Growth in academic research provides real dividends to the entire university.

The future of academic research at the University of Louisville is about to get a major boost with the ceremonial groundbreaking for a new research park, which will encompass a triangular-shaped 39-acre parcel of land purchased from Kentucky Trailer four years ago.

The proximity of the park to the Speed Scientific School is a major selling point for private companies and government entities engaged in scientific research.

U of L football fans will have a bird’s eye view of the development, which will occur over a number of years. The research park is literally a stone’s throw from Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

But first will come a $31 million road improvement program and still another grand new entrance (artist’s rendering above) to the U of L campus, this one an extension from Iowa Avenue, providing a bridge over existing railroad tracks into the park. The street improvements are expected to begin this fall.

The UofL Foundation provided $6.2 million to fund the road project and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provided $24.8 million. State funds will be available July 1. These commitments could well result in massive investments from the private sector over the next decade or so.

Artist’s rendering of the area:

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.