LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The University of Kentucky is celebrating the grand opening of a brand new dorm space.
A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday for the new Kirwan-Blanding Hall, which was built on the site of the former Kirwan-Blanding Complex on University Drive.
The 222,635-square-foot building has 649 beds across four floors. It also includes four kitchens, four laundry rooms, nine study spaces and eight areas for students to gather.
"Kirwan-Blanding Hall will be where students find community, build lifelong relationships and learn to truly call Kentucky home," said UK Student Government Association President Nick Pace in the release.
The hall is named after former UK President Albert D. Kirwan and Sarah G. Blanding, a former UK dean of women who later became the first female president of Vassar College.
Students will begin moving into UK residence halls Aug. 16, with fall classes starting Aug. 24.
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.