University of Alabama to Vacate Gadsden Center Amid Lease Disputes by May 2025

University of Alabama to Leave Gadsden Center by May 2025

Gadsden, Alabama – The University of Alabama has announced that it will vacate the Gadsden Center located on Broad Street and First Street North by the end of May 2025. This decision follows the city’s choice to pursue legal action aimed at evicting the university after it allegedly refused to negotiate a new lease agreement for the facility.

Background of the Gadsden Center

The Gadsden Center has a rich history, once hosting hundreds of students for various classes. However, Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford criticized the university in a social media post, arguing that UA has been reducing its educational footprint in Gadsden and Etowah County for much of the 21st century. Currently, the center serves as a venue for an early learning initiative and an after-school program.

Lease and Renewal Issues

According to sources, when the university’s lease came up for renewal, it came to light that the University of Alabama had not been paying rent for the use of the facility. City Services Director Tena King Morgan elaborated that the city leadership had committed to ensuring that all entities occupying city-owned buildings, including nonprofits and educational institutions, pay for their space and contribute to maintenance and utilities.

“When Mayor Ford took office, he made a vow that no one, regardless of nonprofit status, would be exempt from paying rent for city properties,” stated King Morgan. “It became apparent that we had more organizations not paying rent than those who were.”

City’s Financial Burden

Maintaining city buildings occupied by such organizations had become a major financial challenge for the city. King Morgan stressed that the burden on municipal resources, compounded by institutions not contributing financially, resulted in an untenable situation. The city had been absorbing not only rent costs but also utility and maintenance expenses related to these properties.

University’s Response

In response to these developments, the University of Alabama communicated that the city decided to initiate eviction proceedings before any new lease agreement could be forged. This statement was made on Wednesday by Deidre Simmons, the university’s Executive Director of Communications.

However, Mayor Ford’s post did not refer to any legal steps aimed at eviction. King Morgan confirmed that she was not aware of any ongoing legal action against the university as of Thursday.

Future of Early Learning Initiatives

While this transition unfolds, the city is keen on enhancing early learning and childcare services. King Morgan pointed out that most local elementary schools now feature 4-K programs, a need that the Gadsden Center initially sought to address. The city is collaborating with Gadsden State and hopes to expand its capacity to take on more children in early childhood education.

“We have strong programs at local schools and institutions that prepare individuals for work in this vital field,” noted King Morgan. “We are working closely with educational leaders to boost program capacity and provide quality care for our community’s children.”

University’s Commitment to Gadsden

Despite the impending departure from the Gadsden Center, the University of Alabama has reiterated its commitment to serving the Gadsden and Etowah County communities. King Morgan clarified that this decision does not relate to any upcoming plans for the development of the city’s riverfront.

As the deadline approaches, questions remain about the future use of the Gadsden Center and how the city will navigate its challenges in public services and educational opportunities.