Western Kentucky University, in partnership with Gilbane Development, broke ground on The Southern Gateway, a new, $350 million student housing complex, according to an announcement from the school.
The general contractor for the project is Champaign, Illinois-based Broeren Russo Builders, according to a Gilbane spokesperson. Gilbane Building, the construction arm of parent company Gilbane, performed early-stage and construction feasibility work, Gilbane told Construction Dive via email.
The approximately 1,000-bed residential complex will replace two of WKU’s oldest such halls — Hugh Poland and Douglas Keen Halls — on the same site, according to the university’s announcement. The scope of The Southern Gateway’s cost includes the construction of the new residence hall, debt defeasance and significant facility repairs and renovations, according to WKU.
Once complete, the new hall will offer students a mix of private and semi-private suite-style rooms, along with lounges and shared spaces on residential floors, per WKU. Students will also be able to use community kitchens, a 24-hour study area, new dining options and a multipurpose classroom.
The Southern Gateway is the first phase of Elevate WKU, the university’s plan to create new, modern living areas for students, per the announcement. Gilbane Development announced in April that it was selected to lead the public-private partnership.
The partnership will include a 50-year ground lease with the Fairhope, Alabama-based Collegiate Housing Foundation, a nonprofit student housing provider which will act as owner and borrower, per the April announcement.
The build adds to Gilbane’s success in leveraging public-private partnerships, which the Providence, Rhode Island-based company has touted in the past. The company says it generated more than $2.3 billion from P3s in 2025 across higher education, health sciences and social infrastructure.
WKU expects to open the Southern Gateway in Fall 2028.
