The University of West Alabama, in Livingston, is redesigning and expanding its Student Union Building. The $23.4 million project will take the existing 54,000-square-foot facility and redesign it to incorporate flexibility and new technology.
The funding for the project came from a combination of state appropriations from the Alabama Education Trust Fund.
“This facility expansion and renovation reflects our belief that UWA students deserve the very best: spaces that support their success, their health and wellness, their leadership and their growth and development,” said UWA President Todd Fritch at the groundbreaking ceremony. “When this project is complete the Student Union will be a vibrant hub that not only meets the needs of today’s students but will also be poised to respond to the needs of our future students.”
Student collaborative rooms, equipped with monitors to support group work and hybrid learning, are located on the main floor, along with the meeting/lecture room. There also will be a food court that will include Subway, Burgers + Fries and a third retail-style vendor on the main floor. Barnes & Noble, UWA’s campus bookstore, also will operate on the main floor.
The bottom level of the building will include 12,000 square feet that will include a gymnasium and fitness area. This addition is located where the pool previously was. The weight room is subdivided into two distinct zones with glass partitions, allowing for specialized training. Also on the bottom floor will be the mail service space.
A new lounging pool, located on the south lawn between the UWA amphitheater and the Student Union Building, features sun-shelves on both sides.
Lathan McKee Architects will serve as the project architect providing overall design. Hall Taylor Construction will act as construction manager. Others involved include Compass Civil Construction, McKelvey Mechanical, Taylor Electrical Contractors, Cox Pools, Advanced Roofing Solutions, Jimmy Hall Plumbing and J.T. Harrison Construction.
