The University of Kentucky officially unveiled the final dorms in its new Woodland Glen complex Tuesday.
The nametags are hung on the doors with care, the microwaves are powered up, the water’s turned on, and Woodland Glen III is ready for business when a fresh batch of students begin arriving this week.
"The beds are full size, extra long," tour guide Rique Menezes-Correa says, taking visitors through a model room. "And you get your own closet, desk, table..."
Woodland Glen is part of a five building complex off Woodland Avenue meant to simulate a village-like atmosphere, complete with a common courtyard and blue basketball court in the center. Back at the outset of UK’s campus revitalization effort, the school envisioned at least 6,600 new beds – and they’re well on their way.
"After Woodland Glen III, IV, and V, we'll open nearly 4,600 of that 6,600, so maybe about two-thirds of what we've authorized," UK Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration Eric Monday says. "Of course we've always said it could be up to 9,000 new beds, so we may authorize additional projects."
The final additions to Woodland Glenn represent about a $100 million dollar investment by EdR, a private developer which has signed long-term leases with the university to maintain the buildings.