August 19, 2025

Center Hall Opens as New Residence Hall for WKU Students

Bowling Green, August 18, 2025

News Summary

The former Hyatt Place hotel has been transformed into Center Hall, a new student residence at Western Kentucky University. Following extensive renovations, the hall accommodates 212 residents, catering mainly to upperclass students. The opening responds to recent housing shortages due to other hall closures. Center Hall features updated rooms, a pool, and a dining area serving local food options, aiming to create a comfortable living environment for students. With a rental cost of $4,418 per semester, it becomes the most expensive residence hall at WKU.

Bowling Green

A former hotel has been transformed into a new student residence hall named Center Hall for Western Kentucky University (WKU) students after extensive summer renovations. Located at 1347 Center Street, the hall is designed to accommodate a maximum of 212 residents, although it currently has 203 occupants, with more students being assigned housing. Official move-in day took place recently, with about 70 students already residing in the hall.

The renovations were initiated due to the closure of Regents and Normal halls for necessary code-related repairs last school year, which resulted in the loss of 635 beds from WKU’s housing options. The decision to repurpose the former Hyatt Place hotel was made due to its advantageous proximity to Kentucky Street and the main WKU campus, facilitating easy access for students.

Center Hall primarily targets upperclass students, predominantly sophomores, along with a few freshmen and student-athletes who were displaced from other residence halls. The rental cost for staying in Center Hall mirrors that of the now-closed Hilltopper Hall, currently priced at $4,418 per semester, making it the most expensive residence hall at WKU.

The WKU Student Life Foundation is leasing Center Hall for $150,000 per month, with a lease term extending up to three years. There is also an option to purchase the property at the end of the lease, which may offer WKU a long-term housing solution. Currently, WKU’s overall occupancy rate for residence halls is at 96%.

Features and Amenities

In terms of accommodations, Center Hall boasts several updates including:

Rooms equipped with two beds and hotel-style furnishings
Additional wardrobes and “C”-shaped study tables
Some rooms feature queen beds, while previously existing king beds have been replaced with extra-long twin beds that include storage underneath

Students are required to adhere to certain rules in their living space, including restrictions on hanging art or removing existing wall decorations.

A significant amenity is the hall’s pool, which accommodates up to 13 residents and undergoes daily cleaning. The hotel’s gym has been transformed into a small study area that contains 18 chairs and long tables, as the nearest larger fitness center is the Raymond B. Preston Health & Activities Center, located approximately an 18-minute walk away.

Dining Options

Center Hall also features a dining area that offers food and coffee from popular local outlets, with furniture salvaged from the impending demolition of Hilltopper Hall, providing an environmentally friendly touch to the new establishment.

Student Feedback

The feedback from students has been positive, noting the hall’s hotel-like yet homey atmosphere. Students appreciate the ability to personalize their living spaces despite the restrictions on decor.

Conclusion

As WKU continues to navigate the housing needs of its students, the opening of Center Hall represents a strategic response to recent challenges and aims to provide students with a comfortable and engaging living environment.

FAQ

What is Center Hall?

Center Hall is a newly renovated student residence hall for WKU students that was formerly the Hyatt Place hotel.

What is the capacity of Center Hall?

Center Hall has a maximum resident capacity of 212, with 203 occupants currently registered.

Why did WKU decide to use Center Hall?

The decision was influenced by the closure of Regents and Normal halls due to code-related repairs, which removed 635 beds from WKU’s availability.

What is the cost of staying in Center Hall?

The cost to stay in Center Hall is $4,418 per semester, making it the most expensive residence hall at WKU.

What amenities does Center Hall offer?

Center Hall features updated rooms, a pool, a study space, and a dining area serving food from local outlets.

Key Features of Center Hall

Feature	Description
Location	1347 Center Street, Bowling Green, KY
Maximum Capacity	212 students
Current Occupants	203 students (with more assignments ongoing)
Monthly Lease Cost	$150,000
Rent Per Semester	$4,418
Amenities	Pool, study space, dining area with local food options