News Summary
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has been granted a substantial $180 million investment by its board for renovation and construction projects. This funding will improve campus facilities, focusing on various buildings including the Southern Research campus, Blount Hall, Sterne Library, and Volker Hall. The intended renovations aim to bolster UAB’s educational and research missions while providing updated living and learning spaces for students. This significant investment signifies UAB’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and capabilities for the future.
Birmingham – The University of Alabama System board has approved a significant investment totaling $180 million for various renovation and construction projects at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). This funding aims to enhance campus facilities and support the university’s expanding educational and research missions.
Mike Rogers, vice chancellor of construction management, provided insights into the planned projects, which encompass upgrades and expansions across multiple campus buildings. Highlights of the funding allocation include major renovations at the Southern Research campus, Blount Hall, the Sterne Library, and Volker Hall, among others.
Southern Research Campus Renovation
The Southern Research campus will undergo a comprehensive renovation that includes the addition of 117,000 square feet of new construction and the reclamation of 45,000 square feet of outdated and underutilized space. The project budget is approximately $141 million, with $45 million sourced from the state education fund. The renovation plan involves constructing a new research building, expanding laboratory areas, improving landscaping, and addressing ongoing maintenance issues. Brasfield & Gorrie has been designated as the contractor for this extensive project.
Blount Hall Renovation
As part of the overall campus improvements, Blount Hall, which accommodates 510 students, is set for renovation. The updates will involve a complete roof replacement, installation of new exterior doors and windows, carpeting, kitchen cabinets, and an upgraded fire alarm system. The budget for these renovations is $22.7 million.
Sterne Library Renovation
The Sterne Library will also see substantial updates, including roof replacement, thorough upgrades to the freight elevator, and enhancements to the fire alarm system. Additionally, the renovation will add 8,400 square feet to the facility, creating new group study areas, a large assembly space, a student lounge, a food service venue, and administrative support areas. This project’s total budget is pegged at $17 million.
Volker Hall Upgrades
Volker Hall will receive $4.7 million for enhancements that include new research and laboratory space. The renovation will focus on approximately 12,000 square feet to accommodate biomedical research labs, conference rooms, and office spaces.
School of Public Health Renovation
A recent permit was approved for a $5 million renovation that will transform laboratory spaces into offices on the sixth floor of the Ryal’s School of Public Health building. Additional updates will include restroom improvements, elevator lobby alterations, and corridor renovations. CT Construction is the general contractor for this project, with CCR serving as the architect of record.
Significant Additional Projects
On February 7, the UAB Board of Trustees further approved several significant projects. These include a $13 million renovation of the fifth floor of the Zeigler Medical Research Building and the construction of a new 134,000-square-foot student services building at the site of the former Campbell Hall, with a budget of $84 million. Furthermore, a $70 million expansion of the downtown Birmingham emergency department at the UAB Health System, spanning 42,600 square feet, was also greenlit.
Conclusion
The $180 million investment in UAB’s infrastructure is aimed at supporting the growing needs of the university community, enhancing research capabilities, and providing updated living and learning spaces for students. As these projects progress, UAB continues to bolster its capacity for education and innovation while contributing positively to the Birmingham area.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: UAB Approves $180 Million for New Research Space & Offices
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Bham Now: New $5 Million Renovation for UAB Public Health
- Google Search: UAB Public Health renovation
- AL.com: UAB Plans $167 Million in Construction Renovations
- Google Scholar: UAB construction renovation
- The Bama Buzz: New Dollar Building Permits Include Project UAB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UAB research
- Bham Now: UAB Receives Approval for $167M in New Major Construction Projects
- Google News: UAB construction projects
