University of Alabama in Huntsville Reimagines Campus Landmark as Cybersecurity Research Center

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) began construction in February of 2026 on the Center for Cybersecurity Research, Education & Advanced Training. Designed by McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, the $48 million project will transform the Bevill Center, a hotel and conference venue, into an interdisciplinary nexus for collaboration, learning, and discovery. The renovated 93,600-sf building will bring together the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Office of Research & Economic Development, and the Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education in one dynamic location.

Envisioned as a magnet for leading faculty, investigators, and students, the three-story hub will advance UAH's leadership in cybersecurity engineering, secure software development, reverse engineering, offensive security, systems architecture, and emerging cybersecurity problem-solving. The technologically robust facility will drive innovation and academic excellence, catalyzing industry partnerships and creating solutions that will enhance national defense capabilities.

By reimagining an existing campus landmark, the adaptive reuse project will deliver savings in both time and construction cost, achieving a full renovation in a single phase. Salas O'Brien is serving as MEP/FP engineer and Echols, Lindsey & Moore Structural Engineers is the structural engineer. Occupancy is expected in late 2026.