Alabama State breaks ground on $87M student housing project
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Two new apartment complexes will soon be the home of students at Alabama State University.
The HBCU in Montgomery broke ground on the student housing project on June 18, putting in motion a plan to bring 552 new beds to campus. The new buildings are expected to open by Spring 2027.
“The funds are secured, our contractors have been selected and they will soon begin work on our outstanding facilities. Our institution was able to go to Wall Street in New York. Not all institutions have this opportunity, but our strong financial position allowed us to approach Wall Street directly. We successfully closed a deal worth approximately $87 million in the bond market.”
Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., ASU President
Keep reading to learn more information on the housing project + see some sights from last week’s groundbreaking ceremony.
ASU student housing
The new student apartment complexes are part of the University’s strategic plan for enrollment growth. The last significant new construction at Alabama State University was the ASU Stadium, which opened in November 2012.
The two new buildings will be located on different sides of campus.
The first project, located on Forest Avenue just behind the ASU Stadium, will feature 288 beds and represent the East Side of the campus. The second project will be constructed on South University Drive, where the Cynthia Alexander Apartments were once situated, and will include 264 beds.
Donald Dotson, vice president of Facilities Management and Operations, is overseeing the construction of both projects. He said the new complexes will provide an apartment-style living that better suits the lifestyle needs of Alabama State’s students.
The buildings will be built simultaneously to get them ready as quickly as possible.
“Students and alumni often remind us that Alabama State University is synonymous with community, and we must create beautiful, welcoming spaces where this sense of belonging flourishes.”
Dr. Quinton T. Ross, ASU President
BDW Architects
The ASU Board of Trustees approved plans for the new student housing in September 2024. The Board’s action came after a presentation of architectural renderings detailing the scope of the major construction.
The project’s principal architect, Johnny Raines, III, of BDW Architects in Montgomery, Alabama, designed the concepts and developed detailed plans to produce renderings of the project sites.
“For BDW, it’s a privilege to help shape a space where generations of Hornets will live, learn, and grow. We believe great design supports excellent outcomes, and we are proud to be partners in building a legacy that extends beyond the campus and into the heart of this city. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this exciting journey.”
Johnny Raines, III
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