Elevate WKU
Reinventing the way Hilltoppers live, connect and belong
Media Kit
The following information is publicly available for use by members of the press and has been provided by the WKU Office of Media Relations.
For further information, including requests for official comments, or to send published news clips, please contact Director of Media Relations/Spokesperson at WKU, Jace Lux at 270-745-4295.
Project Definition
Western Kentucky University has entered into a public, private partnership (P3) with Gilbane, a national leader in campus development, launching the first phase of a bold, multi-year initiative to transform student housing on the Hill. The partnership marks a significant milestone in WKU's push to enhance campus life, modernize and replace its residential facilities and ensure that every Hilltopper has access to affordable, high-quality, student-centered living environments.
Phase 1 of the plan focuses on replacing Hugh Poland and Douglas Keen Halls, two of WKU's oldest residence halls that have served generations of Hilltoppers. These facilities will be replaced with a new, roughly 1,000-bed residential complex on the same site. The new hall will feature a variety of room configurations, lounges and study spaces designed to promote student interaction and engagement and support significant expansion of WKU's Living Learning Communities. The design will also incorporate modern safety and accessibility features, energy-efficient systems and technology-enabled learning environments. The facilities is expected to open in fall 2028.
About Gilbane
Founded in 1870, Gilbane is a family-owned real estate development, construction, and property management firm headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Gilbane brings extensive experience in higher education housing and campus infrastructure projects nationwide.
Over the past several decades, Gilbane has partnered with universities including Clemson University, Brown University and the University of Maryland, developing and building more than 55,000 student housing beds across over 100 campuses.
Gilbane is recognized for its ability to integrate design, financing, construction and long-term operations to deliver student-focused communities that balance affordability, quality and sustainability.
About Mackey Mitchell
Mackey Mitchell is a nationally respected architecture and planning firm with deep expertise in higher education, particularly student housing and campus life projects. Known for designs that balance aesthetics, functionality and longer-term durability, the firm has worked on a number of campus projects, including at the University of Arkansas, Syracuse University and Penn State. Their work emphasizes sustainability and flexibility, helping institutions create living environments that feel both modern and enduring.
Press Releases
Phase One Rendering Image & Video Downloads
Photos courtesy of ©Mackey Mitchell Architects
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