University of Kentucky Opens Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building

The University of Kentucky opened a $60 million teaching facility for the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in May of 2026 in Lexington. Designed by BHDP to support both traditional pedagogies and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, the modernized and expanded building offers 18 classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, and focus spaces. Dedicated collaboration zones are complemented by informal gathering areas such as a kitchen and a café to promote interaction and intellectual engagement. 

Addressing the evolving needs of multiple of disciplines, the 66,000-sf structure accommodates programs in agricultural and medical biotechnology, pre-veterinary mentoring, natural resources and environmental science, and equine studies, as well as serving the Higgins-Neyland Companion Animal Program and the Department of Community and Leadership Development. The four-story addition also houses the Center for Student Success and a range of advising venues.

Congleton-Hacker Company was the general contractor for the project; the engineering and design team included CMTA, THP Limited, and Bell. Ground was broken in May of 2024. The academic hub is part of a larger $450 million transformation across the college. BHDP and Flad Architects designed a $285 million research facility that Turner Construction will complete in fall 2026.