Western Kentucky University Heating Plant
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Western Kentucky University Heating Plant
| nrhp_type =
| image = WKUHeating.JPG
| caption =
| location = Dogwood Dr., Western Kentucky University campus, Bowling Green, Kentucky
| coordinates = {{coord|36|59|14|N|86|27|21|W|display=inline,title}}
| locmapin = Kentucky#USA
| built = 1927
| architect = Brinton B. Davis
| architecture =
| added = December 18, 1979
| mpsub = {{NRHP url|id=64000258|title=Warren County MRA}}
| refnum = 79001035{{NRISref|version=2010a}}[http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/KY/Warren/state.html National Register of Historical Places - KENTUCKY (KY), Warren County]
}}
The Western Kentucky University Heating Plant is a historic structure on the campus of Western Kentucky University. Constructed in 1927, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1979.
History
The Heating Plant was constructed in 1927 to provide heat to the growing number of buildings on the campus of Western Kentucky University. It was designed by architect Brinton B. Davis of Louisville, nicknamed the "hill builder" for his hand in designing multiple structures at Western.
The plant provided heat by way of underground pipes encased in concrete masonry. Originally, a spur of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad led to the building, which used coal transported by train for heat production.{{Cite web |title=Heating Plant |url=http://www.wku.edu/Library/onlinexh/hb/heatingplant.html |website=wku.edu}}
Renovations and upgrades
The Heating Plant has been upgraded or expanded a number of times.
In 1963, the original building was expanded. In the 1970s, a new wing was added to the building, bordering College Heights Blvd.{{Cite web |title=echo - August 2003 - Building a Legacy |url=http://www.wku.edu/echo/previous/archive/2003aug/stories/building.htm |website=wku.edu}}
More recent upgrades to the facility have focused on the internal equipment used for steam generation. A project undertaken in 2002 focused on upgrading the boilers in the building, while another undertaken in 2006 focused on ancillary equipment and emissions control at the plant.{{Cite web |title=Proposed Project |url=http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/statcomm/cpab/Proposed%20Proj_0410/BD_PWKU.pdf |access-date=February 5, 2024 |website=lrc.state.ky.us}}
Modern use
The Heating Plant was one of multiple buildings on campus designed by Davis that were added to the National Register in 1979.
While the spur track has been removed, the railroad line still runs near the Heating Plant.
Today, the plant is still in use. It is surrounded by many newer buildings, notably student parking structures and modern residence halls. The Plant is located near the intersection of College Heights Blvd. and University Blvd.{{Cite web |title=WKU Campus Tour |url=http://www.wku.edu/Tour/campusmap.html |website=wku.edu}}
See also
- Agricultural Heating Station: Similar facility at the University of Wisconsin
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.wku.edu/Library/onlinexh/hb/heatingplant.html Hill Builder-Heating Plant]
{{National Register of Historic Places}}
{{Western Kentucky University}}
Category:Infrastructure completed in 1927
Category:Energy infrastructure on the National Register of Historic Places
Category:Western Kentucky University
Category:National Register of Historic Places in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Category:Industrial buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Kentucky
Category:University and college buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Kentucky