Building Bama: Projects Finished in Time for Fall

Building Bama: Projects Finished in Time for Fall

By Bryant Welbourne

While many UA students and employees enjoyed a refreshing break over the past few months, construction crews across The University of Alabama campus were working hard through the sweltering summer to complete several projects, and get a head start on others, before the campus community returned for a new academic year.

“I’m always amazed at how well our teams perform during the summer because they have to fight through high temperatures as we try to get a lot of work done in a short period of time,” said Tim Leopard, associate vice president for construction administration at UA. “It’s a true testament to how hard the construction community works.”

As the fall semester gets underway, take a look at several finished and ongoing construction projects around the Capstone.

Lakeside Dining Hall – Renovations to Lakeside Dining Hall wrapped up just in time for the start of the fall semester. Improvements include new food service dining and support spaces, an allergen-free zone and a 200-seat mezzanine level. Eateries include Sola Taco Shop, Glutinus Minimus Allergy Aware Kitchen and Bama Burger Bar, among others.

New Freshman Residence Hall – Adjacent to Lakeside Dining Hall is New Freshman Residence Hall, home to almost 500 students. Aside from a great view of Palmer Lake, the new hall features a common area with open lounges, neighborhood/flex study space and several media centers. The building also includes an emergency storm shelter for 1,607 students, faculty and staff.

H.M. Comer Hall – Renovations to H.M. Comer Hall were completed in mid-August. The project included a complete interior and exterior transformation to provide a new front door to the College of Engineering and the Science and Engineering Complex. Additions include a student and visitor welcome center and the Center for Unique Business Enterprises, or CUBE, which showcases the College’s latest technology.

Tutwiler Parking Deck – The Tutwiler Parking Deck opened in early August and provides 1,450 parking spaces for students, faculty and staff, which is an 80 percent increase in available parking in the immediate area. The parking deck includes seven above-ground levels, energy-efficient LED lighting and security and access control features.

Capstone Parking Deck – Construction of the Capstone Parking Deck at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Paul W. Bryant Drive started in May. The deck will provide 1,010 additional parking spaces for the east side of campus, as well as for events at the Frank Moody Music Building and Coleman Coliseum. Features include an LED lighting system and best available area of refuge.

University HallUniversity Hall, part of the Peter Bryce Campus, will be the future home of several College of Continuing Studies programs. Renovations to the building will continue throughout the academic year. Once complete, the building will house UA Early College, New College Life Track and the dean’s office.

Peter Bryce Main – Stabilization of Peter Bryce Main will continue for the foreseeable future as crews work to preserve and adapt the historic building’s structure. Careful attention has been paid to replicate elements of existing architecture.