Elevate WKU Initiative

Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky

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Shelter
As the first phase of Western Kentucky University’s Elevate WKU initiative, this 300,000-plus-square-foot residential community replaces Hugh Poland and Douglas Keen Halls with a modern living environment for the next generation of Hilltoppers. The 1,000-plus-bed complex features Single Hotel and Double Semi-Suite configurations, giving students flexibility and choice in how they live on campus.

Floor lounges, community kitchens, and a 24-hour Great Hall that combines lounge and dining space encourage connection and support the rhythms of daily student life. Dedicated spaces for Living Learning Communities further strengthen the link between where students live and how they learn.

Designed in partnership with Western Kentucky University, Collegiate Housing Foundation, Gilbane Development Company, and Broeren Russo Builders, the residence hall reflects a shared commitment to durability, affordability, and long-term value. Energy-efficient systems and a LEED Silver goal support WKU’s focus on responsible stewardship while enhancing student comfort and wellbeing.
Shape
The design reflects WKU’s vision of housing as an extension of the learning environment. Residential neighborhoods are organized to balance privacy with shared experiences, creating opportunities for students to connect while maintaining spaces for rest and focus.

Community kitchens, lounges, and study areas anchor each residential zone, providing informal places for collaboration and conversation. These shared environments also support the expansion of WKU’s Living Learning Communities, helping connect where students live with how they learn.

Delivered through a public-private partnership with Gilbane, the project brings together thoughtful design and efficient delivery to support WKU’s long-term goals for affordability, quality, and student-centered campus life.
Inspire
Residence halls are often where the WKU experience truly begins. They are places where friendships form, independence grows, and students find their place within the campus community.

As the first project in the university’s multi-year housing transformation, the new residential complex represents a meaningful investment in the future of campus life. When it opens in fall 2028, it will welcome a new generation of Hilltoppers into a community designed to foster belonging, connection, and academic success.

More than a new building, it reflects WKU’s commitment to creating an environment where students can thrive both personally and academically.

What you see is what you get when you bring in the best in the country, who have tens of thousands of beds under management and have worked at the best institutions this nation has. This project reflects the creativity, collaboration, and commitment of a team dedicated to creating something truly transformative for WKU.

- Dr. Tim Caboni
WKU President

Team Members

Kyle Wagner,

Principal
Principal in Charge
John Burse,

Principal
Principal Designer
Nick Fratta,

Design Associate
Project Designer
Matthew Roeder,

Associate Principal, Project Manager
Project Manager
Sara Ferguson,

Senior Associate, Architect
Project Architect
Cody Henderson,

Associate Principal, Architect
Project Architect
Ivon Tjandra,

Associate, Interior Designer
Interior Design
Emily Senjan,

Interior Design Associate
Interior Design
Elizabeth Zareh,

Design Associate
Team Member
Noah Morris,

Design Associate
Team Member
Megan Martinez,

Design Associate
Team Member
Chris Wilson,

Associate, Sustainability Coordinator
Sustainability Coordinator
Gilbane Development,

Master Developer
Broeren Russo Builders Inc.,

Construction Manager
Element Design,

Civil Engineer + Landscape Architect
Structural Design Group,

Structural Engineer
Kerr-Greulich Engineers,

MEP/FP Engineer
Reed Burkett Lighting Designers,

Lighting Designer
Tipton Associates,

Food Service
McClure Engineering,

Acoustic Consultant

View all Mackey Mitchell projects

Elevate WKU Initiative

Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky

Shelter

Shape

Inspire

Team Members

Kyle Wagner,

Principal

John Burse,

Principal

Nick Fratta,

Design Associate

Matthew Roeder,

Associate Principal, Project Manager

Sara Ferguson,

Senior Associate, Architect

Cody Henderson,

Associate Principal, Architect

Ivon Tjandra,

Associate, Interior Designer

Emily Senjan,

Interior Design Associate

Elizabeth Zareh,

Design Associate

Noah Morris,

Design Associate

Megan Martinez,

Design Associate

Chris Wilson,

Associate, Sustainability Coordinator

Gilbane Development,

Broeren Russo Builders Inc.,

Element Design,

Structural Design Group,

Kerr-Greulich Engineers,

Reed Burkett Lighting Designers,

Tipton Associates,

McClure Engineering,