UK celebrates opening of Kirwan-Blanding Hall

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2026) — University of Kentucky Campus Housing marked a major milestone today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Kirwan-Blanding Hall.  

Built on the historic site of the former Kirwan-Blanding Complex, the state-of-the-art residence hall combines the spirit of the former campus landmark with modern design and amenities for today’s UK students. 

“For generations of students, Kirwan-Blanding has been where their Kentucky story began,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “This new residence hall carries that legacy forward, providing a modern living and learning environment for students while preserving what has always mattered most about residence halls: the opportunity to build community, gain independence and make this university their home. As an institution serving a growing state, we have a responsibility to create spaces that support our students and help them thrive from the moment they arrive on campus, and this new facility is an example of how we uphold that promise.” 

With about 90% of first-year students choosing to live in residence halls as well as an increasing number of returning students, the new residence hall helps support the university's enrollment growth and need for additional on-campus housing.   

“We know the power of the residential experience on campus. It’s at the heart of who we are as a community, and the data reflects that,” said Kirsten Turner, UK vice president for student success and chief student affairs officer. “Students who live on campus are more likely to be retained and have higher GPAs, and I am thrilled that with the opening of Kirwan-Blanding Hall, we will be able to provide this opportunity to more students this year and in the years to come.” 

The 222,635-square-foot residence hall was made possible with an $81 million public-private partnership with Greystar. The facility features contemporary lobbies, parcel lockers, community kitchens, private suites and updated study spaces. 

“UK is Greystar’s signature partnership, one that we are proud to continue with the opening of Kirwan-Blanding Hall,” said Julie Skolnicki, senior managing director of university partnerships with Greystar. “We look forward to continuing to support UK as it leads the way in higher education through strategic partnerships and a vision focused on student success.” 

Kirwan-Blanding Hall includes: 

• 649 beds 

• Four floors  

• Four kitchens 

• Four laundry rooms 

• One conference room 

• Nine dedicated study spaces  

• Eight social/community-building spaces 

Nick Pace, UK Student Government Association president, said the hall’s value will extend beyond its physical amenities. 

“I believe a residence hall is the epitome of what a university should be: a home for eager and diverse college students who are ready to explore all the wildly possible opportunities their time in college can offer them,” said Pace, a senior from Louisville. “Kirwan-Blanding Hall will be where students find community, build lifelong relationships and learn to truly call Kentucky home.” 

Kentucky State Senate President Pro Tem David Given agreed that the new residence hall is an important investment in UK’s students.  

“The University of Kentucky plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators and professionals. Kirwan-Blanding Hall represents an important investment in that mission, providing modern facilities that support student success and help the university attract, retain and graduate talented students,” Givens said. “I'm grateful for the partnership that made this project possible and for the shared commitment to Kentucky's future.” 

State Rep. James Tipton, chair of the House Postsecondary Education Committee, said the facility reflects the changing needs of today’s students. 

“This new residence hall is a great example of what happens when we invest in the infrastructure that supports our students and our universities,” Tipton said. “College campuses across the nation look different today, and students have growing expectations for the places where they live, study and spend their time outside the classroom. This new facility will give hundreds of students a place to live, study, build friendships and become more connected to campus, while helping the University of Kentucky remain competitive in attracting students from Kentucky and beyond.” 

The opening follows another major campus improvement nearby — the expansion of Sports Center Garage, where some Kirwan-Blanding Hall residents will park. The project added 1,200 parking spaces to the garage, with a one-level vertical expansion of the existing structure and a five-level horizontal expansion to the west. The newly expanded garage, closed during summer construction, reopened today. 

Kirwan-Blanding Hall honors the legacy of the historic Kirwan-Blanding Complex, which occupied the site from 1967 to 2017 and served as home to generations of UK students. The complex included twin 23-story towers, eight low-rise residence halls and a dining commons, and the towers were the tallest buildings in Lexington until 1979. The complex was named for Albert D. Kirwan, a former UK president, and Sarah G. Blanding, a former dean of women at UK who went on to become the first female president of Vassar College. Both played important roles in advancing higher education and shaping the University of Kentucky's history.