By the turn of the 20th century, BOWLING GREEN MALL was on life support. The complex was sold to Western Kentucky University in late 2001. They repurposed the structure as an extension of facilities of their South Campus. The WKU Center for Research & Development opened in late 2002.

Photo from Western Kentucky University Center for Research & Development

A circa-2002 site plan shows recent renovations of the former mall in medium gray. Three retail tenants retained their stores after the CFR&D conversion. Oak Furniture closed in 2008. Dollar General moved out in May 2020, with Big Lots relocating away from the mall in June 2021.