$20M housing complex purchased for South Alabama students

The University of South Alabama has purchased a nearby apartment complex to use for student housing in the near future.

The Traditions apartment complex on Old Shell Road has been bought by the university for $20.2 million. The 11-year-old complex includes 156 units and 560 beds.

Keep reading for more information on the purchase.

Traditions at South complex

The university said the purchase was made due to increased undergraduate enrollment over the past two years and substantial interest in housing from continuing students and incoming freshmen for fall 2025.

It is located across the street from the student recreation center and baseball stadium.

“It’s an exciting time at the University of South Alabama as more students are choosing South for their education, and we want to accommodate as many of them as possible in University-owned housing. A record number of students are living on campus to take advantage of everything we offer them, and this latest addition to USA Housing will provide more opportunities to enjoy life on a college campus.”

~ Jo Bonner, South Alabama president

Currently, the university oversees and manages 33 residence halls in seven different residential communities.

South Alabama said it has notified the current residents of the purchase and the current company, Ascent, will stay in place to assist in the transition of management. It’s not currently clear if current residents will get the choice to stay or when it will begin operating as official student housing.

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