Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green is moving forward with a $75 million renovation of what it describes as its most iconic building.
The university says renovating the 88-year-old Cherry Hall is part of Western Kentucky's plan to restore its hilltop campus to the collaborative academic village envisioned by President Henry Hardin Cherry more than a century ago.
The Commons at Helm Library and Garrett Plaza were the first steps in the hilltop restoration. Cherry Hall is next.
The university says the renovation of Cherry Hall will preserve the building's history while modernizing the facility to enhance teaching, learning, research and engagement.
The building, named for Henry Hardin Cherry, the university's founder and first president, originally housed every academic department except biology, agriculture, home economics, physical education, military science, and music.
The renovation reimagines Cherry Hall's interior space, while preserving its most iconic features, such as the marble steps. Preservation work and new design elements will echo the building’s history further solidifying the building’s status as an academic pillar of the student experience.
The renovation will include:
- Reimagined and modernized classrooms with cutting-edge technology to enhance digital humanities and general education
- Collaborative spaces designed to cultivate a sense of belonging among students, faculty and staff
- Accessible entrances and a revamped reception area
- Sensory relief spaces for the neurodiverse community
- More windows and natural light to better illuminate the connection of Cherry Hall to campus
The project is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
