Video produced by UK Public Relations and Strategic Communications and UK Marketing and Brand Strategy. To view captions for this video, push play and click on the CC icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. If using a mobile device, click on the “thought bubble” in the same area
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 1, 2026) — With just a few months remaining until the White Hall Classroom Building is reopened for the fall 2026 semester, the space is deep into renovations. The upgraded building has 46 classrooms, open natural lighting and enhanced ADA accessibility. These improvements lay the foundation for a significant campus-wide impact.
“I think everyone is eager to be back in White Hall after the building has been out of commission for two years,” said Angela Walton, capital construction manager senior in Facilities Management Planning, Design and Construction. “Students will feel the positive impact of this project both inside and outside of the building and find many more spaces to collaborate, learn, meet and hang out. It feels like a brand-new building.”
White Hall also will be adding space for the College of Arts and Sciences Mathskeller program.
“I am incredibly pleased with the new, improved Mathskeller space,” she said. “It is in a fantastic location that is easily accessible on the second floor.” That excitement is shared by students as well.
The building still has a few more steps to go until it is ready to open for operation.
“The contractors are working top-down on this project. On the third floor, only small remaining finishes and furniture installations have yet to be completed,” Walton said. “On the second floor, classroom furniture has been delivered, and the installers will be putting everything together over the next couple of weeks. The first floor is really coming along as wooden wall panels, vestibule entrance construction and resilient flooring installation are all well underway.”
In addition to massive updates inside, the outside will include new seating and collaborative spaces.
“We are in the process of selecting exterior improvement finishes and furnishings,” Walton said. “This will really engage the outdoor spaces for students.”
Outdoor seating is not the building’s only new feature, with Walton expressing her own excitement for new upgrades.
The project is on track to open for the fall 2026 semester.