LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville (UofL) has officially opened the J.B. Speed School of Engineering’s Student Success & Research Building, a $90 million, four-story, 114,000-square-foot facility designed to enhance engineering education, research, and collaboration. Located at the heart of the Belknap Campus on Eastern Parkway, the new center marks a transformative moment for both the university and the state of Kentucky.

“UofL is a nationally recognized leader in driving innovation, spurring economic growth and providing students with the education and experience they need to succeed in the real world,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley. “This amazing new facility, with state-of-the-art amenities, will speed those efforts, creating bold new opportunities for our students, researchers and the commonwealth.”

The Student Success & Research Building features modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, collaborative conference rooms, and a makerspace designed to give engineering students hands-on training that mirrors real-world industry needs. Designed by Luckett & Farley in partnership with SmithGroup, and built by Whittenberg Construction, the project was announced in February 2024 and now stands as the focal point of Speed School’s growing academic footprint.

Strategic Investment in Kentucky’s Future

At the opening ceremony, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, highlighted the project’s broader impact on the state’s workforce and economy.

“This new Student Success & Research Building represents a strategic investment in Kentucky’s future,” Stivers said. “With expanded lab space, collaborative learning environments and a focus on innovation, it strengthens our capacity to educate the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers. The state’s $65 million commitment to this project reflects the vital role UofL and the Speed School play in building a stronger, more competitive commonwealth. Louisville has long been the economic engine of Kentucky, and the Speed School is one of its most powerful engines of opportunity and growth.”

The project was supported through a $65 million state appropriation, supplemented by nearly $10 million in philanthropic gifts from alumni, corporate partners, and university supporters. These contributions have helped establish named spaces throughout the building, showcasing the community’s commitment to advancing engineering education and innovation in the region.

Supporting Workforce Development

The new building is expected to play a pivotal role in Kentucky’s technology-driven workforce development efforts, providing students with training in fields like advanced manufacturing, energy systems, robotics, and data-driven engineering. With growing demand for engineers across the state, the Speed School is positioning itself as a pipeline for both local and national employers.

University officials emphasized that the facility will not only support students, but also foster stronger ties between academia and industry, allowing researchers and corporate partners to collaborate on innovation that addresses real-world challenges.

A Centennial Celebration

The grand opening also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Speed School of Engineering, a milestone that underscores its long-standing role in shaping Kentucky’s economy and innovation ecosystem.

As the building begins operations, it represents both a tribute to a century of engineering achievement and a launchpad for the next generation of problem-solvers who will carry Kentucky forward.

Originally reported by Tom Latek in Kentucky Today.