WKU can officially move forward with the public-private partnership for its dorms. 

WKU President Timothy Caboni went before the Kentucky Capitol Projects and Bond Oversight Committee in Frankfort Monday to gain the final step of approval for the new partnership with international real estate company Gilbane. The WKU Board of Regents approved the plan at its meeting last Friday.

The new housing plan follows what Caboni described to the committee as “widespread design and construction flaws” in Hilltopper, Normal and Regents halls.

Hilltopper Hall was the first to close in 2024, after its first structural analysis revealed dramatic issues. Hilltopper Hall first opened in 2018 for $40 million and is set to be demolished this summer.

Inspections of Normal and Regents halls revealed flaws which were less extensive, and the buildings were shut down for repairs in May 2025. The two dorms, opened in 2021 for $48 million, are expected to reopen in 2027 for an estimated $55 million renovation. 

In Caboni’s speech to the committee, he highlighted his goal for a “fundamental change” to WKU’s approach to housing with affordability and accessibility at the center.

“It’s not about replacing buildings, it’s about replacing the model,” Caboni said.

Phase one of the new housing plan will begin this summer with the demolition of Hugh Poland and Douglas Keen halls alongside The Den and Pit Stop. Following demolition, construction on a new, nearly 1,000-bed dorm will commence. The new dorm is set to open August 2028.

When asked about housing rates at the committee meeting, Caboni said the new dorms would cost students approximately $5,000 per semester.

Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Fayette, voted with an “emphatic aye” and told Caboni that students will pay a premium for newer, nicer dorms built through the partnership.

“I applaud what you’re doing,” Thomas said.