The City of Owensboro and the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) are finalizing the purchase of the Massie Property, a 121-acre tract on the west side of Owensboro that will become the largest publicly controlled industrial site in the community.
The purchase agreement, signed in June, is set to go before the Owensboro Board of Commissioners for approval on August 19. Located north of West Parrish Avenue and west of the U.S. 60 bypass, officials said the property has long been viewed as a key asset for future economic growth.
City Manager Nate Pagan said the move comes as Owensboro reaches capacity at its existing AirPark site.
“The inspiration is largely just recognizing the need for additional land for economic development purposes and industrial purposes specifically,” Pagan said. “We’ve been in the AirPark for a number of years. Really, there’s only about 30 acres remaining that don’t have either a purchase agreement or letter of intent, so we’re at a point where it’s almost full. We’ve been looking for a new site for a couple of years.”
The Massie Property was originally 184 acres when GOEDC first optioned it in 2022. A 2024 agreement with property owners redefined the site to its current 121-acre footprint, largely eliminating floodplain property, according to Pagan.
Pagan said Global Location Strategies, a national site selection firm brought in by the City and GOEDC, identified the property as one of the strongest potential sites in the county.
“This site has bypass frontage and good access from West Parrish Road,” Pagan said. “That was definitely one of the selling points. You want to be able to get to I-165 or I-69 quickly, and you also have the AirPark right there.”
The City is purchasing the land at $38,500 per acre, which Pagan noted was below its $41,022 per-acre appraised value.
“Certainly, we feel like we’re getting a fair deal,” he said.
Claude Bacon, President and CEO of GOEDC, called the property “a major step forward for Owensboro’s ability to attract and land transformative economic development projects.”
“We’re proud to partner with the City of Owensboro on this investment, and we’re excited about what it means for our community’s long-term competitiveness,” Bacon said.
Mayor Tom Watson said the purchase shows the City’s commitment to growth and readiness.
“We know that having a prepared, publicly controlled industrial site is one of the most effective tools we have to bring new jobs and new opportunities to Owensboro,” Watson said.
Pagan added that the project reflects priorities set by City leadership.
“Mayor Watson and City Commissioners have identified economic development as a top priority, and acquiring the Massie site opens the door for exciting new investment opportunities in Owensboro,” Pagan said. “I appreciate the support of and partnership with GOEDC throughout this process.”
The City will pursue state and local grant funding to prepare the site for development, including infrastructure improvements. Pagan said the land will be flexible in design, allowing subdivisions into multiple parcels or accommodating larger projects, depending on tenant needs.
