UAB Briefs: Hilton grand opening, MedWest update, a Goldblum Gala
Welcome to another installment of UAB Briefs.
In this weekly online feature, we keep track of interesting people and events on campus.
This week, we take a closer look at some of the improvements made recently to the old DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Birmingham on University Blvd., now renamed the Hilton Birmingham at UAB.
We offer an update on plans for a new UAB Medical West facility in McCalla.
And there's news of a major Hollywood star scheduled to appear at the annual Starlight Gala fundraiser in June.
Know people, places and programs on the UAB campus that deserve a mention? Email jchambers@starnespublishing.com.
HOOPLA AT THE HILTON
On Thursday of last week, Jan. 31, a grand opening was held for the recently renovated and rebranded Hilton Birmingham at UAB on 20th Street South at University Boulevard, according to a news release from the university.
Dignitaries from UAB, the city of Birmingham and Hilton Hotels & Resorts took part in the event, which included property tours, a ribbon cutting and appearances by members of the UAB Spirit Program and Pep Band.
Highlights of the extensive renovation include upgraded common areas, new guest rooms, new dining options and improved conference facilities.
“The transformation has been extraordinary,” said Lisa Castagna, the hotel’s general manager. “It’s been a strategic, collaborative effort between Hilton and UAB to create this flagship Hilton property in the heart of the college campus.”
The hotel was renamed officially on Dec. 2 after the renovations to the facility were substantially complete.
The hotel’s renovations — said to cost about $20 million — began in March 2018 and were completed in stages throughout 2018.
The hotel’s lobby, other public areas and guest corridors were all redone, according to the news release. For example, the lobby features complimentary workstations equipped with Wi-Fi-enabled computers, printers and ergonomic seating.
The guest rooms and suites were upgraded with LED lights and luxurious, contemporary furnishings.
Two dining options have been introduced with the hotel’s conversion — The Lab Bar and Kitchen, a Southern-inspired, locally-sourced bar and kitchen, and The Lab Market Café, a quick-serve eatery with seasonal, locally-sourced pastries and prepared foods.
The hotel now offers 17,000 square feet of high-tech meeting and event space, including two ballrooms and meeting rooms of various sizes.
MEDICAL WEST UPDATE
UAB Medical West hospital announced in October 2018 that the facility — currently located in Bessemer — would relocate to a new facility in McCalla instead of the city of Hoover.
And the project continues to move forward.
Medical West recently filed a letter of intent with the State Health Planning and Development Agency in order to officially notify the agency of the project, and the letter of intent was accepted Jan. 17, according to an email to Iron City Ink from UAB Media Relations on Jan. 31.
Medical West will file its Certificate of Need application with the state within the next six months, and a traffic analysis is underway.
Medical West will continue to operate its primary care clinics in Western Jefferson County, along with the freestanding emergency department on Highway 15.
There are currently “no definitive plans” for the existing hospital facility, the email states. However, “Medical West and the UAB Health System will work diligently to find the highest and best use for the existing campus to serve the needs of the citizens of Bessemer and West Jefferson County."
Possibilities include using the existing facility to provide sub-acute care — for example, rehabilitation, mental health or long-term care services.
A separate Certificate of Need may be required to establish these new services at the existing facility once Medical West has moved to the replacement hospital, according to the email.
The new hospital will be built at Exit 1 off I-459 in McCalla on land that MedWest purchased prior to being approached by the city of Hoover to build the new facility there.
Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato proposed spending $20 million in incentives to help bring the new facility to his city on land near the Trace Crossings community, according to a report by our sister publication, Hoover Sun.
UNDER THE STARLIGHT
Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra will headline the 2019 Viva Health Starlight Gala — the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center — on Sunday, June 2.
This elegant evening benefits the center’s programming and community outreach and education.
The performance will take place in the Jemison Concert Hall at the Alys Stephens Center at 6 p.m., with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m.
Goldblum’s film credits include “Jurassic Park,” “Independence Day” and “The Big Chill,” and his television appearances include “Portlandia” and “Will & Grace.”
But he also plays piano with his jazz band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.
At a typical performance he takes audience questions, asks trivia questions and plays classic jazz tunes.
Past performers for the Viva Starlight Gala include Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Steve Martin, Kristin Chenoweth and The Pointer Sisters.
Tickets to Goldblum's performance are $150 for Alys Stephens Center members and $175 for non-members. Tickets include the performance and cocktail reception.
To purchase, call 975-2787 or go to alysstephens.org.
A VIP dinner is also available with tickets for $1,500. For details, email klortiz@uab.edu.