The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has received approval from the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees to negotiate with Capstone Development Partners and Lincoln Property Company to serve as the master developer for the new Exploration Plaza development, formerly known as Executive Plaza. UAH is part of The University of Alabama System.
The 58-acre project, located at the corner of University Drive and Sparkman Drive, is designed to meet the growing need for student housing and advanced research facilities and will create a vibrant “college town” environment to elevate recruitment and retention and bolster ties with the surrounding Huntsville community and industries.
“The Phase I development will be instrumental in addressing the university’s expansion needs, supporting both student life and innovative research,” said Charles L. Karr, UAH president. “Exploration Plaza will strengthen UAH’s position as a hub for collaboration, discovery and community engagement. We selected the new name, Exploration Plaza, as it speaks to the spirit of the Huntsville community and what a student can experience at UAH. We are grateful to the Alabama legislature for continuing to support our campus expansion.”
Phase I of the development is planned to include two university-owned and two developer-owned components that will enhance UAH’s campus experience and strengthen academics, research and community partnerships.
- Student Housing Building: A new UAH-owned residence hall will offer about 400 apartment-style beds for non-first-year students.
- Research Facility: The 105,250-square-foot UAH-owned facility will support high-demand research areas aligned with regional employer priorities and strengthen public and private partnerships.
- Collaborative Office Facility: The developer-owned, 105,250-square-foot building will provide collaborative space for public and private entities to collaborate with UAH’s industry-leading research initiatives and give them direct access to the university’s premier talent.
- Retail Space: Approximately 36,250 square feet of developer-owned retail space will be distributed throughout the Phase I development and will facilitate increased interaction between the campus community and the broader Huntsville community.
UAH conducted a robust public procurement process with a university-appointed committee to interview qualified firms and identify a preferred master developer team to provide master developer services.
The total proposed project cost is estimated at $247.7 million, including $173.6 million for the university-owned components, pending additional approvals from the UA System Board of Trustees.