Hoar tops out phase 1 of UAB’s Science and Engineering Complex

The three-part project aims to consolidate science studies in one complex

A rendering of the first phase of UAB’s Science and Engineering Complex.

Hoar Construction has topped out phase one of the new Science and Engineering Complex at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The $76 million development represents the first portion of a three-part project that aims to consolidate all basic science for undergraduate and graduate studies in one place. Hoar began construction in phase one in February 2021 and is expected to wrap it up in spring 2023.

The 138,842-square-foot facility consists of four levels that will house biology, chemistry and physics labs and classrooms, alongside faculty and staff offices. It also will feature specialized labs including an optics lab and cold growth environment rooms.

To keep the project on track, Hoar utilized building information modeling and prefabrication strategies to save time and money in regard to the installation of electrical and plumbing components. The team also used computerized 3D models to determine any defects in the design, the amount of materials needed and the placement of items to avoid schedule delays.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with UAB through the construction of its new Science and Engineering Complex, which will play an integral role in unifying students and faculty while establishing the university as one of the region’s premier science research institutions,” said Chris Ryals, superintendent of the project.

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Hoar previously has built at UAB a residence hall, Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts and the Shelby Biomedical Research Building, as well as renovating Heritage Hall. 

Additional partners on this complex are Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood as lead architect; Lord Aeck Sargent as lab and research spaces consultant; MBA Engineers as structural engineers; Schoel Engineering as civil engineering; Newcomb & Boyd as mechanical engineers and Hyde Engineering as electrical engineers.

“Hoar is dedicated to expanding its reach into all sectors of higher education, and we are pleased to play a part in the university’s next chapter of growth in our home base of Birmingham,” said Ryals.

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