The University of Alabama in Huntsville is starting two construction projects after receiving approval from the University of Alabama System board of trustees.
The Bevill Center is being renovated to accommodate the new Center for Cybersecurity Research, Education & Advanced Training. The project has a budget of approximately $47.7 million. McMillan Pazdan Smith, Architecture is in charge of the design.
The 93,600-square-foot Bevill Center, which was constructed as a hotel and conference center in 1988, will be completely renovated. Once complete, the center will house the Center for Cybersecurity Research & Education, the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Office of Research and Economic Development.
Also approved by the system board of trustees is a new track and field complex. The budget for the project is $15,488,815. A contract with Dunlap Contracting Inc., of Lacey’s Spring, for track and infield construction and lighting is in the amount of $5,115,150.
The Track and Field Complex will have an entry plaza, parking area for visiting teams and officials, press box, 500-seat main section of bleachers, home and visiting locker rooms, concessions and a field house with equipment storage.
The track will be NCAA-compliant and will be a 400-meter, 8-lane running track with jumping, vaulting and throwing event venues.
Once open, the track and field complex will allow UAH to host on-campus sporting events, including Gulf South Conference and Division II championship events. It also will help boost recruitment of students, allowing the sports programs to continue and improve.
“These projects represent significant investments in UAH’s future and reaffirm our commitment to advancing both academic excellence and the student experience,” said Kristy Lee, UAH chief administrative officer. “The new Center for Cybersecurity will strengthen UAH’s position as a national leader in cyber research, while the Track and Field Complex will enrich campus life and elevate our athletics program.”
