UAB Breaks Ground on New ‘Residence Hall 2020’

By Aziza Jackson

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for Residence Hall 2020, a facility that will help the school meet the increased demand of on-campus housing.

Plans for the new residence hall allow for more than 730 students to join the 2,880 students housed in UAB’s six other residence halls.

“Our undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, and the next phase of on-campus development and growth is ready to begin,” said John Jones, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs. “The need for this new residence hall sends a phenomenal message to our future students in that we continue to be committed to provide a robust university experience through our residence life opportunities. Providing a residential component where students live together on campus creates communities across undergraduate academic disciplines and fuels our collegial and creative environment and further enhances the overall student experience at UAB.”

The Residence Hall 2020 project architect is Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, Inc. The general contractor is M.J. Harris Construction Services, LLC. The facility has been designed intentionally to ensure sustainability is a priority, and it will become UAB’s first LEED silver building.

The 231,000-square-foot residence hall will mirror the location of the New Freshman Residence Hall and will be built near the Campus Green on property owned by UAB — the south half of the block bordered by ninth and 10th avenues south and 16th and 17th streets. The U-shaped building will consist of dedicated study spaces, a storm shelter, multi-use office space, and a dining venue with three food vendors and seating capacity for 250.

“This is truly a win for our students,” said Marc Booker, director of Student Housing. “The residence halls play an integral role of providing transformational experiences for UAB undergraduate students as they pursue academic success and prepare for life beyond the campus. This new hall will enable us to serve, engage and retain more students than ever before.”