UA Seeks, Sells Property as Part of Planned, Steady Growth

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Another phase in The University of Alabama’s planned, steady growth is under way, as the University seeks Board approval for a series of land purchases in areas adjacent to the campus. The executive committee of the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama will convene on Thursday to discuss the recommendations.

“These transactions are part of our planned and steady growth to increase our student body to 28,000 by 2010,” said Deborah Lane, UA executive director of public relations. “We have a record number of students enrolled this year, and that number will continue to grow. We have to provide the infrastructure necessary to make this continued growth possible, effectively and efficiently.”

UA enrolled a record 23,878 students in 2006, a 10 percent increase over last year. As part of its plan to provide the infrastructure necessary for continued growth, the University recently announced plans to lease off-campus residential space to accommodate growth in the student body, and is developing a voluntary preferred renter program for off-campus housing. On campus, one new residence hall will open next August, and a second will open in August 2008. A new dining hall will open in January 2007, and two new parking decks are preliminarily scheduled for fall 2008.

The proposed transactions include:

• the purchase of the Wittichen Supply Warehouse at 1511 12th Street
• the purchase of property located at 1201, 1203, 1205, 1207 and 1209 University Boulevard
• the purchase of property located at 801, 807 and 809 Paul W. Bryant Drive

In addition, UA is requesting approval of the sale of property at 3809 5th Avenue in the Southwood subdivision.

University officials have not finalized plans for the newly acquired property, but will base decisions on the campus master plan. “We are working hard to make our campus and surrounding areas an effective, efficient environment that is conducive to teaching and learning, research and community service,” said Lane. “And, we are partnering with the city of Tuscaloosa to make sure these areas are vibrant, thriving, economically diverse and secure environments for our students, faculty and staff, and the community as a whole.”