Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Western Kentucky University has officially opened the Gordon Ford College of Business facility, Chandler Hall, and has converted the Hyatt Place hotel into Center Hall for student housing. With a construction cost of over $100 million, Chandler Hall features advanced technology and classrooms to enhance learning. Center Hall provides modern accommodations for upperclass students amid housing shortages. These developments aim to provide quality education and living conditions for WKU students.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Western Kentucky University (WKU) has welcomed students for the fall semester, debuting its new state-of-the-art Gordon Ford College of Business facility, named Amy and David Chandler Hall. The construction of the new building cost over $100 million, with $74.4 million of that funding coming from the Kentucky General Assembly. The remainder of the costs were raised by the university itself. Chandler Hall replaces the outdated Grice Hall and features advanced educational tools designed to enhance the learning experience.
Chandler Hall is equipped with more than 20 classrooms incorporating innovative technology, such as virtual reality spaces and business hubs. A theater within the building can accommodate up to 310 students, which can also be split into two separate classrooms when needed. Additionally, the building boasts a “Student Success Lobby,” allowing students to rent professional attire for interviews and presentations, which includes blazers and pants for young men and various options for women. WKU officials believe that the new technological offerings will simulate real-world working environments, allowing students to grasp industry trends from the outset of their studies.
In conjunction with the opening of Chandler Hall, WKU has also unveiled Center Hall, a newly converted residence facility formerly known as Hyatt Place hotel. Center Hall has a capacity of 212 residents and is currently home to 203 students. This conversion comes after the closure of Normal Hall and Regents Hall due to code violations, which removed about 635 beds from campus housing. The temporary residence facility primarily caters to upperclass students, with some accommodation for sophomores and a limited number of freshmen.
The housing costs for Center Hall are set at $4,418 per semester, the highest among all WKU residence halls. The leasing agreement for this facility is $150,000 per month, lasting for up to three years, with the option for WKU to purchase the building afterward. Center Hall’s hotel-style rooms offer modern amenities including private bathrooms, sofas, desks, and minifridges. Some of the rooms are equipped with queen beds, while others have extra-long twin beds with added storage space.
In addition to residential accommodations, Center Hall features a pool that is exclusively accessible to residents and has already gained positive feedback from students. The facility’s former gym has been repurposed into a study space, while dining options have been relocated to the lobby, offering popular food and coffee selections for residents. Many students have expressed that living in Center Hall provides a comfortable and homely atmosphere.
Background Information
Grice Hall had been a longstanding building within WKU’s campus, now replaced by Chandler Hall, which aims to better serve the university’s business students. The innovative design and features are part of WKU’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational experiences and adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education. At the same time, the conversion of Center Hall supports the university’s commitment to providing quality housing for its students after recent losses in bed availability.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Chandler Hall | Center Hall |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Cost | $100 million | Converted from Hyatt Place |
| Funding Sources | $74.4 million from Kentucky General Assembly | Leasing Agreement of $150,000/month |
| Accommodations | 20+ classrooms, theater for 310 students | 212 residents capacity, currently 203 students |
| Professional Attire Rental | Yes | No |
| Unique Features | Virtual reality spaces, business hubs | Exclusive residential pool and study spaces |
| Housing Cost | N/A | $4,418 per semester (highest) |
FAQ
What is the cost of studying at Chandler Hall?
Chandler Hall is a classroom facility and does not have a direct cost tied to its use, as it is part of the educational offerings at WKU.
How many students can Center Hall accommodate?
Center Hall has a capacity of 212 residents but currently houses 203 students.
What amenities are included in Center Hall?
Center Hall features hotel-style rooms with private bathrooms, sofas, desks, minifridges, and includes a study space where the former gym was located.
What is the length of the lease for Center Hall?
The leasing agreement for Center Hall is set at $150,000 per month for up to three years.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News 1: WKU Staff, Students New Hall
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- BG Daily News: Hotel Turned WKU Student Housing Unveiled
- Google Search: WKU Student Housing
- WKU Herald: Chandler Hall Opens, Welcomes Students
- Google Scholar: Western Kentucky University Chandler Hall
- WNKY: WKU Turns Hotel into Hall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Western Kentucky University
- WKU Herald: Hyatt Place Hotel Opens to Residents as Center Hall
- Google News: WKU Hyatt Place
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
