KENTUCKY FOCUS
Anthro Energy Breaks Ground on US Facility
Anthro Energy has officially broken ground on a new advanced battery materials manufacturing facility in Louisville, marking the company’s move from planning into full construction. The facility is expected to become the first U.S.-owned and operated advanced electrolyte manufacturing plant in the country. Once operational in late 2027, it is projected to produce approximately 12,000 metric tons of advanced polymer electrolyte annually, enough to support up to 25 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion battery production. The project is expected to create approximately 110 permanent manufacturing and technical positions while supporting nearly 390 construction jobs during development.
The Louisville facility will manufacture Anthro Energy’s advanced electrolyte technology for batteries used across transportation, defense, consumer electronics, robotics and energy storage. The project is supported by a $24.9 million U.S. Department of Energy award and $18.4 million in federal investment tax credits. Beyond the individual facility, the investment represents continued momentum for advanced manufacturing in Louisville and an effort to establish more domestic capacity for critical battery materials and reduce reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains.
Source:Powder & Bulk Solids. “Anthro Energy Breaks Ground on US Facility.” August 20, 2026. Read the original article
U.S. Congressman Andy Barr & USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy highlight ongoing
modernization at Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington
Blue Grass Airport is continuing a major modernization effort as passenger traffic reaches record levels and Central Kentucky continues to grow. During a recent visit, federal and airport leaders highlighted investments in the airport’s air traffic control infrastructure, including $5.4 million in federal funding supporting design and early work toward relocating the existing tower, which dates to 1970. The airport is also receiving $3.8 million for restroom improvements, while an additional $17 million in federal funding is being directed toward upgrades to LEX’s air traffic control system.
The improvements are part of a much larger plan for the airport’s future. Blue Grass Airport served a record 1.61 million passengers in 2025, its second consecutive annual passenger record. Through its Future LEX program, the airport is planning approximately $500 million in improvements during the first five years, including expanded parking, a relocated rental car facility, additional aircraft ramp space, a new eight-gate concourse, expanded dining and retail, and a modernized baggage claim area. The investments are intended to provide the capacity and infrastructure needed as passenger volumes are projected to nearly double by 2045.
Source:The Lane Report. “U.S. Congressman Andy Barr & USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy highlight ongoing modernization at Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington.” August 14, 2026.
Louisville mayor shares concepts for next chapter of Belvedere
Louisville leaders have unveiled early concepts for a major transformation of the Belvedere, the nearly one million square foot downtown public space overlooking the Ohio River. After more than 50 years of use, the aging structure requires significant repairs, creating an opportunity for the city to rethink how the space functions. The vision calls for a greener, more welcoming destination with additional landscaping, gathering areas, play spaces and opportunities for community events and performances. A centerpiece of the concept is the proposed Firefly Pavilion, inspired by Kentucky fireflies and designed as a flexible civic space for both everyday use and larger cultural events.
The Belvedere project is part of a broader effort to strengthen downtown Louisville by investing in public spaces and creating stronger connections between downtown destinations and the riverfront. Kentucky lawmakers previously approved $100 million for downtown revitalization, with significant funding directed toward the Belvedere. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026, with the revitalized space currently anticipated to open in 2030.
Source: WHAS11 / MSN. “PHOTOS: Louisville mayor shares concepts for next chapter of Belvedere.”
INDIANA FOCUS
Cable manufacturer Prysmian secures $7.5M in tax breaks for $100M expansion
Prysmian Cables & Systems USA is moving forward with a $100 million expansion of its Indianapolis manufacturing operation after securing approximately $7.5 million in tax incentives. The company plans to add roughly 143,500 square feet to its existing 52,000-square-foot facility on Rockville Road. The investment includes $60 million in real property improvements and $40 million in new equipment, with the expanded operation focused on increasing production capacity for medium-voltage insulated cable and related materials.
The project is expected to create 55 new jobs by the end of 2028, with average wages of at least $30 per hour, while retaining more than 80 existing positions. Five percent of the project’s tax savings will also be directed toward infrastructure improvements near the facility. The investment reflects continued demand for domestic electrical infrastructure manufacturing as utilities and other industries expand and modernize power systems across the country.
Source: Indianapolis Business Journal. “Cable manufacturer Prysmian secures $7.5M in tax breaks for $100M expansion.” August 11, 2026.
Irvington Community Schools, neighbors sue to stop east-side data center project
Irvington Community Schools and several nearby property owners have filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a proposed data center development on Indianapolis’ east side. The legal challenge adds another layer of uncertainty to the project as residents and school officials raise concerns about placing large-scale digital infrastructure near established neighborhoods and educational facilities. The dispute reflects the growing scrutiny surrounding data center development as communities evaluate how these facilities fit within existing land uses.
The case also highlights a broader issue facing Indiana as demand for data centers continues to accelerate. While these projects can represent significant capital investment and expand the local tax base, communities are increasingly weighing those benefits against concerns involving power demand, noise, infrastructure, property impacts and compatibility with surrounding development. The lawsuit could ultimately influence whether the east-side project moves forward and how similar proposals are evaluated in Indianapolis.
Source: Indianapolis Business Journal. “Irvington Community Schools, neighbors sue to stop east-side data center project.”
TENNESSEE FOCUS
Bed Bath & Beyond relocates headquarters to Wedgewood-Houston amid rebrand
The company formerly known as Bed Bath & Beyond is relocating its corporate headquarters from Utah to Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood as part of a larger companywide rebrand. Now operating under the name Neighborhood Intelligence, the company cited Nashville’s talent base and environment for entrepreneurship, technology, creativity and collaboration as factors in the move. The exact size of the new office and number of jobs coming to Nashville have not yet been announced.
The relocation follows the company’s acquisition of Nashville-based Kirkland’s and a broader effort to consolidate several brands under one operating structure. Its portfolio now includes Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock, buybuy BABY, Kirkland’s and other home-focused brands. The move adds to Nashville’s recent momentum in attracting corporate operations and headquarters, including Starbucks’ previously announced Eastern U.S. headquarters.
Source: Nashville Business Journal. “Bed Bath & Beyond relocates headquarters to Wedgewood-Houston amid rebrand.” August 18, 2026.
Weathering uncertainty: Construction’s mid-year assessment
The U.S. construction industry entered the second half of 2026 with a healthy backlog but continued uncertainty around costs, labor and the broader economy. Data centers remain a major source of activity, with construction spending in the sector up 28% year over year in April and generating additional demand for power generation, grid expansion and electrical infrastructure. Employment has also remained relatively stable. However, contractors are facing renewed pressure from rising material and energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty and tighter margins. Nonresidential construction input prices increased 8.4% year over year in May, while energy costs for construction rose nearly 70%.
Workforce availability remains one of the industry’s most significant long-term constraints. Associated Builders and Contractors estimates construction will need 349,000 additional workers in 2026 and another 457,000 in 2027 to meet demand. Contractors are responding by placing greater emphasis on retention, workforce development, strategic purchasing and careful project selection. At the same time, growing sectors such as data centers, healthcare and power infrastructure continue to provide opportunities. The outlook for the remainder of 2026 points to a market where disciplined planning, strong financial management and investment in skilled labor will be increasingly important.
Source:Commerce Bank / Nashville Business Journal. “Weathering uncertainty: Construction’s mid-year assessment.” August 21, 2026. Sponsored Content.
Fisk University doubles down on data center pursuit as Nashville debate heats up
Fisk University is moving forward with plans for a $400 million data center and academic facility on five undeveloped acres of its North Nashville campus, despite growing debate over data center development across the city. The proposed 100,000-square-foot facility would include approximately 30,000 square feet of academic space for students and 70,000 square feet dedicated to data center operations. The project is part of a larger $1 billion overhaul of Fisk’s campus and would be developed through a partnership between the university and a corporate partner that has not yet been selected.
Fisk maintains that its project differs from larger data centers drawing opposition elsewhere in Nashville. The university says newer cooling technology would significantly reduce water consumption, while an existing 30-megawatt power line beneath university property would supply the facility without affecting nearby residents’ utility rates. Fisk also sees the project as an economic and educational investment, with opportunities to create jobs, provide workforce training and give students greater access to technology infrastructure. Community concerns remain, particularly around locating the facility within a historically Black neighborhood, as Nashville continues to evaluate the broader impact of data center development.
Source:Nashville Business Journal. “Fisk University doubles down on data center pursuit as Nashville debate heats up.” August 21, 2026.
FLORIDA FOCUS
Mega powerhouse converting Florida eyesore to something very different
National real estate investment firm Greenfield Partners is entering the Southwest Florida multifamily market with a new apartment development on Radio Road in Naples. The firm purchased the roughly three-acre property for $3.5 million and is developing two four-story buildings with a combined 70 apartments. The site had previously generated years of code enforcement complaints related to overgrowth, vehicles and other property conditions. Preliminary records indicate utility work could be completed by the beginning of 2027, with the overall project targeted for completion next summer.
The investment comes at an interesting point for Southwest Florida’s multifamily market. Thousands of new apartments have been delivered across the region, increasing vacancies and contributing to falling rents and greater competition among landlords. Despite those near-term conditions, Greenfield continues to see long-term opportunity in Southwest Florida, particularly as population and economic growth create continued housing needs. The firm has invested billions of dollars in real estate nationally and has recently focused on housing solutions in high-cost communities such as Naples and Palm Beach.
Source:Naples Daily News / The News-Press, USA TODAY Network. “Mega powerhouse converting Florida eyesore to something very different.” August 17, 2026.
Tampa council to vote today on $2.3B Rays ballpark, mixed-use project
The Tampa Bay Rays are moving closer to a new long-term home with a $2.3 billion ballpark and mixed-use district planned for Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus. The development would include a new stadium alongside a reimagined college campus and a larger district featuring office, retail, entertainment, dining, hotel, residential and public spaces. Under the financing agreement, the Rays would contribute approximately $1.37 billion and assume responsibility for cost overruns, while Hillsborough County would provide $796 million and the City of Tampa would contribute $80 million.
The agreement also calls for the Rays to remain in the region for at least 35 years. The project is intended to extend beyond baseball, using the surrounding mixed-use development and year-round events to generate additional economic activity. The team is targeting Opening Day 2029 for the new stadium, with construction expected to move quickly now that the city and county have approved the deal.
Source:Florida Construction News. “Tampa council to vote today on $2.3B Rays ballpark, mixed-use project.” August 27, 2026.
