The University of Alabama System board of trustees has approved plans for a major engineering building project at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
The 80,000-square-foot project will expand the College of Engineering in a multistory academic and research facility.
“Elevating UAH to reach its highest potential is a top priority of the University of Alabama System and the Board of Trustees,” said UA System Chancellor Finis St. John. “UAH’s transformation is well underway, thanks to the vision of the Board, the leadership of UAH interim president Dr. Chuck Karr and the resounding support from the Huntsville community and local leaders. We are especially grateful to the Alabama State Legislature for supporting this transformative project and passing one of the most significant appropriations in UAH’s history.”
Phase I of the project, budgeted at $59.3 million, includes new construction that will replace Wernher von Braun Research Hall, which was built in 1964. The new facility will be located west of the existing Engineering Building, adjacent to the campus lake.
“These plans to expand and enhance our engineering facilities can transform engineering education and research at UAH by enabling us to recruit the very best students, elevate our work in a collaborative environment, and contribute to the rapidly growing engineering workforce needs in our region,” said Dr. Shankar Mahalingam, dean of UAH’s College of Engineering. “Modernized, world-class research facilities will also enable us to recruit and retain the most talented faculty conducting research that directly impacts our region.”
Phase II is planned to fully renovate the existing Engineering Building.
