New U of L research park will neighbor with Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium

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: