The evolution of The University of Alabama through construction and renovation projects continues to change the landscape of campus as a new academic year gets underway.
Here’s a brief update on several recently completed and in-progress projects.
Drummond Lyon Hall
Drummond Lyon Hall, part of the College of Human Environmental Sciences, opened just in time for the start of fall classes. The new facility is home to the college’s fashion retailing and apparel design concentrations. The 25,000 square foot facility houses The Fashion Archive historical garment and textiles collection, a conservation laboratory, exhibition galleries, two cutting-edge studio classrooms, flex space for receptions or lectures, and offices for fashion retailing and apparel design faculty.
McLure Library
McLure Library will be closed for the foreseeable future as the nearly 100-year-old building undergoes a major transformation to better serve the College of Education, School of Library and Information Studies and campus community. Renovation plans call for significant upgrades to the building’s infrastructure including new mechanical, electrical, accessibility, life safety systems, technology and building envelope issues including new windows. The addition will also provide space for code required vertical circulation and an elevator as the building does not currently have one. ADA access to McLure will be improved through the construction of a new entrance structure, which will also house program space below. Adjacent to the new entry will be a plaza and gathering space designed with brick pavers, precast seat walls, new landscaping and site lighting.
Greek Assembly Hall
Greek Assembly Hall opened in July as the latest safe shelter on campus meeting FEMA requirements and capable of accommodating 1,000 members of the campus community during severe weather events. During non-storm periods, the more than 12,600 square foot facility is designed to be flexible for group sizes and needs and will include spaces with partitions that can be easily adjusted for events, meetings and study groups. Greek Assembly Hall also serves the chapters of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Alabama United Greek Council.
Starbucks on University Boulevard
A new Starbucks store opened on University Boulevard east of Butler Field where the Million Dollar Band practices. While the new retail store does not have indoor seating, there is a drive-thru as well as a separate service window for those not in vehicles.
To learn more about ongoing and future construction projects, visit the Building Bama website.