UAH announces search for a master developer to enhance college-town experience
The former 58-acre Executive Plaza site sits between UAH and MidCity
HUNTSVILLE, – The University of Alabama in Huntsville announced it is embarking on an extensive real estate project on University Drive. The university is seeking a master developer to collaborate and transform the former Executive Plaza site
The master developer will restore the 58-acre property, creating a vibrant multi-use district and establishing a signature college-town experience to drive enhanced satisfaction, recruitment, and retention of students, faculty and staff. This project aims to deepen ties to the Huntsville community, bolster research standings, and fortify UAH’s leading position as the premier higher education and academic research provider in Huntsville and 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.”
The planned mixed-use development will include student housing, a UAH-anchored research building, collaborative build-to-suit commercial office space, and retail/entertainment options. The estimated total project cost for the first phase is $216,000,000.
The university is accepting requests for qualifications submissions from interested firms through mid-August and anticipates making a selection in fall 2024. All stages of this multi-phased project are subject to approval by the UA System Board of Trustees.
This is the second major development as the university seeks to modernize its campus for future students. The Raymond B. Jones Engineering Building will begin construction in late 2024, pending approval of the UA System Board of Trustees.
To learn more about the Executive Plaza development opportunity, click here.
