WKU’s public-private partnership must be approved by the Kentucky Legislature to move forward.
WKU entered a $5.8 million pre-development agreement with international real estate company Gilbane at a Dec. 11, 2025, Board of Regents meeting. The university cannot fully move forward with the public-private partnership until it has been approved by the Kentucky Legislature by the end of the legislative session on April 15.
WKU has turned to a public-private partnership after the closure of its three newest dorms. Hilltopper Hall, originally opened in 2018 for $40 million, was abruptly closed in 2024 after the discovery of severe structural issues. A year later, Normal and Regents halls, originally opened in 2021 for $48 million, were closed after they were found to have structural issues, too.
Hilltopper Hall is set to come down this summer for $2.1 million, while Normal and Regents halls are scheduled to reopen in fall 2027 for an estimated $55 million.
If the legislature does not approve the public-private partnership, WKU would have to pay Gilbane all pre-development costs up to that point, according to the pre-development contract.
WKU President Timothy Caboni said in a Friday press conference that he had a meeting in Frankfort on Thursday and is “confident” that WKU will get approval to move forward within the fiscal year.
“If approval is granted, the project will be included as a line item in the final state budget,” University Spokesperson Jace Lux said.
Lux said he could not comment on anything that could influence the legislature’s decision.
While legislative approval is still pending, Caboni revealed the phase one renderings of Elevate WKU — the university’s new, potentially 60-year housing plan developed with Gilbane — at Friday’s Board of Regents meeting. The renderings include an over 300,000-square-foot dorm with suites and hotel-style rooms across five main floors. The dorm will replace Douglas Keen and Hugh Poland Halls.
John Burse, principal with Matthew Mitchell Architects, and Gilbane Senior Development Director Jeffrey Resetco gave a presentation at Friday’s Board of Regents meeting, highlighting the design elements of the new dorm hall.
Burse said when designing the new dorm hall, they wanted to create an “inviting environment,” with a “wow factor.”
The new dorm will be split into residential wings alongside a great hall, restaurants, study spaces and a fireplace.
Burse and Resetco emphasized the structure’s architectural nod to buildings like Van Meter and Cherry halls, its usage of courtyard and internal communal spaces.
Burse said he envisions the new dorm hall as a gateway into campus.
“This could be one of those threshold moments of falling in love with the notion of being a Hilltopper for life,” Burse said.
