BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Western Kentucky University is gearing up for a major renovation of one of the most iconic buildings on campus, with construction set to begin this summer.
The $75 million project, largely funded by the Kentucky General Assembly, aims to preserve the building’s historical charm while transforming it into a space that meets modern academic needs.
President Timothy Caboni says the building is more than just bricks and mortar.
“Cherry Hall is not just a classroom building it is a symbol, and it represents WKU in many ways,” says Caboni. “Our alumni have memories of walking up the marble stairs and carving their footsteps into the institution’s history.”
The renovations will upgrade everything from restrooms to classrooms many of which haven’t seen major updates since the building opened in 1937.
The redesigned layout will include flexible learning spaces, collaborative areas, and more accessible features tailored for today’s students.
“One of the things we know is that students learn together they learn in applied ways,” Caboni said. “And a building built 100 years ago really isn’t set up for that kind of learning.”
Designers from Gensler, the architecture firm leading the project, say student experience has been central in every design decision.
“Coming back to WKU is always such a pleasure because the students are so open and excited,” says Janette Scott, senior associate at Gensler. “We have really focused on that student experience in the design.”
Scott says original materials, like marble from the staircase, will be salvaged and reused throughout the interior to keep Cherry Hall’s character intact.
During construction, classes currently held in Cherry Hall will be relocated to Grise Hall, following the opening of the new Gordon Ford College of Business building this fall. WKU expects to complete the project and hold a grand reopening by fall 2027.
“This is more than just a renovation,” Caboni adds. “It’s an investment in our students, our history, and the future of the hill.”
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