UAB Educational Foundation buys hotel, plans ‘significant upgrades’

The UAB Educational Foundation now owns the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel — on campus at University Boulevard and 20th Street South — and plans major renovations to the facility, which is used often for meetings and conferences hosted by various university departments.

The nonprofit foundation, which supports university operations, purchased the 298-room DoubleTree and its parking deck for $6.7 million, according to a news release. UAB already owned the land.

In addition to 15,000 square feet of meeting space, the facility’s restaurants, parking and guest rooms draw university personnel and others, including patients of UAB Medicine. However, the facility is underutilized, officials say.

“The significant planned upgrades will transform the facility to better support UAB and the broader community’s needs,” said Jodie Mote, Educational Foundation treasurer and controller.

The hotel will remain open during renovations, Mote said.

“The scope of renovations is not yet determined, but it is estimated renovations would begin in early-to-mid 2017 and could take up to 18 months,” Mote said.

To solicit suggestions regarding hotel upgrades, officials with the foundation, UAB Facilities and Boston-based management company Pyramid Hotel Group will meet in the coming months with deans and other campus leaders, according to Mote.