The new building will provide access to resources that prepare students for careers in business. Credit: Matej Kastelic via Shutterstock.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) in the US has celebrated a topping-off ceremony for the new Gordon Ford College of Business building. 

The ceremony included the placement of the final steel beam, marking a construction milestone for the project. 

Ground-breaking for the Gordon Ford College of Business took place in June 2023. 

The new 113,000ft² facility is designed to become a hub for innovation, collaboration and academic excellence.  

WKU president Timothy C Caboni said: “The new, state-of-the-art Gordon Ford College of Business is set to not only meet the increased need for professional business education but to truly revolutionise business instruction at WKU -transforming the way we teach; the way we support young people; and the way we prepare them for careers.” 

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It will have modern amenities and advanced technology, providing an environment that fosters active learning and research.  

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The interior will feature a flexible, open-space design, providing access to resources that prepare students for careers in business. 

These include a virtual reality simulation lab, a one-stop-shop Student Success Center, Bloomberg trading terminals, and a Center for Financial Success. 

The Steering Committee, under the leadership of Gordon Ford College of Business dean Christopher Shook, worked together with Chicago-based Gensler to design the space. 

Construction is being undertaken by Messer Construction.  

Messer senior project executive Brian Howard said: “Meticulous planning, logistics, and skilled craftsmanship are essential for a project of this scale. 

“With 1,479 cubic yards of concrete poured, 60t of steel placed, and a crane manoeuvring material to the 30 craft professionals onsite on any given day, all that work has happened safely, with no accidents or injuries.” 

The construction of the building is being backed by the Kentucky General Assembly.  

The legislators sanctioned an investment of $74.4m from the state budget for 2022-2024, as part of House Bill 1 in April 2022.