Bowling Green, KY, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Western Kentucky University has reopened the newly renovated Center Hall, previously the Hyatt Place, as a temporary housing solution for students displaced from other residence halls. With a capacity for 212 residents, Center Hall currently houses 203 students. The initiative responds to the closure of two dormitories for repairs and aims to meet the housing needs of students, including upperclassmen and freshmen. The facility features renovated dorm rooms, amenities such as a pool, and dining options to enhance resident experience.
Bowling Green, KY – Western Kentucky University (WKU) has officially reopened the newly renovated Center Hall as a temporary housing solution for students following the closure of other residence halls. The former Hyatt Place, located at 1347 Center Street, has been updated and is now a viable option for students in need of accommodation.
Center Hall, which has a capacity of 212 residents, currently hosts 203 registered occupants and began welcoming students on Thursday, with more move-ins scheduled for Friday. This new residence hall was initiated in response to the closure of Regents and Normal halls, which were taken offline for code-related repairs. The closure of these facilities eliminated a total of 635 beds, creating a pressing need for alternative housing arrangements.
The strategic location of Center Hall, adjacent to the main WKU campus, greatly influenced its selection as a housing solution. The Student Life Foundation secured an agreement with Hyatt to lease the building at a rate of $150,000 per month for a duration of up to three years, with an option to purchase the property at the end of the lease.
Center Hall is currently the most expensive residence hall option, with housing costs set at $4,418 per semester. Most occupants are upperclassmen, primarily sophomores, along with some freshmen and student-athletes. The dorm rooms have been thoughtfully renovated to include two beds, a supersofa, desk, minifridge, and spacious wardrobe. Notably, some rooms feature queen beds, while standard king-sized beds have been replaced with longer twin beds that come equipped with storage beneath.
The building also includes amenities such as a pool exclusively for Center Hall residents and a gym that has been converted into a study space equipped with 18 chairs and long tables. The dining area features offerings from The Spread and Java City, aiming to ensure that residents have ample options for meals and socializing.
WKU’s overall occupancy rate in residence halls currently stands at a robust 96%. In light of the situation, WKU President Timothy Caboni discussed the implementation of a comprehensive housing strategy aimed at addressing the aging infrastructure of older dormitories. Plans are underway for partnerships with private entities to develop new housing facilities that will adhere to quality construction standards.
As part of future housing projects, WKU has outlined a vision that includes replacing outdated dorms like Douglas Keen and Hugh Poland halls with newer constructions designed to meet modern student expectations. The university aims to transition existing dorms into more hotel-style and suite-style accommodations.
Enhancing student success and improving retention rates have emerged as key priorities for the university. The goal is to achieve an 80% retention rate from freshmen to sophomores and a 60% graduation rate over the next one to two years. In conjunction with these goals, WKU has established various support systems, including Living Learning Communities and revamped first-year advising systems, intended to bolster student success.
FAQs
What is Center Hall?
Center Hall is a newly renovated residence hall at WKU that was previously a Hyatt Place hotel. It serves as a temporary housing solution for students displaced due to the closure of other dormitories.
How many residents can Center Hall accommodate?
Center Hall has the capacity to accommodate 212 residents, with 203 currently signed up.
What are the amenities offered at Center Hall?
Center Hall features renovated dorm rooms, a pool, a study space in the former gym, and dining options from The Spread and Java City.
How much does it cost to live in Center Hall?
The cost for housing in Center Hall is $4,418 per semester, making it the most expensive residence hall option available at WKU.
What are the future plans for WKU housing?
The university plans to replace older dormitories with newer constructions and improve existing dorms to align with changing student expectations.
Key Features of Center Hall
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 1347 Center Street, adjacent to WKU campus |
| Capacity | 212 residents |
| Current Occupancy | 203 residents |
| Cost | $4,418 per semester |
| Amenities | Pool, study space, dining options, renovated rooms |
| Primary Residents | Upperclassmen and some freshmen |
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Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News: Hotel Turned WKU Student Housing Unveiled
- WKU Herald: Caboni Talks Dorms, Academic Facilities, Student Success
- WNKY: WKU Turns Hotel into Hall
- WKU Herald: WKU Rolls Out Plan for New Partnership for Dorms
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
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