Stran-Hardin Arena – Open for Business
- February 6th, 2018
- in News
The University of Alabama’s Adapted Athletics program originated in 2003 and has since developed into one of the premier programs in the country, winning nine national championships in men’s and women’s basketball and tennis. And now, because of the extraordinary efforts on the part of UA’s faculty, staff, alumni and donors, our Adapted Athletics teams will have a first-class facility in which to showcase their talents.
Furnishings and Design’s own Leah Shepherd was handpicked to be a part of this special effort and worked with the design team to make this a truly one of a kind arena. Paying special attention to the needs of the athletes, the arena minimizes transitions and doorways as well as providing spacious ramp access to the mezzanine. Additionally, the arena provides wheelchair accessible seating throughout its’ bleacher sections rather than having only one designated wheelchair accessible section.
With the ribbon-cutting and the grand opening now behind her, Leah has been able to take a moment and reflect on what the team was able to accomplish. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to be a small part of such a special project. It’s a joy to see the excitement on the coaches’ and players’ faces as they go through the facility. The pride and gratitude they exude for their new home is infectious.”
Great job Leah and great job Team UA for continuing to raise the bar in the commitment to excellence for our student population!
Each year, the interior design industry holds one of the largest and most recognizable trade shows, NeoCon, at The Mart in Chicago. The Mart is 4.2 million gross square feet, spanning two city blocks and rising 25 stories. It is home to hundreds of tenants, including showrooms of furniture, flooring and fabric manufacturers. This year was no different as more than 50,000 design professionals representing over 500 design companies met to discuss current trends and review the latest in commercial furniture and products.
Upon their return, Sarah Lindsay, Simoen and Mary Kathryn gave a comprehensive presentation to the entire Furnishings and Design staff, complete with pictures and information on the showrooms and new products being released. Striking the perfect balance between the latest in interior design and the rich traditions and standards here at UA is what makes our design staff’s talents really stand out! 
Constructed in 1915 as the University’s first stand-alone gymnasium, Little Hall was named in honor of William “Bill” Gray Little, who is credited with introducing football at the University of Alabama. In 1967, Little Hall became home for the School of Social Work and remains so today as they prepare to celebrate 50 years in the building! Recent renovations to Little Hall started in 2015 and Kristie Brown was assigned as the project’s interior designer. Kristie worked hand in hand with Dean Vandiver and her team to accommodate all of the programming requirements while highlighting Little Halls’ classical style with elegant wainscoting and elongated arched openings.