--- title: WKU Commons at Helm Library description: The Commons at Helm Library is the complete renovation and transformation of the three-story Margie Helm Library at Western Kentucky University. image: https://www.luckett-farley.com/hubfs/higher-education-design-studio/WKU%20Commons/gensler%20wku%20the%20commons%20at%20helm%2003r%20low%20res.jpg --- [![LuckettFarleyLogo.png](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo--full.png?width=207&height=57&name=logo--full.png "LuckettFarleyLogo.png")](https://luckett-farley.com) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ## WKU Commons at Helm Library Bowling Green, Kentucky [![gensler wku the commons at helm 04 low res](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hubfs/higher-education-design-studio/WKU%20Commons/gensler%20wku%20the%20commons%20at%20helm%2004%20low%20res.jpg) ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hubfs/higher-education-design-studio/WKU%20Commons/gensler%20wku%20the%20commons%20at%20helm%2004%20low%20res.jpg) [![gensler wku the commons at helm 02r low res](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hubfs/higher-education-design-studio/WKU%20Commons/gensler%20wku%20the%20commons%20at%20helm%2002r%20low%20res.jpg) ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hubfs/higher-education-design-studio/WKU%20Commons/gensler%20wku%20the%20commons%20at%20helm%2002r%20low%20res.jpg) [![gensler wku the commons at helm 05r low res](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hubfs/higher-education-design-studio/WKU%20Commons/gensler%20wku%20the%20commons%20at%20helm%2005r%20low%20res.jpg) ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hubfs/higher-education-design-studio/WKU%20Commons/gensler%20wku%20the%20commons%20at%20helm%2005r%20low%20res.jpg) [![gensler wku the commons at helm 01 low res](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hubfs/higher-education-design-studio/WKU%20Commons/gensler%20wku%20the%20commons%20at%20helm%2001%20low%20res.jpg) ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hubfs/higher-education-design-studio/WKU%20Commons/gensler%20wku%20the%20commons%20at%20helm%2001%20low%20res.jpg) ** Apr 9, 2026 11:15:00 PM / by [Luckett & Farley](https://www.luckett-farley.com/case-studies/author/luckett-farley) ### ABOUT THIS PROJECT The Commons at Helm Library is the complete renovation and transformation of the three-story Margie Helm Library at Western Kentucky University. The unique program considers the evolution of the library in current academia and rethinks the relationship between social and intellectual spaces in a larger campus ecosystem. Originally constructed in 1934 as a gymnasium and re-purposed in 1964 as a library, this latest transformation will repurpose currently underutilized reference, reading, and stacks space into a vital and active student learning center. A variety of social and academic spaces along with active learning classrooms will be provided to encourage collaboration and interaction, making the Commons a new academic student center for the campus. Seven food venues including a coffee shop have been included to draw students, staff, and faculty to the Commons. Designed in collaboration with Gensler, Luckett and Farley acted as the Architect of Record and provided architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, structural engineering, civil site engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering services.   ### [2022 AIA Merit Awards for Excellence in Architectural Design](https://www.luckett-farley.com/award-honors) [![aia-logo-socials](https://www.luckett-farley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/architecture/aia-logo-socials.jpg?width=639&height=124&name=aia-logo-socials.jpg)](https://www.luckett-farley.com/award-honors)   ### [![wku-commons-at-helm-library-document](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5925227/0f2b6da2-8ef0-4110-9432-9ff51587650a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5925227/0f2b6da2-8ef0-4110-9432-9ff51587650a) ### Project Details **Owner** Western Kentucky University Award 2022 AIA Merit Awards for Excellence in Architectural Design Services Provided Architecture Landscape Architecture Engineering Interior Design Check out more of our projects [Boone Tavern Restaurant and Bar ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/case-studies/boone-tavern-restaurant-and-bar) [Saga Spirits Distillery ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/case-studies/saga-spirits-distillery) [UofL J.B. Speed School of Engineering Student Success Center ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/case-studies/uofl-student-success-center) [Bardstown Aquatic & Sports Center ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/case-studies/bardstown-aquatic-sports-center) [Churchill Downs ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/case-studies/churchill-downs) ## Unsure if your current space can meet the demands of your changing business needs? [ Let's talk. ](https://www.luckett-farley.com/meet-with-us) © 2026 Luckett & Farley | [Site Information](https://www.luckett-farley.com/site-info) | [Site Map](https://www.luckett-farley.com/sitemap) [**](https://twitter.com/luckettfarley) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/luckett-%26-farley-architects-and-engineers) [**](https://www.facebook.com/luckett.farley.1853/) [**](mailto:info@luckett-farley.com) [**](https://www.luckett-farley.com/case-studies/the-commons-at-helm-library#)