Construction on the Saban Center, a STEM and arts campus in Tuscaloosa, has set its final steel beam, marking a milestone in the development.
The marble-clad complex was designed by Steinberg Hart with Birmingham-based Davis Architects and in close collaboration with Nick and Terry Saban. The general contractor is Stone Building Co. The campus is set to open in 2027.
“Saban Center is deeply personal to us — we’ve been involved every step of the way, working closely with the design team to shape a place where children of all ages can explore their curiosity and imagine what’s possible for their futures,” said Nick and Terry Saban. Nick Saban is the former coach of the University of Alabama football team.
The 118,000-square-foot facility is set on 7.71 acres along the Black Warrior River. It is a constellation of curved pavilions anchored by a transparent central tower, nestled into the site’s natural slope. The façade is composed of locally sourced recycled marble from the Alabama Marble Mineral & Mining Co. Inside, regionally sourced woods and metals were chosen for durability.
“The design of the Saban Center reflects a shared belief that architecture can actively support learning and discovery,” said Malcolm Holzman, partner at Steinberg Hart, adding that the materials chosen for the project were used to support inquisitiveness and connection to the Tuscaloosa community.
The 70-foot glass tower at the center of the complex houses an 18-foot illuminated globe.
Construction of the center is being supported by the Sabans and their Nick’s Kids Foundation, the city of Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama. The state is establishing the STEM Hub, a resource for students and educators that includes hands-on learning experiences, STEM labs and exhibits and professional development opportunities designed to support teachers. CambridgeSeven is designing the interactive educational exhibits, with Theatre Projects providing venue planning and room design, performance equipment design, acoustics and audiovisual technologies.
“Saban Center will be a catalyst for building Alabama’s future-ready workforce,” said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. “Through this extraordinary partnership with the state of Alabama, Nick and Terry Saban and many dedicated organizations, we are creating pathways that equip students and educators with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in tomorrow’s economy.”
In addition to the STEM Hub, the center will house the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and IGNITE (formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum). Additional partners and programming that extend the learning beyond the classroom are the Poarch Creek Indians, Alabama Power Foundation, Mercedes-Benz, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Parker Towing, the University of Alabama, The Westervelt Co., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Shelton State Community College and Stillman College, among others.
