The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is taking the next step in campus revitalization with the university’s most ambitious project to date.

UAH is moving forward with plans for the multi-phased development of the 58-acre Executive Plaza Development site, aiming to transform the site into a vibrant multi-use district.

The property is set to be revitalized into a signature college-town experience, featuring student housing, a UAH-anchored research building, collaborative commercial office space, and retail and entertainment options.

The first-phase cost sits around $216 million with the hopeful goal “to deepen UAH’s ties to the Huntsville community, bolster its research standings, and reinforce its leading position as a premier higher education and academic research institution in the Southeast.”

“The Executive Plaza property presents UAH with a unique opportunity to provide more amenities for our students, faculty, and staff. Huntsville is growing, and our university must adapt to the needs of future students,” said Charles L. Karr, UAH president. “We have partnered with Rieth Jones Advisors and PFM Financial Advisors to guide us through this exciting process. We are looking forward to adding another teammate to our group.”

UAH is seeking a master developer to partner with on this transformative initiative.

UAH is currently accepting requests for qualifications from interested firms until mid-August, with a selection anticipated in fall 2024. Each phase of this multi-phased project requires approval from the UA System Board of Trustees.

This development follows another major campus modernization effort, with the construction of the Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building set to begin in late 2024, pending approval from the UA System Board of Trustees.

For more details on the Executive Plaza development opportunity, visit UAH’s website. HBJ plans to write an update in the coming weeks, including community and staff reactions to the Executive Plaza expansion. Stay tuned for more.