Bellarmine University renames building ‘Nolen C. Allen Hall’; structure to receive 19,500 sq. ft. addition

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 13, 2012) — A Bellarmine University building has been renamed Nolen C. Allen Hall, honoring a retired philanthropist who was president of a local accounting firm for nearly 40 years. A 19,500 sq. ft. addition to the building will be under construction this summer.

The four-story office building — at 2120 Newburg Road — houses the Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education, the Center for Regional Environmental Studies and a physical therapy program, as well as university offices. It was formerly called the Bellarmine Office Building and the 2120 Building.

Allen was a founding partner, president and chairman of the Cotten & Allen accounting firm.

Until last year, Allen was a member of Bellarmine’s board of trustees. He also taught accounting classes in the W. Fielding Rubel School of Business. The university “knighted” Allen in 2001, during an annual event recognizing individuals with exemplary service to Bellarmine. In 2006, he received an honorary doctorate from the university.

“Nolen and Maydie Allen have been great friends to Maureen and I, and strong advocates for Bellarmine University,” said Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, Bellarmine’s president. “The progress and growth we’ve accomplished through our Vision 2020 plan would not have been possible without Nolen’s leadership and support.”

McGowan noted that Allen was involved in efforts to purchase the building that now bears his name, in large letters visible from Newburg Road. Bellarmine acquired the building and surrounding 13 acres in 2001.

Addition to Allen Hall

In May, Bellarmine will begin construction on a 19,500 sq. ft, addition to Allen Hall. The new construction will add three floors atop an existing one-story area at the back of the main building.

The expansion will accommodate enrollment growth in the physical therapy, environmental studies and education programs housed in the building.

The $2.5 million addition will create two new laboratory areas, one large classroom, nine new offices, a new student lounge and additional restrooms. The project will add 54 new parking spaces for Allen Hall.

Construction is scheduled to be complete in June 2013.