No summer break for UNA construction projects

FLORENCE – Despite the sweltering temperatures, construction crews across the University of North Alabama made great progress over the summer on several projects, including a new residence hall and an on-campus stadium.

UNA is building a residence hall on Pine Street, near the site of the old LaGrange Hall, which was closed in spring 2016 and taken down last year.

Dean of Students Dr. Minnette Ellis said the new living space will have a capacity for 200 students.

“This will be the first residence hall we’ve built in a decade and we’re excited to bring additional options for our students,” Ellis said. “This will be a hotel-style residence hall with two students sharing a bathroom, and it will also feature a dining concept on the first floor with outdoor seating.”

The new hall will be a link from the residential areas of campus to the main academic settings, something that Ellis said was intentional.

“The way the new hall is positioned on campus will bridge the space between campus living and the main campus setting,” she said. “This new building will enhance the already great options that we offer our students.”

Bank Independent Stadium

The university also recently celebrated the topping out of Bank Independent Stadium, signifying the placement of the final structural beam. UNA officials, coaches, and stadium sponsors added their signatures to the gold beam that was hoisted atop the framework. 

The project, which will be the university’s first dedicated stadium, broke ground in June 2024 for an anticipated opening in fall 2026.

Bobby Wallace Field will feature a three-level press tower with concessions, restrooms, suites, a club level and a “home tunnel” connecting the home locker room to the adjacent CB&S Bank Arena.

In addition to athletic practices and sporting events, Bank Independent Stadium is designed to enrich the city with concerts, live performances and other community events.

Other projects

• UNA refurbished Memorial Amphitheater, constructed in 1934 and “dedicated as a memorial to the valor and patriotism of the men of this college who served in the World War.”
  Six students who attended what was then known as the State Normal School died in World War I.
  The update to Memorial Amphitheater includes upgraded electrical, lighting and sound systems; new sod; updated irrigation; and new handrails. The area around the amphitheater was also cleared of trees and large branches that were damaged during this spring’s severe weather.
• Another repair project resulting from spring storms is the south exterior of the George Lindsey Theatre at Norton Auditorium at the corner of Pine Street and Irvine Avenue.
• Work is being done to update UNA’s East Campus for the Jeff Eubanks Culinary Arts Management program, the state’s first and only four-year bachelor of science in culinary arts degree. Cosmetic upgrades are in progress at Stevens Hall, home to the College of Education and Human Sciences, and planning is also underway for a parking lot at the intersection of Cedar Street and Waterloo Road.