Approval of Kentucky Hall Renovation Project
After a deadly fire destroyed Ladies Hall in 1926, Kentucky Hall was built on the same location for the continued purpose of housing undergraduate women attending Kentucky State University. President Atwood oversaw the construction and when it opened in 1929, it could house 212 female residents as well as a full dining facility and laundry for the campus. In 1976, Kentucky Hall completed an extensive renovation and it continues to serve as a residence hall today. Generations of Thorobreds have studied and rested under the large covered porch that still adorns the building.
Its 44,000 square feet houses 138 students. It has undergone several renovations and additions. The building suffers from deferred site maintenance, lack of system upgrades, and unaddressed moisture issues, as well as failing, dated, deteriorating, or damaged architecture (both exterior and interior). This renovation will make necessary renovations to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, architectural improvements of low maintenance flooring and building envelope repairs. This project will also take the opportunity to repurpose underutilized space and provide suite type rooms to increase the number of beds.
Construction is planned to begin in May 2026, immediately after 2026 commencement.
The current construction for the project is estimated to cost $15,000,000. This will bring the grand total of this project to $15,700,000.00, which includes the previously authorized $700,000.00 for design only authorized by the Board in January, 2025. This will be funded with the University's 2024-2026 State Bond Funded Asset Preservation Funds, which no longer requires a match.
Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo recommends the Board of Regents approve the construction budget of $15,000,000 for the construction portion of the Kentucky Hall Renovation project.
Approve the use of 2024-2026 asset preservation funds for the Kentucky Hall renovation project construction.