New Alabama STEM Complex Reaches Construction Milestone

The new Science and Engineering Complex at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) recently celebrated a construction milestone. Hoar Construction announced the topping out of Phase I of the new facility, which means the building has reached its highest point. Construction is scheduled for completion by spring 2023, according to a news release.

The new complex costs an estimated $76 million and will cover 138,842 square feet on campus. The facility is the first of a three-step project whose goal is to unite all basic science studies, both undergraduate and graduate, in one complex. The four-story structure will house labs and classrooms for biology, chemistry and physics; faculty and staff offices; and specialized areas like an optics lab and cold growth environment rooms.

University of Alabama Birmingham Science Engineering Complex

“We are proud to continue our relationship with UAB through the construction of its new Science and Engineering Complex, which will play an integral role in unifying students and faculty while establishing the university as one of the region’s premier science research institutions,” said Chris Ryals, Superintendent for the project. “Hoar is dedicated to expanding its reach into all sectors of higher education, and we are pleased to play a part in the university’s next chapter of growth in our home base of Birmingham. We look forward to completion next year as we partner with UAB on turning this longstanding vision into reality.”

Construction began in February 2021. The university also partnered with lead architect Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood for the project’s design.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • St. Lucie County, Fla., Breaks Ground on New K–8 School

    St. Lucie Public Schools in St. Lucie County, Fla., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new K–8 school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., for the design of the upcoming Ft. Pierce K–8 School, which comprises six buildings covering 215,000 square feet.

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • Montclair State University Debuts New VR Facility

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently announced the completion of a new virtual reality learning facility developed in partnership with Dreamscape Learn, according to a news release. The 2,450-square-foot lab space is inside the College of Communication and Media building and will serve students pursuing careers in digital media, virtual reality, and content creation.

  • CSU Starts Construction on New Engineering Building

    Colorado State University in Denver, Colo., recently began clearing space for the construction of the new Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building, according to a news release.