The Alabama State University Board of Trustees has officially approved plans to construct two new student housing complexes on the campus. The decision came after a presentation showcasing architectural renderings of the project during a recent board meeting in Miami.
The approved plans include the development of approximately 288 beds at a site on Forest Avenue and an additional 264-bed housing unit on South University Drive. The latter site will involve the demolition of the Cynthia Alexander Apartments to make way for the new complex. The Forest Avenue site will also feature a student activity center with a cafè. The developments aim to enhance the student experience on campus.
“This announcement has been a long time coming. We have not had new construction on the ASU campus for a number of years, and to have two new apartment complexes coming to the campus within the next couple of years is certainly exciting news,” said ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross. “I want to commend Vice President Donald Dotson and his team in the Division of Facilities Management and Operations, as well as all of those who had a hand in making this happen.”
Donald Dotson, ASU’s vice president of facilities management and operations, will oversee the construction effort for both projects. He emphasized that the new complexes will provide apartment-style living better suited to students’ lifestyles and learning environments. This construction aligns with Alabama State University’s FOCUS 2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to upgrade campus facilities for revitalization and expansion.
“The need for new student housing is critical to the University’s continued growth,” Dotson stated. “We want to ensure that we give our students the optimum opportunities which modern living facilities provide them.”
Dotson also mentioned that both housing complexes will be constructed simultaneously to ensure they are ready for occupancy as soon as possible.
“These projects will not only provide very nice living conditions for our students but also will help us with new student enrollment and recruiting opportunities as prospective Hornets observe the impressive housing these two new facilities will provide,” he added.
