A new student housing development at Highlands College is among the most notable projects in Alabama’s latest round of high-value construction permits, highlighting continued investment in education and commercial infrastructure across the state.
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According to recent data, 13 construction permits exceeding $1 million were issued statewide over the past week, spanning cities including Birmingham, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Oxford and Madison.
The largest education-related project in the latest permit batch is a new residence hall at Highlands College, located off U.S. 280 in Birmingham. Contractor B.L. Harbert International has been issued a permit valued at approximately $3 million for the development.
The project is part of the institution’s broader campus expansion strategy. The college recently completed construction of The Village II residential complex, while The Village III project is now underway.
The new residence hall will span approximately 110,000 square feet across seven stories and is designed to accommodate 286 students. Once completed, the facility is expected to significantly enhance on-campus living capacity and student experience. Project timelines indicate that construction is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
The development reflects a growing trend among higher education institutions investing in campus infrastructure to attract and retain students through modern housing and amenities.
Beyond the Highlands College project, the latest permits illustrate a wide range of construction activity across Alabama, from infrastructure improvements to commercial and residential developments.
Among the notable projects:
Additional permits include roadway-related work, fire and emergency facility construction, and mixed-use developments across Shelby and Tallapoosa counties.
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The data, compiled with assistance from Report Construction LLC, underscores steady momentum in Alabama’s construction sector, particularly in projects exceeding the $1 million threshold.
Industry observers note that these permits provide an early indicator of future construction activity, offering insights into economic growth patterns and regional investment priorities.
As new projects move from permitting into active construction phases, stakeholders across the industry—from contractors to suppliers—are expected to benefit from continued demand.
Originally reported by Michael Seale in Bham Now.
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