. Design and construction planning are currently underway with Hafer.
“The Landing will be a true home for entrepreneurs, small business, and innovators,” Bacon said during the ceremony. “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.”
Coworking Space, Podcasting Studio, and Small Business Resources Planned
Spanning three floors, the facility will feature 8,000 square feet of open coworking space, 20 private offices, meeting and training rooms, a full kitchen, and a professional podcasting studio. Operations will also incorporate direct business support by housing an office of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center. This integration brings coaching, technical assistance, and capital-access resources under one roof. An executive director will oversee daily operations, mentor members, and coordinate pitch competitions, workshops, and networking events.
City Commissioner Curtis Maglinger emphasized the community impact of the project during the funding announcement. “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.”
Early 2027 Construction Start Leads to Late 2028 Opening Target
With design work underway and funding secured, construction crews are scheduled to begin physical renovations in early 2027. Project leaders expect the buildout to culminate in a grand opening in late 2028. Bacon noted that the center aims to retain local college graduates, attract remote professionals, and draw former residents back to the area by providing structured resources for startups and side businesses.
Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen highlighted agricultural technology and agricultural entrepreneurship as specific sectors that will benefit from the centralized expertise and resources in Daviess County. Bacon also credited state Reps. Suzanne Miles and D.J. Johnson alongside state Sen. Gary Boswell for securing the state budget allocation.
Timeline of The Landing Development Milestones
- Friday: Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation announces $5.8 million in total funding.
- Early 2027: Construction and physical renovation work scheduled to begin at the Turley Building.
- Late 2028: Projected opening date for The Landing coworking and entrepreneurship center.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Landing
Who funded the Turley Building renovation project?
The $5.8 million project is funded through a combination of $2.25 million from Kentucky’s 2026-28 state budget, a $2 million commitment from the City of Owensboro, and a $1.55 million pledge from Daviess County Fiscal Court.
What architectural and design firm is working on the project?
Hafer is handling the design and construction planning for the 17,000-square-foot facility located at 101 Daviess Street.
What specific business resources will operate inside the center?
The facility will house an office of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center to provide coaching, technical assistance, and capital-access help alongside a professional podcasting studio, meeting rooms, and 20 private offices.