University of Kentucky breaks ground on Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building

Pictured above: Tom Sens, BHDP Client Leader, Angela Powell, University of Kentucky Senior Project Manager, and Alejandro J. Medina, BHDP Senior Architect, break ground for the Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building.

The University of Kentucky (UK) Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, in partnership with The Bill Gatton Foundation, has celebrated the groundbreaking of the new $60 million Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building. This milestone marks the first new teaching facility for the college in nearly 35 years, representing a significant step in advancing educational opportunities in agriculture and related fields.

The new building will be located along Cooper Drive adjacent to the Charles E. Barnhart Building. It will serve faculty, staff, and students across several academic departments, becoming the college’s primary teaching facility and student center.

Designed by BHDP, the 66,000-SF building will feature spacious, open classrooms on the ground floor, complemented by a café where students can relax, build relationships, and collaborate. The building's unique design will integrate outdoor spaces connected to the renovated Cooper House and the newly established James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, creating an immersive learning environment. It will also accommodate the college's expanding enrollment, with 15 state-of-the-art classrooms and various academic programs, including UK Ag Equine Programs, Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, and Pre-Veterinary Advising.

"I am thrilled to contribute to the University of Kentucky's vision for the Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building. This project is not just about constructing a new facility; it's about creating a dynamic space that will inspire learning and innovation for generations to come. We are honored to be part of this transformative project that will shape the future of agricultural education at UK," said Alejandro J. Medina, Senior Architect on the project. 

The building is expected to be completed by the winter of 2026.

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