Adam RollinsThe University of Alabama Board of Trustees has approved a series of major capital projects at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), investing more than $180 million in upcoming renovation and construction projects.
The largest project approved by the board during its meeting earlier this month will focus on renovations to the Souther Research Campus. The $141 million initiative will feature 117,000 square feet of new construction and will enable the university to reclaim 45,000 square feet of outdated, underutilized space. The project vision calls for building a research structure, expanding laboratory spaces, enhancing landscaping and resolving maintenance issues.
Blount Hall is included in the list of projects, receiving a $22.7 million renovation. The hall, which currently has enough capacity for approximately 510 students, will be thoroughly remodeled. The university will replace the hall’s roof, install new exterior doors and windows, carpeting, kitchen cabinets and integrate a modern fire alarm system.
UAB will also advance a $17 million renovation of the Sterne Library. As part of the renovations, the project will add 8,400 square feet to the building, including group study areas, a large assembly space, administrative support areas and food service space. Additional work will focus on infrastructure updates, including a replacement roof, upgrades to the freight elevator and improvements to the fire alarm system.
The board authorized a final $4.7 million investment to upgrade Volker Hall. The university will use the funds to build new research and laboratory areas. The hall will receive an additional 12,000 square feet of space to provide enough room for biomedical research labs, conference rooms and offices.
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