Alabama State University to Build New Student Housing

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.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

ASU Strengthens Swimming Program with New Coaching Staff
Ongoing Construction Projects Enhance ASU Campus
ASU Launches New Degree in Real Estate and Applied Finance
Phoenix Downtown Construction Boom with 5,200 New Units
Arizona Education Solutions Symposium Launches New Initiatives
Camelback High School’s Freshman House Program Achieves Milestones
Fire Erupts at Enclave Apartments in North Phoenix
Arizona GOP Proposes Controversial Link Between Teacher Pay and Vouchers
Tempe Plans Two-Tower Student Housing Development
New Apartment Tower to Enhance Downtown Tempe

Additional Resources

Author: HERE Phoenix

HERE Phoenix

Share
Published by
HERE Phoenix

Recent Posts

Intel Lays Off Employees Amid Financial Losses

News Summary Intel Corp. is laying off 172 employees at its Chandler campus as part…

Arizona Passes SB 1307 for Advanced Air Mobility

News Summary Arizona has officially passed SB 1307, a landmark legislation that aims to position…

New Wildlife Overpass Under Construction on I-17

News Summary A new wildlife overpass is being constructed south of Flagstaff on Interstate 17…

Federal Funding Freeze Impacts Green Energy Projects in Tucson

News Summary A recent federal funding freeze has raised concerns among Tucson leaders and nonprofit…

Arizona’s Job Creation Plummets to 47th Nationwide

News Summary In 2025, Arizona has experienced a significant drop in job creation, ranking 47th…

Arizona Attorney General Sues Smoke Shops for Tobacco Sales to Minors

News Summary Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit against two Phoenix-area smoke…