News Summary
Alabama State University is set to enhance its student housing with two new apartment complexes that will provide 552 beds, addressing the growing demand for student accommodations. The Forest Avenue complex will feature 238 beds and various amenities, while the University Drive complex will offer 268 beds and replace the former Cynthia Alexander Apartments. The project is part of ASU’s broader FOCUS 2030 plan to improve campus facilities. Construction is financed with $87 million secured through the bond market, marking a significant investment in student living conditions.
Montgomery, Alabama – Alabama State University (ASU) is set to enhance its student housing facilities with the construction of two new apartment complexes scheduled for completion by 2027. This initiative represents the university’s first foray into building student apartments aimed at improving living conditions for its growing student population.
The Forest Avenue apartment complex will kick off the project with a groundbreaking ceremony later this month, followed by the University Drive complex, which will break ground in August. Collectively, these two complexes will provide a total of 552 new beds, significantly addressing the student housing demand within the institution.
The Forest Avenue complex will feature five buildings and accommodate 238 beds. Additionally, it will include essential amenities such as a storm shelter and a 4,200-square-foot café, which will have a multi-purpose room and kitchen for students to utilize. Meanwhile, the University Drive complex will consist of 11 buildings, providing 268 beds and replacing the former Cynthia Alexander Apartments.
The construction timeline indicates that the Forest Avenue site will take approximately 19 months to complete, while the University Drive complex is expected to take around 17 months. Both buildings will be constructed simultaneously, a strategic move aimed at expediting their readiness for student occupancy.
The strategic development falls in line with ASU’s broader enrollment growth plan known as FOCUS 2030, which emphasizes enhancing campus facilities and services. ASU President Dr. Quinton Ross confirmed that the university has secured approximately $87 million through the bond market to finance the construction project, marking a significant investment in the campus infrastructure.
The last major construction project at ASU occurred in November 2012, with the establishment of the ASU Stadium. The upcoming apartment complexes are expected to contribute to improved student living conditions, ultimately aiding in enrollment retention and graduation rates. Johnny Raines, III, of BDW Architects in Montgomery, Alabama is serving as the principal architect for the ambitious project.
Additionally, the ASU Board of Trustees formally approved the plans for the new student housing in September 2024, signaling a commitment to enhancing the residential experience for students. The location of the Forest Avenue complex right behind the ASU Stadium and the construction of the University Drive complex signify a transformative phase for the university, as it seeks to accommodate the modern needs of its students.
The introduction of apartment-style living at ASU reflects a growing trend in higher education institutions to modernize student housing and align it more closely with the preferences of contemporary students. As enrollment trends continue to evolve, these new facilities will likely play a crucial role in attracting and retaining students at Alabama State University.
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Additional Resources
- Montgomery Advertiser: ASU New Student Housing
- The Bama Buzz: ASU Breaks Ground on Student Housing
- WSFA: New Student Apartments at ASU
- Business Alabama: ASU to Build New Student Housing
- HBCU Buzz: ASU Board Approves Housing Developments
- Wikipedia: Student Housing
- Google Search: Student Housing Trends in Higher Education
- Google Scholar: Student Housing Impact on Enrollment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Student Housing
- Google News: Alabama State University Student Housing
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PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
