One of Eastern Kentucky University’s most iconic buildings on campus is ready for a new phase of life.
Renovations to Keene Hall are officially complete, marking a significant milestone in creating a safer campus with an improved student experience.
A New Chapter For EKU
The renovations included nearly every part of the building, including new plumbing, new HVAC, new paint, new flooring, new furniture, renovated kitchens, renovated bathrooms and more.
“These projects exemplify our priorities at Eastern Kentucky University,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Every decision we make is driven by one guiding principle: enhancing the student experience. The new pedway responds to our students’ call for increased pedestrian safety, while the Keene Hall renovation addresses the demand for a vibrant, traditional campus life. These developments mark an exciting new chapter for EKU and our students.”
University leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting for the upgraded facility on August 7th.
Originally built in 1969, the residence hall closed in winter 2019 for the extensive renovations to improve the living experience.
The newly renovated Keene Hall houses 582 students.
Keene Hall reached capacity in record time when registration opened.
“The opening of these two monumental structures quite literally bridges a gap. The new pedway will connect nearly 600 students in Keene Hall to the wider campus community,” said EKU Student Government Association President Will Lampert. “These enhancements not only provide modern, comfortable living spaces but also foster a stronger, more integrated student body, enriching the overall campus experience.”
Improved Campus Safety
In addition, a new pedway that crosses over the Eastern Bypass was constructed in response to student requests.
The pedway connects the central part of campus to the south side of campus and provides a safe and efficient route for navigating campus.
The south side of campus houses some of EKU’s facilities for top programs and events, including the Stratton Building and the College of Justice, Safety and Military Science, the Business and Technology Center and the EKU Center for the Arts.
“Safety is a focal point of all projects occurring on campus. Students, faculty, staff and community members can now safely cross one of the busiest roads in Madison County,” said Bryan Makinen, Chief Campus Operations Officer.
The ribbon cutting celebrated not only the completion of the projects, but also the partnership between EKU and the City of Richmond.
“As EKU has grown, so has the need for a more pedestrian-friendly campus. The new Eastern Bypass pedway will enhance safety while improving the travel experience for our Richmond community,” said the Mayor of Richmond, Robert Blythe. “We are proud to have our city’s name prominently displayed on this new pedway, highlighting the strong relationship between Richmond and EKU.”
Additional improvements to EKU’s campus are currently underway, including the renovation of Alumni Coliseum.
For more information, visit eku.edu.
