Developer says growth moving north as Glasgow revises Johnson property plans
The 161.8-acre Johnson property, located off Cleveland Avenue, was purchased by the city in 2024 to guide the future development of one of Glasgow’s largest remaining undeveloped tracts.
GLASGOW, Ky. — Officials say they are encouraged after a recent conversation with a developer interested in the city’s vision for the Johnson property as they prepare to issue a revised request for proposals for the planned mixed-use development.
Rob Campbell, a representative of Louisville engineering firm QK4, said he and Glasgow Superintendent of Public Works Jim McGowan recently spoke with a developer whose company has completed projects throughout the Louisville-to-Nashville corridor.
Brennan Crain
Campbell said the developer requested information following the discussion and expressed interest in learning more about the project.
The developer described Glasgow as a stable market, Campbell said, though not as active as areas farther south.
“And the characterization of this particular developer was, ‘It’s OK,’” Campbell said. “It’s not a bad market. It’s not a great market.”
By comparison, the developer said demand in Middle Tennessee continues to surge.
“It’s just nuts. He said we can’t sell lots fast enough,” Campbell said. The developer also predicted that growth would continue moving north, adding that “Bowling Green is going to eventually just be a suburb of Nashville.”
Campbell said the conversation was more positive than previous discussions the city has had with developers.
“He didn’t have a reaction of negativity, which we got several of those in past conversations,” Campbell said. “He was adamant that the markets are booming around us. That’s what the gist of the conversation was. He did seem interested to see what we’ve got.”
The 161.8-acre Johnson property, located off Cleveland Avenue, was purchased by the city in 2024 to guide the future development of one of Glasgow’s largest remaining undeveloped tracts.
The property is designated as a planned unit development, and officials envision a mixed-use project featuring residential, commercial, retail and recreational uses.
About 15 acres have also been reserved for a proposed regional sports complex.
Rather than selling the property in pieces, the city is seeking a master developer to carry out that long-term vision.
The city’s initial request for proposals did not result in a formal development proposal, but Campbell said it generated conversations with developers that have helped shape the next version of the solicitation.
He added that QK4 recently contacted three developers and has heard back from one with interests along the Louisville-to-Nashville corridor.
Planning and Zoning Director Kevin Myatt said the city is looking for a developer willing to carry out the vision the city has established for the property.
“It’s for any developer that wants to come and meet the rules and requirements that we have set forward here,” Myatt said.
Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse said the city has heard from people interested in purchasing smaller portions of the property, but officials are looking for a comprehensive development proposal rather than piecemeal projects.
“Well, that’s not exactly the way this is going to be done. We need a proposal for a development,” Royse said.
As part of the revised RFP, committee members are also refining how proposals will be evaluated.
City Attorney Rich Alexander suggested using a formal scoring system similar to one previously used by the committee that oversaw the selection process for Barren County’s new judicial center.
Rather than evaluating proposals based on a single factor, committee members would assign numerical scores across multiple criteria before making a recommendation.
“The city desires to do business with as few developers as possible to see the whole site through,” Campbell said.
The Johnson Property Ad Hoc Committee is expected to continue revising the RFP during its July 14 meeting before establishing a timeline for advertising the project and accepting proposals.
