UAH looking to develop ‘signature college-town experience’ near campus

HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) — The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has announced that it is looking for a master developer for a new real estate project on University Drive.

The college is looking for a developer to restore the 58-acre former Executive Plaze site, which sits between UAH’s campus and Mid City. UAH said the goal of the development is to create a multi-use district and establish a “signature college-town experience” for students and faculty.

North Alabama chocolate shop named best in US by USA Today

According to the university, the planned development would include student housing, a UAH-anchored research building, collaborative commercial office space and retail and entertainment options.

The estimated total cost for the project’s first phase is $216 million.

“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,” UAH president Charles L. Karr said. “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 said it will be accepting requests for qualification submissions from interested firms through mid-August, with the final developer selection planned for Fall 2024.

Every stage of the project is subject to approval by the UA System Board of Trustees.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.