The opening of the WKU Commons has been pushed back to Spring 2022 due to “pandemic related obstacles” despite the initial completion time of Fall 2021.

“After consulting with the many different entities involved in completing work on the Commons, the project is currently on track to open during the Spring 2022 semester,” Provost Robert Fischer said in an email to students. “However, if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that plans must be fluid as unforeseen challenges can arise. We will communicate a firm opening date as we get closer to that time.”

The delay means that the food trucks at restaurant row will remain as the only food options at the top of the Hill.

“We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the campus community concerning the food trucks and our Local Restaurant Row,” the email said. “However, we realize that as the weather continues to transition and we welcome colder temperatures, it’s necessary that we modify our current operations.”

The email states the seating tent at restaurant row will be enclosed and the WKU Restaurant Group will monitor the outside temperature to provide heating in the tent when necessary.

Additional information about the Commons can be found here. 

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as we finalize the work on our Commons, and we are grateful to all those who have contributed to this important project,” the email stated. “We look forward to enjoying this innovative and transformative space on our Hill in the near future.”

News reporter Michael Crimmins can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @michael_crimm