Record Staff Report
Spalding University announced plans for its largest capital campaign last week.
The campaign seeks to raise $30 million to build a new athletics complex, expand campus green space and renovate its first location, the Tompkins-Buchanan-Rankin Mansion, according to a news release from the school.
Dr. Tori Murden-McClure, president of Spalding, said the campaign — which has already raised $20 million — highlights the Louisville community’s “commitment to the university and the South of Broadway neighborhood.”
The campaign will first focus on building a new athletics complex on the university’s property near Ninth and Kentucky streets. The former industrial property will be converted into baseball, soccer and lacrosse fields, and will include locker room facilities.
The athletic complex will also serve as an urban park and a “gateway to west Louisville,” the release said.
Efforts to increase green space will include an enhancement and expansion of Mother Catherine Spalding Square, located on Breckenridge Street between Third and Fourth streets. Through a partnership with Louisville Gas and Electric Company, the university also plans to convert 2.2 acres of parking lots near Second and Kentucky streets to expand its green space.
Spalding’s first property — the Tompkins-Buchanan-Rankin Mansion — is also slated for renovations as part of the capital campaign. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth first held classes in the mansion in 1920.
