University Club reopens in Tuscaloosa after $17M renovation

The historic University Club just off the campus of the University of Alabama is set to reopen after receiving improvements totaling more than $17 million.

Keep reading to find out more about the renovation process, photos of the final product + how you can get involved.

$17.43 million renovation

University Club is used to provide premier dining + a social establishment for students, faculty, alumni and visitors.

A few of the renovations and additions included:

• Restoring the existing reception, dining and special event spaces
• Converting the south parlor into a lounge, casual dining area and bar
• Adding dining space, a stairwell, expanded restrooms and event space
• Repurposing the north parlor as a workspace similar to a hotel lobby
• Adding a boardroom and spacious balcony to the second level

The building is located at the corner of University Boulevard and Queen City Avenue, between The Strip and downtown Tuscaloosa. You can take a virtual tour here.

What is University Club?

“A private club and premier venue, with attainable membership options, where The University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community come together to connect, celebrate, work, and cheer on the Crimson Tide.”

~ University Club

The event space provides different options for people in Tuscaloosa. It was originally built in 1834.

After changing hands through a series of owners, and even playing host to Governor Arthur Pendleton Bagby as the Governor’s Mansion, the establishment found its calling under The University of Alabama.

In 1946, university president Raymond Paty bought the home with a vision of creating a unique social hub for university faculty and staff. And so, the University Club was born.

Today, it serves as a private dining and special events facility that extends its warm Southern hospitality not only to the university community but also to the broader Tuscaloosa area.

How to get involved

All membership and venue requests are done through the club’s website. You fill out a quick form, selecting one of four options:

• Membership enquiry
• Weddings
• Private events
• Member referral

Have you ever been inside University Club? Let us know what you think of the new renovation by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.