The Project will consist of the construction of an above ground tornado and extended severe weather event facility designed in accordance with the requirements of FEMA 361 and ICC 500. Of the 12,671 gross square feet facility, approximately 1,000 occupants will be supported in the space. Key design elements that will be included in the Project are restrooms sized to accommodate design occupancy, emergency generator sized to run building systems, impact resistant construction, and a structure designed to resist wind speeds up to 250 miles per hour. Other enhancements to support alternative uses within the terms of the grant include equipment upgrades and security gates at the protected entries, carpet installation, painting of walls and ceilings. The University is proposing to include the patio cover at the east side courtyard to enhance that area and to provide additional functional outdoor space for building users.

The Greek Assembly Hall will be programmed for priority use by National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Alabama United Greek Council (UGC) chapters for meetings, events, study groups and other uses during non-storm periods. Adjoined the building is the NPHC plaza, that honors The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) which is the coordinating council for the nine historically African American Greek-letter organizations, often referred to as the Divine Nine. This plaza includes monuments showcasing each of the nine organizations’ crests and their Greek letters.

Located on Campus Drive East between the Recreation Center (Rec) and Bryce Lawn Apartments, the Project serves the overall east-central campus area as there is a high density of students in the area and in the surrounding housing complexes and fraternity houses along University Boulevard, Bryce Lawn Drive and Jefferson Avenue. The Project also provides quick access for users of the Rec Fields during other inclement weather events.