Auburn University plans to renovate a former furniture gallery in Birmingham to host its architecture and business programs. Auburn University’s architecture program, which has had an Urban Studio program based in Birmingham for 30 years, will soon have its own building.
Auburn’s College of Architecture Design and Construction and Harbert College of Business are working with Williams Blackstock Architects to renovate a downtown building as a new home for architecture and business programs, classes and events. The dormant 44,000-square-foot Hood McPherson Building, a former furniture gallery, showroom and warehouse on Fourth Avenue North near 20th Street, will be modernized into an event and office space with classrooms, according to a statement from Williams Blackstock Architects, which employs several graduates of the program.
The design includes a plan for a restored façade that includes a new entrance inspired by the original building canopy. The building will feature spaces for study, collaboration, event spaces and galleries to support university functions and fundraising, including a video wall on the ground level to host Auburn watch parties.
“This is not only an educational facility, but a place for the community and Auburn family to engage, collaborate and celebrate,” said Matt Foley, a principal at Williams Blackstock and Auburn graduate. “I expect it to be a place of experience and event that will be identifiably Auburn, a place that will generate memories and meaningful impact upon people’s lives.”Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.
🤩🔥🤩Amazing 🤩🔥🤩
Did you know the tooth brush was invented at the university of auburns engineering school? No kiddin', If it had been invented anywhere else it would have been the 'TEETH BRUSH'.
Pardon my ignorance, but will Auburn still have a business school on its main campus? Unless the Harbert School of Business is an extension of the business school on the main campus this seems like a bizarre choice given the number of undergrad business majors.
No one is in Down town Bham, it's deserted because of all the crime. If you want a building, they'll give you one cause nobody will come to it.
I personally would be nervous about being in a building that an auburns grad designed.