Owensboro's on the move...

 

Downtown Update

Owensboro is a city on the move! New downtown development is moving fast. Over $120 million in publicly funded infrastructure has been committed to reinvent downtown Owensboro along with several millions of private dollars.

The highlights are:

Trahan Architects of Baton Rouge, Louisiana was chosen from 26 firms to design the new downtown events center. The final design submitted was approved by the Downtown Convention Center Steering Committee in September 2011. Ground was broken for the center in early 2012, with doors expected to be open in November 2013. When completed, the Center will contain 169,000 sq. ft. and be managed by a private management company.

 

The Malcolm Bryant Corporation will begin construction of their seven-story, 151-room Hampton Inn & Suites on Owensboro’s riverfront. Ground-breaking occurred in January 2012 with opening projected for late 2013. The hotel will include a full-service restaurant with outdoor seating, as well a ground floor retail store. One third of the rooms will be suites.

 

Set to reopen in August 2012, the new Smothers Park will be more than just a riverfront park. The park will be the home of the Shelton Memorial Park, honoring MIA’s from all wars. It will feature an iconic fountain at the foot of Frederica Street. An outdoor children’s museum and playground includes handicap-accessible overhead ramps inside large artificial trees. The park will span five city blocks and cover over five acres of land. It will also offer outdoor space for events, with concessions and restroom facilities.

 

 

Riverfront Crossing became the first major component of the downtown riverfront development to open on October 8, 2011. Riverfront Crossing runs between Second Street and Veterans Boulevard and will host outdoor events, including being part of Holiday Stroll in December.

 

 

 

Proposed street improvements to Second Street and Veterans Boulevard will make for a much more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Brick pavers will be used, as well as “bump-outs” at each corner to slow traffic. Sidewalks will be widened to allow for more sidewalk cafe dining.

 

 

 

 

 

All these changes will encourage residents and visitors alike to spend time in Downtown Owensboro. With the improvements, it is anticipated that several multi-million dollar private projects will also be developed along the riverfront and downtown. Already announced is another new 100-120 room hotel, the Holiday Inn, which will open in 2014.

The future is exciting in Owensboro!