Students returning to Alabama A&M University this fall will find two longtime residence halls transformed after a nearly $21 million renovation designed to modernize campus housing while preserving the buildings’ history.
University officials on Wednesday celebrated the completion of renovations to Morris Hall and Stephens Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, reopening the residence halls after approximately one year of construction.
Originally opened in 1972 and 1981, respectively, the two buildings underwent extensive renovations that university leaders said essentially rebuilt the facilities from the inside out. Morris Hall received approximately $12 million in upgrades, while Stephens Hall underwent about $9 million in renovations, including design, construction and furnishings.
“While it is a renovation, these are actually new facilities,” said Alabama A&M University President Daniel K. Wims. “The buildings were taken almost down to their core and rebuilt with a completely different design. Having modern, current facilities is essential for growth and sustainability at any university, and we are proud to provide our students with spaces that support their success.”
The renovations introduced suite-style living in Morris Hall with Jack-and-Jill bathrooms, while Stephens Hall’s former communal shower areas were redesigned to improve space, accessibility and convenience. Both residence halls received new flooring, wall and ceiling finishes, modern furnishings, upgraded laundry facilities and dedicated study and lounge areas on every floor.
Additional improvements include individual room climate controls, ADA-compliant elevators, upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure, security cameras, electronic access systems, fire alarms, energy-efficient windows, new roofs and updated doors and hardware.
Together, the two residence halls will accommodate more than 280 students. Morris Hall houses 124 students and a residence hall manager, while Stephens Hall accommodates 158 students and a residence hall manager.
Board of Trustees President Pro Tem Kevin Ball said the investment reflects the university’s commitment to improving the student experience.
“These residence halls will provide modern, safe and comfortable living spaces that enhance the collegiate experience and support student success both inside and outside of the classroom,” Ball said. “As we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize the generations before us and invest in the generations of Bulldogs who will benefit from these facilities for years to come.”
The residence hall projects are part of a broader campus modernization effort underway at Alabama A&M. Current projects include construction of a new science building and student amenities building, renovations to Carnegie Hall, HVAC and interior improvements to Patton Hall, accessibility upgrades across campus, improvements to Morrison Fine Arts, a new dental clinic in Knight Hall and expanded campus infrastructure.
Wims said the university remains committed to renovating historic campus buildings rather than replacing them.
“We committed to not demolishing these buildings, but to renovate and make them current-use facilities,” Wims said. “We are keeping that promise and that commitment, and we look forward to doing that for the other residence halls as well.”
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