UAB Science and Engineering Complex — A rendering of UAB’s upcoming $78.5 million Science and Engineering Complex. Rendering via UAB

2020 is an exciting year for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Although we’re barely two months into the new year, they just announced three impressive new projects–backed by a whopping $97.9 million combined budget.

Let’s break down the spending and see what’s next for UAB!

1. $78.5 million Science & Engineering Complex

UAB Map — The new Science and Engineering Complex will take the place of the aging Education Building. Campus map via UAB

Since it was built in 1971, the Education Building is one of UAB’s oldest structures. In order to stay competitive, they have decided to replace the Education Building with a brand new Science and Engineering Complex.

This new complex will be home to the College of Arts and Science as well as the School of Engineering. With 145,784 square feet, the complex will have plenty of room for classrooms, research labs, and faculty space.

The Science and Engineering Complex is the latest in UAB’s modern building projects–such as the Collat School of Business, the School of Nursing and the new University Hall.

2. Health Systems Approves Purchase of Block on University Boulevard

UAB Health Systems allocated $10.9 million to purchase an entire block on University Boulevard. This 204,000-square-foot block is right next to the Southtown Court public housing development, which is receiving its own redevelopment in 2020.

Through this purchase, Health Systems will have an entire city block for future development and use. Although there is a four-story building on-site, the long-term plan is to redevelop the entire block for use by UAB Health Systems.

3. New Training Facility for UAB Basketball

Practice Facility Web UAB approves $97.9 million in three future projects, including a new Science and Engineering Complex — A rendering of UAB’s new basketball practice facility. Photo via UAB

But that’s not all–the University of Alabama Board of Trustees just approved the first phase for a new practice facility for the UAB men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Although the total cost of the project is estimated to be $8.5 million, various donors have already contributed $4.7 million. The practice facility will be a renovation project of the Wallace Gymnasium, with two full length practice courts, a coaches’ suite, locker rooms and players’ lounges for each program.