The University of Louisville now has a partner as it plans to develop its Shelby Campus -- it's the next step in building a research and office park on unused greenspace along Hurstborne Parkway.

Usually major development in an established neighborhood is a recipe for big controversy. But it's "so far so good" as U of L tries to expand its Shelby campus beyond a couple of classroom buildings.  As U of L President Dr. James Ramsey puts it, "We always knew we needed someone with expertise who had done deals before. We needed someone with vision."

U of L's vision is to turn much of its Shelby Campus greenspace into a complex of office and research buildings.  With roads and utilities in place, the school has been looking for a developer to work with.

J. D. Nichols of the NTS Development Company, U of L's partner, explains, "It's a fabulous location. It's probably, if not the best in Louisville, it's one of the best in the suburban markets."

A $20 million office building is the first project on the drawing board.  Residents of the city of Bellemeade were a little skeptical of the plan to develop the quiet little campus. But a landscaped berm has been installed to block the sight and noise from the development. Even better, U of L has completed a major drainage improvement, stopping water from the campus from flooding the neighborhood during heavy rains.

According to Bellemeade Mayor Larry Odom-Groh, "Since they put the berm in there, and we've had some heavy rain, we haven't been bothered by the floods anymore."

Even as U of L adds research centers and office space, Dr. Ramsey says the school will maintain the academic mission of the campus, adding and improving classroom space.