Owner: University of Alabama

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Year of Completion: 2021

Project Size: 134,600 SF

Awards: AIA Alabama 2022 Honor Award

For over 150 years, the historic Bryce Hospital was used by the state’s Department of Mental Health. Over time, the monumental facility was being under-utilized and was in need of extensive repair. By 2014, the patients at the hospital were moved into a new facility nearby. Subsequently, The University of Alabama acquired the historic Bryce Hospital with plans to adaptively reuse the facility as a welcome center for the university and classroom space for the theater and dance department.

We were tasked with leading the comprehensive renovation and restoration design efforts—inclusive of extensive field studies, historically accurate detailing, and providing programming services—as to guide the University in weaving this antebellum-era artifact into its campus fabric, while amplifying the historic architectural character of this landmark. The design team identified which portions of the building were salvageable and developed strategies for selective demolition, abatement, and structural stabilization—with the purpose of preparing Bryce Main for its new role as a university building. BPA was able to stabilize the main building by removing all HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and steam systems, as well as all plaster and non-load-bearing walls. Original bricks and other ornate details were salvaged to use in future restoration projects. The building was then protected from weather and a site enclosure was installed for subsequent projects.