Scovell Hall reopens on the University of Kentucky campus after a $70 million renovation
By Clay Wallace
July 31, 2026 at 8:40 AM EDT
After more than two years and $70 million in renovations, Scovell Hall is open in time for the 2026 fall semester.
The historic UK building originally opened in 1905 as the home of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and was, for a time, the largest building on campus.
State Representative Chad Aull, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee and grew up on a Western Kentucky farm, said the renovation deepens what a land-grant university is supposed to do.
"When UK researchers discover a better way to protect our crops or improve our livestock, it doesn't just stay right here. It spreads out throughout our community, throughout our country to better the lives of all of our citizens," said Aull.
"The renovated Scovell Hall brings research and extension together with student success and academic programs, connecting people who discover knowledge, teach it, and put it to work immediately."
Now, the building houses the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, the Department of Family Sciences, the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, and the School of Human Environmental Sciences, along with a new teaching kitchen and the Lemon Tree restaurant
State Representative Chad Aull, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee and grew up on a Western Kentucky farm, said the renovation deepens what a land-grant university is supposed to do.
"When UK researchers discover a better way to protect our crops or improve our livestock, it doesn't just stay right here. It spreads out throughout our community, throughout our country to better the lives of all of our citizens," said Aull.
"The renovated Scovell Hall brings research and extension together with student success and academic programs, connecting people who discover knowledge, teach it, and put it to work immediately."
Now, the building houses the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, the Department of Family Sciences, the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, and the School of Human Environmental Sciences, along with a new teaching kitchen and the Lemon Tree restaurant