Birmingham’s Campus Undergoes Major Transformation

News Summary

The University of Alabama System trustees have approved several significant construction projects on the Birmingham campus. A new student services building worth $84 million, alongside expansions to the emergency department and research facilities, promises enhanced services for students and the community. Additional investments will also modernize Greek life accommodations and improve overall campus infrastructure. With a total of multiple projects in the pipeline, Birmingham’s campus is set to experience a transformative upgrade that will benefit everyone associated with the university.

Birmingham’s Campus Gets a Major Upgrade

Exciting news buzzes around Birmingham as the University of Alabama System board of trustees has given a big thumbs-up to several major construction projects on the Birmingham campus during their meeting on February 7. Get ready to see some incredible changes coming your way!

A New Hub for Student Services

One of the most visible changes will be the brand-new student services and administration building. With a staggering budget of $84 million, Campbell Hall is set to be demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art facility that will stretch over 134,000 square feet. This new building will not only house important officials like the president and provost but also centralize crucial student services. Students can look forward to having admissions, the registrar’s office, financial aid, a writing center, and an academic success center all under one roof!

Emergency Department Expansion

The Birmingham campus won’t stop at student services. The UAB Health System will also benefit from a large-scale expansion of its downtown emergency department, which is already buzzing with activity. This expansion includes 42,600 square feet of new space and over 29,000 square feet of renovations. Thanks to a budget of $70 million, the emergency department will introduce an impressive 59 new exam rooms, ample waiting areas, and expanded imaging capabilities. This means faster and more efficient care for everyone in the community.

Research Revamp

Research enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear about a planned $13 million renovation on the fifth floor of the Zeigler Research Building. This 11,800 square foot space will focus specifically on research, offering dedicated imaging and procedure areas to support groundbreaking work. With these upgrades, researchers can expect an even more conducive environment for innovation.

Plans Beyond Birmingham

But that’s not all—there’s a flurry of projects on the horizon even beyond the Birmingham campus. For instance, a new golf practice facility is set to hit the greens with a budget of nearly $48 million for the Alabama Intercollegiate Athletics golf programs. Additionally, the transformation of the former Alabama Transportation Center into the Smart Communities and Innovation Building, focused on transportation research, comes with a budget exceeding $54 million.

Also on the agenda is a hefty $94 million renovation of Peter Bryce Main, which will feature both museums and faculty offices, expected to be completed by November 2024. Meanwhile, updates are in store for McLure Library, costing nearly $19 million, with a projected completion date in May 2025. Let’s not forget the vital roadwork improvements, with over $26 million earmarked for University Boulevard and surrounding areas, anticipated to wrap up by August 2024.

Improvements in Greek Life

Greek life is also getting a facelift! The Kappa Sigma fraternity will see the completion of a shiny new chapter house coming in at nearly $17 million, set to open by November, while other fraternities will benefit from various renovations, enhancing their living spaces.

Upcoming Projects in Discussion

As if all this isn’t enough, the upcoming board meeting will delve into several additional construction initiatives. There’s buzz around plans for the expansion and renovation of the Coleman Coliseum Basketball Training and Player Development Facility, a High-Performance Computing and Data Center at UA, the demolition of the Alice Kidd Buildings, the creation of a Student Well-Being Hub, and an enhancement of campus safety and security measures.

All these projects promise to breathe new life into Birmingham’s campus, creating exciting opportunities for students, faculty, and the community alike. From vibrant student services to cutting-edge research spaces, Birmingham is on the brink of transformation!