The University of Kentucky will soon open a new $60 million Agricultural Sciences Building housing the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
About The Building
Spanning 66,000-square-feet, the building will become the college’s primary teaching facility and student center.
The new building will feature 15 state-of-the-art classrooms, a café and will house various academic programs, including UK Ag Equine Programs, Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology and Pre-Veterinary Advising.
“Large and flexible classroom spaces will accommodate the college’s expanding enrollment,” said Carmen Agouridis, Senior Associate Dean for the college. “Collaborative areas and purposeful outdoor spaces will help us cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
The project is the first new teaching facility in nearly 35 years for the college.
What To Expect
The building’s unique design will also feature integrated outdoor spaces that connect the renovated Cooper House and the newly established James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits.
“This groundbreaking marks a transformative step in empowering students to become agents of positive change for the Commonwealth,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “This is a moment to celebrate how The Bill Gatton Foundation is supporting our people and programs working to advance Kentucky.”
The project is financed with the university’s modernization fund pool, which prioritizes restoring and renewing the historic footprint of campus.
Additionally, funding from The Bill Gatton Foundation will support numerous enhancements to the building.
“This new building will showcase the investments planned for the next 20 years by The Bill Gatton Foundation,” said Nancy Cox, Vice President for Land-grant Engagement and Dean of the college. “This building stands as a testament to Mr. Gatton’s mission to shape a brighter future for Kentucky.”
The new building will also house the planned Companion Animal Program, a priority for Mr. Gatton, who valued the power of the human-animal bond.
The new building will be located along Cooper Drive adjacent to the Charles E. Barnhart Building and is expected to be completed by March 2026.
For more information about the college, visit ca.uky.edu.
For more details on the new building, watch this video.
