For a lot of UA students, they have not yet heard that the University of Alabama has approved a plan to build a new Julia Tutwiler Hall, put a parking deck where the existing parking lot is behind Tutwiler, and construct and finish the new building before 2020. All while the construction of the new building is occurring, the current residence hall will remain open. The new hall will be built somewhere behind the current one along with a new parking deck. The news of this replacement building was first heard in the Tuscaloosa News, and they gave a little insight to the new building:
"The building will feature double occupancy rooms with community bathrooms, lounges, study areas, seven elevators, a Julia’s Market and a multipurpose space that can serve as a storm shelter capable of protecting 1,742."
Right now Tutwiler has a Julia's Market, four elevators, floor lounges with couches, chairs, and community kitchens on every even floor. But this new building will not be the same. The current Tutwiler Hall that houses myself, and about 1,000 other ladies, was opened in the late 1960's. Granted this one is actually believe it or not the second Tutwiler Hall. In 1914, near the present day quad, Julia Tutwiler Hall was first opened as a house for women attending the University of Alabama. It was named after Julia Tutwiler, who persuaded university board of trustees to let women attend the university. This request was approved in 1897, and that is when women first started attending the University of Alabama. I know that is a lot of background information but some students might not know the history of the building and/or its namesake.
Even though the current building was opened in 1968, it has been one that is home to countless memories. Tutwiler is located right across from sorority row and adjacent to Bryant-Denny Stadium. Why does it matter? A lot of girls who have wanted to be in a sorority and go through rush week live in Tutwiler. I can't tell you how many girls I see on a daily basis wearing their sorority shirts and all the sorority signs posted on doors throughout the hallways in the building. I remember moving in for rush week and the feeling of being so excited and happy. And nothing beat the feeling of walking through the front door to go to the first home football game of the season.
Although the new Julia Tutwiler Hall will produce a lot of memories for the lucky girls who choose to live there, nothing can replace the 48 years worth of memories this building holds.
