University of Alabama System trustees approve broad package of construction, real-estate sales and leases across UA, UAB and UAH

At the University of Alabama System Physical Properties Committee meeting, trustees approved a large package of construction, renovation, real-estate dispositions and leases affecting UA, UAB and UAH campuses.

Mike Rogers presented the UA slate of 10 items, which included: a stage-4 submittal for a new Reserve Officers' Training Corps facility and Student Veterans Center (19,700 sq ft) with a budget increase to $13.0 million funded largely by a state ETF supplemental appropriation and $250,000 of institutional reserves; a Central Bryce surface parking expansion and roundabout to add ~251 spaces (total ~420) with a $4.63 million budget; Farrah Hall interior renovation (63,000 sq ft) at a $40.52 million budget; University Boulevard infrastructure and storm drainage improvements ($4.497 million); and a 13-project list of real-estate actions including the acquisition of 211 University Boulevard East (former Arby's) for $2.3 million and several dispositions and gifts where proceeds will support named colleges or scholarships.

UAB items approved included stage-4 approval for Bartow Arena entrance and concourse improvements (budget increased to $15.37 million) and a stage-4 renovation for the Ziegler Medical Research Building's fifth floor to house Heersink School of Medicine research activities (budget reduced to $12.52 million, supported by an NIH award and school reserves). UAB also obtained approvals for several real-estate and lease transactions, including a 7-year lease of the Magnolia Building for UAB clinical departments and an amendment to extend a residency-training lease at Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma.

The committee approved a UAB Health System lease of 7,300 sq ft in Medical Office Building 52 at Saint Vincent's campus for Venetian Physician Services LLC, a 10-year lease with a $550,725 improvement allowance and rent set at $26.25 per square foot with 3% annual escalations.

UAH presentations included revised bids and a reduced budget for the Center for Cybersecurity Research, Education and Advanced Training (project budget reduced from $47.66M to $45.07M), a $1.285M campuswide access-control upgrade covering 40 buildings, and authorization to sell 13 Austin Drive residential properties (proposed group sales price $1,567,500; appraisals ranged $1.507M-$1.838M).

All items presented in the Physical Properties agenda were approved after collective motions and committee votes. Trustee Vandervoort asked about a DCH Medical Tower lease that had been pulled from the agenda; presenter said the item will return at a later meeting.

Context and fiscal notes: funding sources for projects included state ETF supplemental appropriations, university central reserves, future revenue bonds, institutional gift funds, NIH grants, and facility/reserve funds. Most construction contracts were awarded to low bidders with competitive bid participation noted on the record.

Next steps: Staff were authorized to execute contracts, leases and sales agreements as approved; several projects noted that legislative funding could reduce reliance on bond proceeds if appropriations become available.