BY: Sheldon S. Shafer , @sheldonshafer
Rev. Dr. Charles Elliott Jr. made a point during the announcemnt that Passport Health Plans will be building their headquarters at 18th and Broadway. April 19, 2017.(Photo: By Pat McDonogh / The C-J)
Big plans are in the works to develop the former Foodport site at Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Market Street in West Louisville with what the backers describe as a $200 million research park.
A group of West End ministers led by the Rev. Charles Elliott plan a news conference Thursday, May 18, to announce support of the plan being assembled by businessman Cliff Turner for what the city calls Heritage West.
Turner said in an interview Wednesday that he has lined up about 15 investors to back the proposed development at the 24-acre site in Russell that was long a National Tobacco Co. facility.
The city in late March issued a request for developers to propose projects on the now cleared site. A deadline of May 22 was set for responses. City spokesman Will Ford said Wednesday that he couldn’t comment on any proposals or even say if any had been submitted.
The press release from the West End ministers said the proposal from the Turner group is for what is being called Global Research Park-Heritage West. The property was used for cigarette-related production dating to around 1905. Among the brands made there was Lucky Strike.
