Seibert Hall Renovations and Expansion

Homewood, Alabama

Firm

Davis Architects

Client

Samford University

Area

120,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$65,000,000

Completion Date

10/2024

Rion Rizzo

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Constructed in 1959 as the campus’s physical education building, Seibert Hall has been reimagined through a $65 million investment—the largest capital project in Samford University’s history. The renovation and expansion transform the facility into a vibrant, student-centered hub for recreation, wellness and campus life.

The project consisted of a renovation of the 90,000-square-foot building and a 30,000-square-foot addition. The revitalized facility features one NCAA-sized basketball court, a multiuse court, dance and fitness studios, an esports studio and a multipurpose workout area with advanced cardio and strength training equipment. Lounge areas throughout the building offer foosball, billiards, massage chairs, the Bulldog Bistro and 24-hour access to a Bulldog Express convenience store.

A unique feature of the renovation is Legacy Court Social Stairs, which repurposes the original hardwood gym floor into a tiered gathering space, honoring the building’s legacy while fostering student connection and casual engagement.

The addition has a suspended indoor track, expanded courts and cardio zones, a catering kitchen, and sound and staging capabilities for campus events. A covered turf field supports practices and game-day events. A pedestrian bridge connects Seibert Hall to west campus housing and athletic venues and doubles as an elevated event terrace overlooking Bobby Bowden Field.

Blending recreation with academics, the facility also houses a new wellness lab and physical therapy center that provides hands-on learning opportunities for students in the College of Health Sciences.

Sustainability was central to the project’s vision. The facility is targeting LEED certification, and reinforces Samford’s commitment to responsible, future-focused campus development.