Smart Communities and Innovation Building

The Smart Communities and Innovation Building (formerly Alabama Transportation Center) project (“Project”) involves a comprehensive exterior and interior renovation of an approximately 66,500 GSF three (3) story building. The renovation will include the installation of all new building systems including life safety, HVAC, elevator, electrical, information technology, security and access control, and other systems as required to bring the facility in line with The University of Alabama (“University”) enterprise systems and current code and to meet the functional needs of the programs. A building envelope assessment will be performed, and issues addressed as appropriate. The roof will be replaced as part of the Project. The Project will eliminate approximately $16,000,000 in campus building and infrastructure deferred maintenance liability.

A newly established Alabama Mobility and Power initiative (AMP), a partnership between the University, Alabama Power Company (APCO), and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) will provide the critical research infrastructure needed to transform the transportation industry in Alabama and make the State a national leader in innovation relating to mobility and power and connecting smart and resilient communities. This initiative will have a profound impact on workforce development and economic development in a targeted industry area vital to Alabama. As such, the University will co-locate AMP with the Alabama Transportation Institution (ATI) and ALDOT in the Smart Communities and Innovation Building to appropriately reflect its mission and opportunity. This strategic co-location will also foster unique opportunities for collaboration between operational, research and applied technology partners.

The scope will include all necessary infrastructure work, smart and resilient grid technology planned in conjunction with APCO; small scale alternative electric generation including solar, battery testing equipment, fitting out the balance of the building, constructing new AMP service and support space, and all necessary research and support equipment inclusive of an approximate 3,851 GSF garage lab.

Also, there will be a service yard enclosed with a brick screen wall at the south elevation of the building to visually screen the area from Peter Bryce Boulevard and Randall Way.