The Athens State University board of trustees has approved a $30 million addition and renovation of Carter Hall.
Once complete, the facility will offer flexible spaces for academic programs, public events and collaborative engagement.
Athens State University has set aside approximately $22 million in plant and supplemental appropriations from the state for the renovations. The city of Athens will be providing $3.9 million for the project and the Limestone County Commission will contribute $4 million.
The plans call for constructing 19,600 square feet of new space on the south side of the building facing Hobbs Street and 8,100 square feet of new space on the north side facing Pryor Street.
Additionally, the gym will be renovated to create a seating capacity of 1,100 people and will include movable partitions to allow for multiple event configurations. The plans also call for a multi-purpose space on the north side with a seating capacity of approximately 700.
Construction is slated to begin in fall 2025, with an anticipated completion in 18-24 months. Martin & Cobey will serve as the construction manager on the project.
Athens State University was founded in 1822 and is the oldest educational institution of higher learning in Alabama. It is one of only a few “upper division” universities in the country, serving students with more than 36 hours of credit who may have paused their education and are seeking to finish their degree.
