New Construction

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.