WKU plans to remove roughly 20 buildings along State and Chestnut streets for a new building that will replace the Academic Complex and surrounding infrastructure, according to documents obtained by the College Heights Herald. 

The Chinese Language Immersion House, WKU Restaurant & Food Services Building and the Zuheir Sofia Dero Downing Building would all be removed in the plan, alongside nearby rental properties. The plan also includes the removal of Kiss Me Quick Avenue, according to the documents filed in Warren Circuit Court. 

WKU filed two lawsuits on Oct. 20 to obtain six properties by condemnation for the plan, according to the documents.

WKU is suing to use eminent domain on properties owned by Skye Properties LLC and GWP-I LLC. According to Kentucky Revised Statutes 164.110, WKU has the power to file eminent domain for property that is deemed “necessary for the purposes of the school.” 

WKU’s Board of Regents approved the usage of eminent domain for the new facility at an Aug. 8 meeting. A resolution from the meeting said the Kentucky General Assembly provided WKU with $160 million to replace the Academic Complex, which currently houses the College of Health and Human Services and WKU’s public media operations. The resolution cites the acquisition of properties as “critical and necessary” for replacing the Academic Complex.

WKU appraised the properties and made a “good-faith offer” for them, according to the petition for condemnation filed by the university. Skye Properties counteroffered WKU’s initial offer with an offer “in excess of twice the appraised value, and refused to provide any justification for the valuation,” according to the petition.

The properties include: 

• 1546 State St., owned by Skye Properties LLC, which has an assessed value of $340,000 according to the Warren County Property Valuation Administrator.
• 1544 State St., owned by Skye Properties LLC, which has an assessed value of $167,500 according to the PVA.
• 1546-16 State St., owned by Skye Properties LLC, which has an assessed value of $154,300 according to the PVA.  
• 1548 State St., owned by Skye Properties LLC, which has an assessed property value of $125,000 according to the PVA.
• 1550 State St., owned by Skye Properties LLC, which has an assessed property value of $129,000 according to the PVA. 
• 1543 Chestnut St., owned by GWP-I LLC, which has an assessed property value of $191,800 according to the PVA.

The Herald reached out to Kerry Jones, who is listed as the registered agent of the properties owned by Skye. Jones said he was advised by his attorney, David Broderick, not to speak on the matter. Broderick was unavailable when the Herald contacted his office. 

Broderick is also representing Grant Wilson, who is listed as the registered agent of the property at 1543 Chestnut St. 

University Spokesperson Jace Lux said in a statement to the Herald that the university is “committed to working closely with the students who may be affected by the transition to ensure they are supported throughout this process.” 

 “During the past several months, WKU has engaged in good-faith negotiations with property owners in the footprint of the planned building. The majority of owners have reached agreements with the university to sell their properties. However, despite extensive discussions, WKU has been unable to reach agreements with two remaining property owners, even after extending offers above the appraised value for each property,” Lux said in the statement. 

 “As a result, the university has moved forward with eminent domain proceedings to secure the necessary properties for the project. In keeping with university practice in matters involving litigation, WKU will not provide additional comment until the issue is resolved in court. The university looks forward to sharing more information about the design and site of this facility at a later date.”