University of Alabama Completes Construction on New Dormitory

  • By Matt Jones
  • 12/08/22

Construction management firm HPM recently announced that it has finished construction on a new residence hall at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Julia Tutwiler Hall covers 383,000 square feet and will serve as the new home for more than 1,200 female students across 625 two-person rooms, 35 Resident Advisor rooms, and apartments for housing staff, according to a news release. The new facility is a replacement for the existing Tutwiler Hall, built in 1968, which was demolished earlier this year.

HPM served as the project’s program manager, overseeing elements like budget, scheduling and project management. The firm offered a foundation and site package featuring several options for foundation systems, which gave the university additional choices during the bidding process. The options presented the opportunity for significant price cuts, the news release reports.

“We are pleased with our team’s hard work in tackling any challenges that arose during the construction of this monumental addition to the University of Alabama’s campus, which sets a new standard for on-campus housing,” said Ryan Austin, HPM President. “Our relationship with the university over the years has been incredibly valued within our company, and I am proud that we have continued to serve this partnership with program management excellence on numerous projects. Our expertise in every step of the construction lifecycle has driven home success for this client time and time again, and we look forward to continuing our work with the university in the future.”

HPM dealt with a number of material shortages and price hikes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the press release reports, including the realization that the building’s insulation wouldn’t arrive before the anticipated completion date. The team pivoted and selected another product of the same quality as the original. The HPM team also successfully completed the project without any COVID outbreaks at the worksite. The project was delivered on schedule and under budget.

According to the university website, the space will contain amenities like community living spaces and study spaces; a fitness center; a multipurpose room that can serve as a storm shelter; and campus favorite Julia’s Market, a food service venue that will carry over from the previous Tutwiler Hall.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Electrifying Bus Fleets

    Now is an excellent time for K-12 “yellow” school buses, college campus transportation, and public transit systems to transition to zero-emission electric buses instead of traditional gas or diesel-powered models.

  • Case Systems makerspace

    Case Systems Launches Line of K–12 Learning Spaces Installations

    Case Systems recently announced the launch of SALTO, a line of classroom fixtures and installations for K–12 learning spaces like STEM labs, art rooms, and makerspaces, according to a news release. The product line is designed to provide teachers with flexibility and adaptability, enabling them to shift between collaborative and individual learning environments.

  • Massachusetts Charter School Opens New Academic Building

    The Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School (AMSA) in Marlborough, Mass., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new academic building, according to a news release. The 17,000-square-foot space will serve as a classroom and science lab building for the student population of almost a thousand in grades 6–12.

  • zSpace Imagine Learning Solution

    zSpace Introduces Headset-Free AR/VR System

    Immersive learning company zSpace has debuted the zSpace Imagine Learning Solution, a headset-free AR/VR laptop system designed for elementary education. The all-in-one platform integrates hardware, software, and hands-on lessons to create dynamic learning experiences for young students.