ALABAMA STATE EDITION
231
65
72 Florence
2
Huntsville
20 Decatur
72
565 59
43
A Supplement to:
231
431
31
5
Gadsden
78 59 Anniston
20
Birmingham Bessemer
82 Tuscaloosa
65 280
20 82 Auburn
80
85
Selma
Phenix City
Montgomery
82
October 15 2014
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43 84 431 331
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Vol. XXVI • No. 21
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45
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
Dothan
65 98
Mobile
10
Your Alabama Connection • Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479
UAB Invests in $32M Student Activity Center By Cindy Riley
In Tuscaloosa, construction crews at the University of Alabama are nearing completion on the $32 million Student Activity Center at Presidential Village. The building, which recently opened as work continues, features a climbing rock, two wood floor courts and a multi-use court with dasher boards, two group exercise studios, a personal training studio, cardiovascular equipment, strength training equipment and locker rooms. George Brown, executive director of university recreation, said the idea for a new recreation center surfaced several years ago as the school was experiencing a dramatic increase in student population. “This facility addresses the rapidly growing number of students living in recently built residence halls on the northern portion of campus,” said Brown. “With immediate access and convenience, the recreation amenities provide additional health and wellness enhancing opportunities for students, faculty and staff. The location of this facility is a welcomed and vital part of The University of Alabama’s continuing commitment to the well-being of the greater university community.” The Student Activity Center is situated on the north end of campus overlooking the Black Warrior River, and includes more than 10,000 sq. ft. (929 sq m) of weight/fitness space. In addition, the building features a 25,000 sq. ft. (2,322.6 sq m) below ground storm shelter, which can hold more than 3,000 people during severe weather conditions. Brown believes construction of the new structure could not have been better timed. “The enrollment growth and high interest in fitness was and continues to impact the usage of the Student Recreation Center. With crowded facilities and ever-growing demand, the opening of the Student Activity Center has both reduced the issue of peak usage and re-balanced with new usage drawn from the largely freshman population in the Presidential Village area.” The 85,000 sq. ft. (7,896.8 sq m) of recreation and fitness space is located in the largest portion of the 135,000 sq. ft. (12,541.9 sq m) Student Activity Center. Unique features of
CEG CORRESPONDENT
University of Alabama photo
Equipment used on the project included Cat D6 bulldozers, 400 track hoes, 120-foot scissor lifts, skid steers, excavators, backhoes, sheepsfoot rollers, smooth drums, fork lifts, tower cranes and wheel cranes.
University of Alabama photo
The frame of the Student Activity Center is concrete and rebar.
see UAB page 2