WKU has announced their plans to “renovate” Cherry Hall beginning the summer of 2025. This is being described as adding “reimagined” “modernized” classrooms and “collaborative spaces”  while addressing infrastructure issues. They have promised to preserve, “the well-worn marble steps” that lead to Cherry Hall. Beyond this, not other promises of preservation have been made. The well loved and historic architecture that Cherry Hall retains, is being stripped away. In place of this, the renderings that accompany the announcement can be characterized as soulless and insulting. This renovation was approved by the WKU Board of Regents with a budget of $75 million in August of 2024. It will include accessible entrances and sensory relief spaces. Rather than erasing history, WKU should address infrastructure issues, restore the building, and create more inclusive spaces without the lifeless modernization. This project is scheduled to commence this summer and be completed in 2027. We must take immediate action to call president Caboni and the WKU Board of Regents to maintain and protect the history of Cherry Hall. 
More information about the renovation can be found here: https://www.wku.edu/cherryhall/