Students and community members had the opportunity to give input about the new WKU Commons renovation project at Helm Library when architects for the project visited the Downing Student Union on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The WKU Commons is one of the construction projects that President Timothy Caboni has highlighted since the beginning of his tenure. The project aims at enhancing Helm Library, which was renovated in 1965 to become the library, instead of renovating Garrett Conference Center. Helm was originally built in 1931 as a basketball stadium. 

Caboni said he and his administration want to give students, faculty, staff and the community an opportunity to give their input about what should be included in the new library space.

Although the WKU Commons project is in its early stages, Caboni said he hopes to push the project to be completed within 18-to-24 months once construction begins. He described the construction of the new space to be a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for WKU to be more creative with how students learn.

“I’m excited about the prospects of the project,” Caboni said. “This is an opportunity to symbolically show what our aspirations are as an institution.”

Nicole Ziege can be reached at 270-745-6011 and [email protected]. Follow Nicole Ziege on Twitter at @NicoleZiege.

Editors note: A previous version of this story said Helm Library was built in 1965. Helm Library was renovated in 1965 to become a library and was previously a basketball stadium. The article has been updated and the Herald regrets this error.