The construction of a new building that will accommodate Gordon Ford College of Business in Kentucky has begun. Recently, the Western Kentucky University(WKU) hosted the project’s groundbreaking in Kentucky and a number of state officials were present at the event. Kentucky’s General Assembly enabled the project by approving $74.4 million from the state in the 2022-24 budget. This was initiated under House Bill 1 in April 2022.
According to WKU, the Gordon Ford College of Business has witnessed notable enrollment growth in recent years. Therefore, the new building is necessary to accommodate this growth and honour Kentucky’s business education heritage. Additionally, the building will also offer amenities to help enhance the student experience such as food or coffee shop facilities.
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Development plans for the new Gordon Ford College of Business building
The College of Business building will be built as part of WKU’s 2021-2031 Campus Master Plan. Based on the University’s master plan, the development will take place at the site of the former Tate Page Hall. Gordon Ford College Of Business Dean Christopher Shook led a Steering Committee that collaborated with Gensler Architects on the project. However, their team worked together for two years to create designs that would enhance business education at WKU.
The new Gordon Ford College of Business building will span 113,000 square feet and incorporate Georgian-style architecture. It will feature a modern and spacious interior, which provides a flexible environment to support active learning, academic innovation and curriculum. Additionally, the building will be equipped with facilities to train students for business careers.
They will have access to a virtual reality simulation lab, Bloomberg trading terminals, and the Center for Financial Success. Messer Construction will build the project and the developer expects it to reach completion by fall of 2025. Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman described the new College of Business building as a historic economic momentum for Kentucky. She mentioned that this will be the first building at Western Kentucky University to receive funding from the state since 2014.
