UAB College of Arts and Sciences (University Hall)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a leading academic, research and medical institution with a mission to become more globally competitive and internationally known. As a part of the University’s strategic plan, we were tasked with building a new world class facility for the College of Arts and Sciences — University Hall. Throughout this award-winning project, M. J. Harris demonstrated leadership and innovation as the scope of work changed to achieve LEED accreditation. University Hall is the first LEED-certified building on UAB’s campus.

Nested on the southwest corner of UAB’s sprawling campus green, it is the largest academic building on the campus. M. J. Harris provided comprehensive general contracting services for the duration of the 21-month build. The building’s urban location posed several construction challenges. With limited access and restricted workable space, it was essential for the team to utilize two tower cranes to form and pour the concrete frame. The building featured a post-tension concrete structure on deep foundations with five floors in one wing and four floors in the other. The substantial, concrete foundation walls also formed the envelope of a spacious, two-level tornado storm shelter. As a major hub in the center of campus, the building project also hinged on a large landscape and hardscape package that M. J. Harris expertly pulled off without fail. Complete with modern, cutting-edge classrooms, auditoriums, study spaces, faculty offices, and more, the building is a symbol of UAB’s progress. By constructing the first LEED-certified building on UAB’s campus, M. J. Harris has helped elevate the institution’s academic mission with a teaching and learning facility that is truly reflective of the school’s excellence and innovation.