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

  • Florida SouthWestern State College, Skanska Partner for Humanities Hall Renovation

    Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) in Fort Myers, Fla., recently announced that it is partnering with construction firm Skanska to renovate the school’s Humanities Hall, according to a news release.

  • ECM Technologies Wins ‘Most Innovative Business of the Year’ Award

    HVAC preventative maintenance and efficiency solutions provider ECM Technologies was recently named the “Most Innovative Business of the Year” at the 2025 Champions of Change Awards, according to a news release. The program recognizes Arizona business leaders and organizations taking steps to make a positive impact on the state through innovative thinking and philanthropy.

  • North Dakota State University Completes Music School Renovation

    North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D., recently announced that construction on the Challey School of Music has finished, according to a news release. The university partnered with Foss Architecture & Interiors for design and Kraus-Anderson for construction services, and construction began in July 2024.

  • University of Kentucky Sees Positive Results from Energy Efficiency Program

    The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., recently announced the results of its Energy Program in Facilities Management, put into place eight years ago, according to a news release. Between the fiscal years of 2017 and 2025, the university’s campus grew by 13.6% while the energy use per square foot dropped by 19.2%.

Digital Edition