Hoar Announces Completion Of Phase I At UAB Science And Engineering Complex

Hoar Construction announced today the completion of Phase I at the new Science and Engineering Complex at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, which represents the first phase of a three-part project that will consolidate all of the basic science undergraduate and graduate studies in one complex. The facility will ensure more opportunities for interdisciplinary research to bolster economic development in Metro Birmingham and the state of Alabama.

Located on 14th Street South between University Boulevard and 10th Avenue South, Phase I includes a 138,842-square-foot building comprising four levels that houses the biology, chemistry and physics labs and classrooms, alongside faculty and staff offices. The new facility will also house specialized workspaces, including an optics lab, research labs for student shadowing and cold growth environment rooms. Collaboration spaces were designed to enable students from various science disciplines and education levels to interact and work together within a team-learning environment.

“We are proud to deliver this project to the students, faculty and staff at UAB, as the new Science and Engineering Complex represents a significant commitment to advancing the university’s prowess as a key research hub that enhances career opportunities and bolsters economic development across Alabama,” said Chad Holland, project executive at Hoar. “This project was completed at the highest quality for the next generation of students, leaders and innovators within science and engineering. Hoar remains steadfast in our commitment to build top-tier projects across all realms of higher education, and we are honored to contribute to the university’s growth in our hometown of Birmingham.”

During the construction process, Hoar effectively addressed design concerns by utilizing computerized 3D models of the structure. These models were instrumental in assessing material quantities, identifying design conflicts and optimizing item placement to prevent schedule disruptions. Hoar also navigated challenges linked to material procurement and pricing. To enhance project management, Hoar used Procore to meticulously monitor every project stage, as well as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and preassembly techniques. These initiatives streamlined the installation of electrical and plumbing components, resulting in substantial time and cost savings. Collaborating with trade partners, Hoar employed prefabrication methods to construct specific project elements off-site, including electrical panels, steel components and plumbing systems.

Hoar has previously undertaken numerous substantial improvements for the university, such as erecting a new residence hall, Blazer Hall, and refurbishing Heritage Hall. Hoar is currently serving as the general contractor for the construction of the 11-story replacement facility for the UAB Spain Rehabilitation Facility and the 175,000-square-foot Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building at UAB.

Project partners include Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood as the lead architect, Lord Aeck Sargent (LAS) as the lab and research spaces consultant, MBA Engineers as the structural engineers, Schoel Engineering as the civil engineers, Newcomb & Boyd as the mechanical engineers and Hyde Engineering as the electrical engineers.

Hoar has established itself as one of the leading builders within higher education, completing more than $6 billion in projects over the last five years. Recent projects include the new $65 million Campus Recreation and Wellness Center at Samford University in Birmingham and the expansion of University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) School of Nursing in Tyler, Texas.

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ABOUT HOAR CONSTRUCTION

Hoar Construction was founded 83 years ago, and throughout our history we’ve been committed to learning from every project to improve our processes and deliver the best building experience possible for our clients and partners. With eleven offices in seven states and more than 4,000 projects across nine market sectors, building is our business, but we’re more than builders. We’re partners to our clients and leaders through the entire development process to ensure we deliver the results our clients want and expect. Always building. Always improving. Always in process.

For more information about Hoar Construction, please visit www.hoar.com or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.