Seven downtown brownstones near the heart of Owensboro have been donated to Brescia University to serve as graduate student housing, thanks to a $1.8 million gift from Steve and Sandy Hayden.
Brescia officials announced the donation this week, calling it a transformative step that will ease housing barriers for graduate students while supporting the university’s growing academic offerings.
The units, located at the corner of Locust and West 5th streets, will now be known as Hayden Commons at Brescia University. Four of the homes are expected to open in fall 2026, with the remaining units to follow as demand increases. Each brownstone will house up to seven students, grouped by similar majors or graduate programs to encourage collaboration and academic success.
“This gift reflects a shared vision for the future of Brescia University,” said President Madison Silvert. “Graduate students are an integral part of our campus community, and this project will ensure they have the resources and environment they need to thrive. They will have the independence they are looking for, just off of campus, while also having the ease of dealing exclusively with our incredible staff here at Brescia.”
According to a release from the university, the brownstones offer turnkey living arrangements with no need for roommates, utility setup, or monthly rent payments — features designed to relieve the common stressors associated with relocation and off-campus housing. The cost can be built into students’ financial aid packages.
“This investment will attract top talent and strengthen our role in preparing healthcare professionals for the region,” Silvert said, referencing the university’s upcoming Physician Assistant program.
Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Lori Ethridge said the housing model supports student retention and academic performance.
“Our goal is to provide resources that help students succeed at Brescia and grow into their future careers with a strong foundation and support system,” Ethridge said.
Dr. Amanda Morris, vice president for academic affairs, added that “by integrating living and learning, we are creating spaces where students can thrive both personally and academically.”
The brownstones were originally constructed in 2023 by Lumar Development, a partnership that included Steve Hayden, with the intent of selling them as high-end residential properties near downtown. Each unit was listed around $589,000 and marketed as customizable, luxury homes.
After limited buyer interest and more than a year of vacancy, the Haydens opted to donate the properties to Brescia University to support graduate housing.
“We believe in Brescia’s mission and are honored to invest in the success of its graduate students,” Hayden said. “We invite others in the community to join us in supporting Brescia and, even more importantly, the future workforce of our region.”
The university will continue fundraising for the project and is offering naming rights to help support completion of the remaining units. For more information or to get involved, contact Melanie Brooks in Brescia’s Office of Advancement at 270-686-6417.
