The Auburn Board of Trustees approved numerous projects and real estate at the Nov. 15 meeting. The Board also approved the selling of land in the Wilcox and Bullock counties.
Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station - Final project approval
Proposed by the Samuel College of Engineering, the Board of Trustees approves the construction of a new building in Orange Beach, AL. The building will dedicate space for the research of coastal environments and communities of the Gulf Coast and will allow collaborative opportunities with other Marine Environmental Sciences institutions.
Located on 4775 Walker Ave., the building will be two stories and 21,000 square feet and will provide research laboratories, large meeting spaces and private offices. Outside gathering spaces will be on both stories and will overlook Terry Cove. The building will also be constructed to withstand significant windstorms.
The budget for the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station is $14 million and is financed by grant funds from the RESTORE council.
In the Sept. 16, 2022 Board of Trustees meeting, the board adopted a resolution that approved the initiation of the project and at the Nov. 11, 2022 meeting, ArchitectureWorks of Birmingham, AL. was approved as the architect of the project.
College of Human Sciences Academic and Research Facility - Project architect approved
At the Sept. 6, 2024 meeting, the Board adopted a resolution that approved the initiation of the College of Human Sciences Academic and Research Facility project. At this meeting, the Board approved Engage Perkins & Will of Atlanta, Georgia as the project architect for consultation in the development of the facility program and project design.
The approval limits the project's planning to the schematic design phase until the program's requirements, budget, funding plan and site are approved by the Board.
Comer Hall Comprehensive Renovation Project - initiation and project architect approved
Originally built in 1910, Comer Hall will receive a comprehensive renovation that will consist of interior renovations of an elevator, ADA-compliant restrooms, HVAC, electrical and plumbing replacements, a new roof and exterior building restoration.
In 1994, Auburn University facilitated a project that preserved the building's historical integrity, added two internal exit stairs and worked on minor reparations.
The Board approved the firm, Houser Walker Architect from Atlanta, Georgia as the project's architect. The renovation is anticipated to be financed by a combination of state, gift and bond funds.
Jim Carrol, vice president of Facilities Management expressed that the renovation will not take away from Comer's historical integrity.
Auburn University authorized to purchase 1.2 acres in downtown Auburn from Auburn United Methodist Church
The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of land in downtown Auburn from the Auburn United Methodist Church at the Nov. 15 meeting.
Presented by Jim Carroll, vice president of Facilities Management on behalf of Mark Stirling, director of Real Estate, the purchases consist of 1.2 acres at the intersection of Gay St. and Thach Ave.
The transaction was recommended and approved by University President Christopher Roberts and Senior Vice President of Business & Administration and Chief Financial Officer Kelli Shomaker.
Auburn University bought the land for $7.3 million and is within the Urban Core zoning. Cambridge Dormitory, Samford Hall and Rane Culinary Arts Center are near the land.
The reasoning behind the purchase is to create a bigger presence on the East side of S. College St. and is considered a strategic acquisition. There are no current plans for the purchased property.
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Michaela Yielding is a senior in journalism currently serving as the news editor. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since fall 2023.
