Bowling Green, KY, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Western Kentucky University has opened Center Hall, a newly refurbished residence hall converted from the former Hyatt Place hotel. This facility accommodates 212 students, with 203 currently signed up. The conversion responds to a growing need for housing after the closure of two other halls for repairs. With modern amenities, including a pool and study space, Center Hall aims to provide a comfortable living environment for upperclass students. The cost is approximately $4,418 per semester, making it the most expensive residence hall at WKU.
Bowling Green, KY – Western Kentucky University Opens New Residence Hall, Center Hall, in Former Hyatt Hotel
Western Kentucky University (WKU) has officially opened Center Hall, a newly converted residence hall located in the former Hyatt Place hotel. The facility, which has been upgraded to create a comfortable living environment for students, has a resident capacity of 212 but currently has 203 occupants signed up, with additional assignments ongoing.
The decision to convert Center Hall into student housing comes in response to a pressing need for additional accommodations. The university recently closed Regents and Normal halls for code-related repairs, which removed approximately 635 beds from the available housing options. As occupancy in WKU residence halls remains high at 96%, the opening of Center Hall aims to alleviate some of the housing pressure on campus.
A media tour of the newly renovated residence hall was held on Thursday, just before move-in day on Friday, which saw approximately 70 students move in, with many more expected to arrive over the weekend. Center Hall primarily serves upperclass students, particularly sophomores, along with some freshmen and student-athletes. The location of Center Hall, situated near Kentucky Street and the main WKU campus, was a key factor in its selection for conversion into student accommodations.
The cost to live in Center Hall is approximately $4,418 per semester, making it the most expensive residence hall at WKU. The WKU Student Life Foundation has entered into a lease agreement for Center Hall at a rate of $150,000 per month for up to three years, with the option for the university to purchase the facility by the end of this term.
Improved living spaces in Center Hall include rooms designed for two students that feature hotel-style furnishings such as a sofa, desk, and minifridge. Additional amenities include wardrobes and storage options under twin beds. Some rooms even offer queen beds, while king beds have been replaced with long twin beds that provide extra storage capabilities. However, students are restricted from hanging items on walls or removing any pre-existing wall art.
The residence hall also features a private pool, which can accommodate up to 13 residents, maintained with daily cleaning services. The gym area has been refurbished into a study space that can accommodate 18 students. Dining options available at Center Hall include offerings from The Spread and Java City, providing convenient meal choices for residents.
Initial feedback from students moving into Center Hall has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the living environment and the overall design of the facility. Looking ahead, Regents and Normal halls are projected to reopen for the 2026-2027 academic year after necessary infrastructure repairs, including ceiling replacements and bracing installations.
Key Features of Center Hall
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 212 residents, currently 203 signed up |
| Cost | $4,418 per semester |
| Lease Agreement | $150,000 per month for up to three years |
| Room Design | Two beds per room with hotel-style furnishings |
| Pool Capacity | 13 residents |
| Study Space | Converted gym area with seating for 18 |
| Dining Options | Fare from The Spread and coffee from Java City |
FAQ
What is Center Hall?
Center Hall is a newly converted residence hall at WKU situated in the former Hyatt Place hotel, accommodating upperclass students and some freshmen.
How many students can live in Center Hall?
Center Hall has a capacity of 212 students but currently has 203 occupied spaces.
What is the cost of living in Center Hall?
The cost to live in Center Hall is approximately $4,418 per semester, making it the most expensive residence hall at WKU.
What amenities are available in Center Hall?
Amenities include shared rooms with hotel-style furnishings, a swimming pool, and a study space, along with dining options from The Spread and Java City.
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Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- Spectrum News 1
- Google Search: WKU Center Hall
- WNKY News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College
- WNKY News: Hotel Conversion
- Google News: WKU Student Housing
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