Western Kentucky University enters eminent domain proceedings to acquire property for planned building

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Western Kentucky University is planning to expand even more with a plan to create a new academic complex along State Street.

WKU owns a few of the building planned for demolition, including the Restaurant and Food Services Building and the Zuheir Sofia Dero Downing Building. Some of those buildings along the area of planned development are privately owned, however. The university has settled to purchase most of those properties, except for two. In response to the failed negotiations, the university has now entered into eminent domain proceedings to acquire those properties. News 40 reached out to the university for comment, which stated:

“Western Kentucky University has initiated eminent domain proceedings to acquire several properties on the northeast end of campus. Acquiring these properties is necessary to construct a new facility to replace the university’s current Academic Complex, home to the College of Health and Human Services and WKU’s public media operations.

“The properties, identified in the university’s campus master plan since 2003, are located near the Environmental Science and Technology Building and across State Street from the Commons at Helm Library. The university is committed to working closely with the students who may be affected by the transition to ensure they are supported throughout this process.

“During the past several months, WKU has engaged in good-faith negotiations with property owners in the footprint of the planned building. The majority of owners have reached agreements with the university to sell their properties. However, despite extensive discussions, WKU has been unable to reach agreements with two remaining property owners, even after extending offers above the appraised value for each property.

“As a result, the university has moved forward with eminent domain proceedings to secure the necessary properties for the project. In keeping with university practice in matters involving litigation, WKU will not provide additional comment until the issue is resolved in court. The university looks forward to sharing more information about the design and site of this facility at a later date,” a university official told News 40.

There are 20 total buildings located in the area currently planned for development. News 40 will provide additional details as they become available.