UAB Inaugurates Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall

News Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has officially inaugurated the Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall, a new state-of-the-art facility for the School of Engineering. The $77 million investment adds nearly 116,000 square feet of innovative space designed to enhance collaboration and research among students and faculty. Key features include specialized labs and student study commons. This milestone is expected to elevate UAB’s profile in engineering education and significantly impact the local community and economy.

Birmingham, Alabama – The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) officially inaugurated the Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, heralding this facility as the new home for the UAB School of Engineering. This state-of-the-art building is a key addition to the Science and Engineering Complex on campus.

Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall, which represents an investment of $77 million, spans nearly 116,000 square feet and features a design that fosters innovation and collaboration. The facility includes 200 offices and workstations designated for faculty, staff, and graduate students, creating an environment conducive to educational and research activities.

Among the noteworthy features of Gorrie Hall are a 2,000-square-foot Vulcan Materials Testing Lab, various specialized research and teaching laboratories, and a design and rapid prototyping lab. Additionally, the building includes student study commons and an outdoor patio, providing spaces for both collaborative work and relaxation.

The architectural design of Gorrie Hall was executed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, while construction was undertaken by Brasfield & Gorrie, who succeeded in submitting the lowest bid for the project. The construction’s completion marks a significant milestone for UAB’s engineering department and the wider Birmingham community.

UAB President Ray L. Watts highlighted that the new facility will significantly enhance collaboration among students and faculty, increase competitiveness, and help attract leading talent to the university. This development is also seen as a critical step toward elevating the School of Engineering’s profile as a center for academic excellence in the region.

Miller Gorrie, the founder of Brasfield & Gorrie, pointed out the important role UAB has played in the growth of Birmingham, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project and its benefits to the local economy. The construction of Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall garnered support from prominent organizations, including Alabama Power and Vulcan Materials, demonstrating a broad commitment to educational advancement in Alabama.

Dr. Jeffrey W. Holmes, the dean of the UAB School of Engineering, expressed appreciation for all those who contributed to the project, recognizing that their support has brought this vision to fruition. The introduction of the materials testing lab is particularly notable; it is poised to engage K-12 students with advanced engineering concepts, fostering interest in the field from an early age.

UAB established the School of Engineering in 1983, and the unveiling of Gorrie Hall is poised to enhance the department’s capabilities significantly. The facility is anticipated to facilitate increased grant funding for research and create enhanced real-world learning opportunities for students.

UAB officials envision Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall becoming a central hub for academic and research efforts within the engineering department, thereby positioning the university at the forefront of engineering education and innovation. The new building is expected to commence operations fully by Summer 2025, bringing fresh resources and collaborative spaces to both students and faculty.