an artist's rendition of a new, sleek, modern UAH multi-purpose facility made of glass and concrete

*Conceptual view of the Exploration Plaza Development Opportunity. Renderings are conceptual and subject to change. All projects are subject to the approval of The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.

Overview

What is Exploration Plaza?

Exploration Plaza is a 58-acre mixed-use district designed to meet UAH’s growing need for student housing and advanced research space while creating a vibrant, college-town environment. Phase I includes four major components—two university-owned (student apartments, research facility) and two developer-owned (office space, retail space)—that together strengthen campus life, academic enterprise, and partnerships with industry.

The development is situated on the northwest portion of campus, along the University Drive and Holmes corridors, on the site formerly known as Executive Plaza. In late 2025 the site was renamed Exploration Plaza. It is located in Cummings Research Park, two miles from Redstone Arsenal, and less than three miles from downtown Huntsville.

This project will be comprised of a multi-phased project with the possibility to develop a combination of student housing, retail, office, institutional / research space, hotel & conference center and other amenities.

The Phase I development will be instrumental in addressing the university’s expansion needs, supporting both student life and research.

  • Student Housing Building: A new university-owned residence hall with approximately 400 apartment-style beds for non-first-year students.
  • Research Facility: An approximately 100,000-square-foot, university-owned facility that will support high-demand research areas aligned with regional employer needs and strengthen public- and private-sector partnerships.
  • Collaborative Office Facility: A developer-owned, ~100,000-square-foot collaborative office building designed for public- and private-sector partners to co-locate with UAH’s research enterprise and access UAH’s talent pipeline.
  • Retail Space: Approximately 35,000 square feet of developer-owned retail space throughout Phase I to support activity, amenities, and engagement between UAH and the broader Huntsville community.

UAH is entering the pre-development phase with Capstone Development Partners and Lincoln Property Company. Groundbreaking could occur as early as Fall 2027, pending completion of design, pre-leasing, and required approvals.

Please contact David Boone with all inquiries regarding participation in the project. He can be reached via email at david@riethjones.com.

Please contact David Boone with any questions or feedback. He can be reached via email at david@riethjones.com.