Turner and University of Kentucky Celebrate Topping Out of Agricultural Research Facility

The state-of-the-art facility will advance the University’s agricultural research and student learning.

Turner Construction Company and the University of Kentucky celebrated the topping out of the University’s Agricultural Research Facility, signifying the completion of vertical construction on the $184 million project. 

Once complete, the 235,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for cutting-edge agricultural research and student learning. The building will feature laboratory teaching spaces, faculty offices, rooftop greenhouses, a separate teaching greenhouse, and a 250-seat auditorium designed to foster academic collaboration and innovation.

“This is a significant achievement for a project that only began deep foundations in November,” said David Opalka, Vice President & Construction Executive at Turner Construction Company. “Our project team has overcome the challenging winter bringing creative solutions to deliver this milestone.  We appreciate the partnership with our design partner BHDP Architecture, and the University of Kentucky for their continued trust in Turner to deliver transformative spaces.”

The Agricultural Research Facility is the latest in a longstanding partnership between Turner and the University of Kentucky, comprising more than 30 completed projects. 

Completion is scheduled for late 2026.