May 16, 2025

WKU President Pauses Faculty House Demolition Amid Public Outcry

News Summary

President Timothy Caboni of Western Kentucky University has paused the demolition of the Faculty House at WKU due to significant public opposition and a petition gathering nearly 1,000 signatures. This decision follows concerns about the historic significance of the building amid plans for renovations to Cherry Hall. An independent assessment regarding the Faculty House is now being requested. While the university aims to modernize Cherry Hall, it emphasizes the need to consider the historical value of the Faculty House, which has seen a decline in use over the years.

Bowling Green, KY – The demolition of the Faculty House at Western Kentucky University (WKU) has been paused by President Timothy Caboni in response to significant public opposition regarding the proposed renovations to Cherry Hall. The decision was communicated to the WKU Board of Regents, highlighting the structure’s historical importance.

The Faculty House demolition was part of a broader renovation plan for Cherry Hall that was announced on May 1, 2025. In light of the public reaction, including an online petition that secured approximately 1,000 signatures by May 14, 2025, the administration has reconsidered its approach. Additionally, the Landmark Association of Bowling Green and Warren County, Inc. has published an open letter condemning the demolition plans.

Officials at WKU have indicated that relocating the Faculty House is necessary for the Cherry Hall renovation. However, earlier assessments have stated that the building may be irreparable and could face risks of crumbling if moved. In response, President Caboni has requested an independent assessment from WKU’s Planning, Design, and Construction department before any further steps are taken regarding the Faculty House.

At present, there is no set timeline for when this new assessment will be completed. President Caboni pointed out that the Faculty House has seen a significant decline in usage, about 80%, from 2017 to 2022, and has remained closed for over two years. He assured that the university aims to acknowledge the history of the Faculty House during the renovations of Cherry Hall.

The Faculty House, initially called the Senior House, was built in 1921 using cedar trees impacted by blight. It was established through a collaboration among faculty and students, emphasizing its role in WKU’s history, as noted by a former university historian. There is growing advocacy among alumni and historians for exploring alternatives to save the Faculty House, underlining its historical significance.

President Caboni confirmed that the plans for Cherry Hall are still in a stage where they are open to feedback and may undergo changes as the project progresses. The WKU Board of Regents approved a budget of $75 million for the Cherry Hall renovations in August 2024.

The renovation project aims to modernize the educational experience with updated classrooms, innovative collaborative spaces, and a new auditorium for multimedia courses. At the same time, it is designed to preserve the historical marble features of Cherry Hall while enhancing its infrastructure to meet contemporary student needs. Work on this project is expected to commence in the summer of 2025 and continue until fall 2027.

The WKU community has expressed a range of sentiments regarding the renovations, with some stakeholders emphasizing the need to balance historical conservation with current demands. The larger effort is part of the Hilltop Restoration Project, which seeks to rejuvenate the university’s hilltop campus and restore its original vision.

As the university moves forward with its plans, the preservation of the Faculty House and the Cherry Hall renovations remain critical issues eliciting strong community interest and concern.

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Additional Resources

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