COVINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 30, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local and state officials and leaders of several Northern Kentucky organizations to break ground on the new OneNKY Center in Covington. The center will join Northern Kentucky growth groups focused on business development, tourism, innovation and community support.
“This project is a perfect example of what it means to be a part of Team Kentucky and what we can accomplish when we work together to do what is best for our families,” said Gov. Beshear. “With this investment, we can support the many life sciences and biotech companies already in the region and welcome new innovators and startup companies to create more high-wage jobs and cutting-edge treatments right here in Kentucky.”
The OneNKY Center, located at the foot of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, will be the home of several Northern Kentucky growth organizations, including OneNKY Alliance, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, meetNKY, BE NKY Growth Partnership, the Catalytic Fund of Northern Kentucky, Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky, the Northern Kentucky Bar Association and the Covington Life Sciences Partners (CLSP).
The project was made possible through state, local and charitable funding. The Governor supported and the General Assembly passed $15 million in funding to go toward the Covington Life Science Lab in the OneNKY Center. The lab will provide cost-effective research and development facilities with shared equipment and office space as well as educational and training opportunities in the science industries.
“The OneNKY Center represents a tremendous amount of collaboration among the Kentucky General Assembly, the Governor and the business and elected leaders within the Northern Kentucky community,” said Sen. Chris McDaniel of Ryland Heights. “I am thrilled to see the Covington Life Science Lab coming to fruition with this groundbreaking and support from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Congratulations to the OneNKY Alliance and Catalytic Fund of Northern Kentucky and the vision their boards of directors have demonstrated and supported to bring the OneNKY Center to Covington and Kenton County.”
“The OneNKY Center is a big step forward for government effectiveness, efficiency and economic competitiveness in Northern Kentucky. These are qualities that the Kenton County Commissioners expect, and indeed demand, that we continuously pursue, and their support was critical to making this project happen. We also want to thank Sen. Chris McDaniel for his efforts, especially on the life sciences component of OneNKY. It is just the latest product of his leadership in Frankfort,” said Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. “Today is a celebration of what Northern Kentucky can accomplish when it works together, but I can assure you that once this building is complete and occupied the efforts to elevate our region will continue with even more focus and determination.”
“We have a thriving life sciences cluster in Covington and look forward to having entrepreneurs and new bio-tech firms launching in the Covington Life Science Lab. The wet lab space was a need identified by our life sciences leaders – CTI, Bexion Pharmaceuticals, Gravity Diagnostics, and NKU – with encouragement from advocates associated with North Carolina’s Research Triangle,” said Covington Mayor Joe Meyer. “We look forward to more new groundbreaking therapies and discoveries being developed here in Covington.”
“The OneNKY Alliance board of directors led the vision for the OneNKY Center as a welcoming space for visitors and for our growth organizations to be under one roof and to stimulate collaboration and leadership for our region,” said Garren Colvin, president and CEO of St. Elizabeth Healthcare and co-chair of the Covington Life Sciences Partners. “St. Elizabeth is proud to support the OneNKY Center and help lead the development of a new life sciences wet lab in Northern Kentucky.”
“Corporex has been pleased to play an integral role in bringing the many parties involved in the vision, and now construction, of the OneNKY Center together,” said William P. Butler, Corporex Cos. chairman. “I applaud the dedication of the OneNKY Alliance and Catalytic Fund of Northern Kentucky boards of directors to bring this building to life and thank the Governor and General Assembly for funding the Covington Life Science Lab. Corporex is proud to be the developer of the building.”
“Activating the Northern Kentucky Port Authority is an initiative of the Build + Elevate Northern Kentucky investor campaign, and we are proud to have the OneNKY Center be our first project,” said Christine Russell, executive director of the NKY Port Authority and vice president of strategy, BE NKY Growth Partnership. “The groundbreaking for the OneNKY Center is the result of countless hours of work by many organizations but especially the OneNKY Alliance, Catalytic Fund of Northern Kentucky, BE NKY Growth Partnership, Corporex and the seven tenant organizations.”
“The Roebling Bridge serves as a Gateway to Northern Kentucky and is the ideal location for a signature building to house our region’s growth organizations and the Covington Life Science Lab,” said Karen Finan, president and CEO of OneNKY Alliance. “This project represents the brand and voice for our NKY Community thanks to the many organizations involved.”
“The OneNKY Center adds vibrancy to our region and will spark future development for this community,” said Jeanne Schroer, president and CEO, Catalytic Fund of Northern Kentucky. “We are pleased to partner with so many who have the best interest of our community at heart.”
