Summary:
- Western Kentucky University secured $350 million in tax-exempt and taxable revenue bonds to finance Elevate WKU, the largest residential investment in its history, through a public-private partnership with Gilbane Development and the Collegiate Housing Foundation, enabling modernization of aging residence halls without university debt service.
- The first phase includes demolition of outdated facilities such as Douglas-Keen and Hugh-Poland halls to build a new 1,000-bed residence hall and dining complex, with construction starting in fall 2026 and completion expected by fall 2028, supporting enhanced student living environments and enrollment goals.
- WKU retains control over residential life programming under a 50-year ground lease with the nonprofit Collegiate Housing Foundation, while Inwood Management manages daily operations, ensuring the project balances private-sector expertise with university oversight to improve student success and housing affordability.
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