Construction on 17 story student living building in Birmingham’s Five Points South to begin

Earlier this week, The Opus Group (Opus), headquartered in Minneapolis, in partnership with The McKinney Fund & Company announced the start of construction on a new 17-story, mixed-use student living community on the edge of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) campus.

Located on the corner of 10th Avenue and 20th Street South at the former “The Break” site, the building will include 199 residential units accommodating 522 residents, according to the Opus news release.

Serving UAB’s growing student residential population

The new residential building dedicated to students should be welcome news for UAB which has seen its student population increase nearly 5% this fall adding over 1000 student from 2017 to 2018.

“We are excited to bring a new living experience to students at UAB and the city of Birmingham,” said Ben Angelo, senior director, real estate development, Opus Development Company, L.L.C. “This project allows us to showcase our dedicated student housing expertise while fulfilling the evolving demand for student living in a growing community.”

What are the amenities?

Besides being within walking distance to the UAB campus and surrounded and nearby a vibrant Five Points South and Birmingham restaurant and nightlife scene, the new development will have the following amenities according to Opus:

Kinds of units: Junior studios to four-bedrooms

Special Features: Units will feature full-size stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, simulated wood flooring in the common spaces and in-unit washers and dryers. High-end finishing touches also include solid surface shower surrounds, contemporary plumbing and lighting fixtures throughout and custom furniture.

Shared Amenities: Secured parking, a fitness center, spa, study rooms and lounges, and an outdoor amenity deck with fitness areas, fire pits and group seating. The 17th floor will feature stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area; a coffee bar; a club room with pool tables, ping pong tables and large screen TVs; and an outdoor amenity space with a rooftop pool and grilling stations. The building will also be fully access-controlled with key fob entry points, security cameras throughout and onsite property management.

Walk Score: According to Walk Score, the Five Points South neighborhood is also one of the most “walkable” communities in the state of Alabama. Residential units score as high as 91 on the “Walk Score.”

This 20th Street project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2020.

2nd High Rise in Five Points South

The new multi-story residential building is the second to be built in the Five Points South neighborhood over the past three years.  The 18 story Vesta Apartment Development on Highland Avenue is nearing completion.  Constructed by BL Harbert, the Vesta will have 318 luxury units available.

Are there more to come?