Univ of Alabama Implodes Tutwiler Hall to Expand

Contributed by BSM Staff

TUSCALOOSA, AL – The University of Alabama has demolished Tutwiler Hall, a 1,000-bed dormitory for women.

The building, built in the 1968, was imploded July 4 by D.H. Griffin Wrecking Company from Birmingham and Dykon Explosive Demolition Corporation from Bixby, Oklahoma. About 1,600 holes were drilled in the structural columns of the building where about 500 pounds of dynamite were placed. Once detonated, the building came down in about 20 seconds.

The building was the second iteration of Julia Tutwiler Hall. It has housed more than 50,000 women since its opening in 1968. A comprehensive evaluation of the building determined that a renovation would not be cost-effective, so UA built a new Tutwiler Hall next to the old building.

The new Tutwiler Hall, which will open in August, has a bed capacity of 1,284 and will feature state-of-the-art furnishings and amenities, with a hybrid community-apartment style setup of double-capacity bedrooms. Each room will feature two twin beds with a shared private bathroom.

The building will also feature public community spaces with TVs and white boards, outdoor social spaces, laundry rooms on each floor, a fitness area, craft room and large storm shelter which will also serve as a multipurpose room.

The outdoor space will also feature a Tutwiler Promenade with personalized pavers purchased by alumni and friends.

Tutwiler Hall has been and will remain an all-women residence hall that primarily houses freshmen.

The first Tutwiler Hall was built on the UA campus in 1914. The Rose Administration Building now occupies that area.

Tutwiler Hall is named after Julia Tutwiler, who was known as the mother of coeducation in Alabama. Tutwiler successfully lobbied The University of Alabama Board of Trustees to allow female students admittance to the University. The first women, Bessie Parker and Anna Adams, were admitted in 1893. Julia Tutwiler was also a successful advocate for prison reform in Alabama, and she wrote the official state song.

For more information, go to ua.edu.