Florence, Ala. — The University of North Alabama has released a draft of its new campus master plan that calls for a significant expansion of its on-campus housing. The plan calls for the creation of three residential villages around existing on-campus housing. The first will consist of the redevelopment and expansion of existing housing on the north side of campus adjacent to Pine and Hawthorne streets. This area will also include a block to be set aside for longer-term expansion of the village.
The second residential village will be located on the east side of campus on Hermitage Drive, where two residential villages already exist. The third village, to be located on the west side of campus, will include the relocation of student apartments from Waterloo Road to Cedar Street and the addition of several residential buildings in the fraternity and sorority village area.
Each of the three new villages will be arranged as residential quadrangles to increase the amount of open green space for students. The villages will also include street sidewalk and intersection improvements that will enhance the campus’ pedestrian and bicycle network.
The goal of the new residential projects, as stated in the master plan, is to transform the university from a commuter campus to a residential campus. The master plan was developed by Birmingham, Ala.-based KPS Group and is currently open for public comment. It is expected to be adopted by the school’s board of trustees at its June meeting.
— Coleman Wood