The University of Alabama campus will soon have a new modern fashion and design.
UA faculty, students and alumni gathered on the lawn of Doster Hall Friday to celebrate the development of Drummond Lyon Hall, the College of Human Environmental Sciences’ concentration in fashion retail and apparel design.
Drummond Lyon Hall was named by 1986 graduate Terry Drummond Lyon in recognition of his support of construction, which will be built on Colonial Drive.
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Once construction is complete, the new fashion and design facility will house The Fashion Archives, a collection of clothing and textiles throughout history, with a conservation lab, exhibition galleries, double-ended studio classrooms, a space for hospitality or fashion retail and apparel design faculty lectures and offices.
“We are excited about the opportunities this addition will bring to the UA campus,” said Stuart Usdan, dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences.
“[Drummond Lyon Hall] It will soon be a wonderful space, from classic to modern, where students can learn the art and business of clothing design and fashion retail, and where visitors can view fashion exhibitions, Usdan said.
The 25,000-square-foot building will be part of the College of Human Environmental Sciences, which will include nearby Adams and Doster halls.
Usdan said the design of Drummond Lyon Hall was deliberately chosen to resemble Doster Hall.
“We wanted it to resemble Doster Hall, which is the origin of our college. And finally, once it’s finished, if you look at this from Autrin Lucy Hall and look down Colonial Drive, it will look like an extension. Doster and we’re really excited about that.” said Usdan.
UA President Stuart R. Bell said the university looks forward to welcoming students to the new Fashion and Design Institute when the project is complete. Bell said construction of Drummond Lyon Hall is expected to be completed by July 2023.
“Drummond Lyon Hall has proven that this university will continue to be a national leader among universities in preparing students to go out, yes, in the state of Alabama, but really, across this nation and to be leaders in that field,” Bell said.
In a February news release, UA said Drummond Lyon Hall stands out compared to the apparel design and fashion merchandising programs offered at other Southeastern Conference schools. The facility will have dedicated spaces for garment conservation and hands-on learning for the fashion and retail industries, as well as hosting symposium-style events.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the college and future generations of our students. Drummond Lyon Hall will be a place where learning grows, ideas come to life, inspiration is found and legends all live,” said Jason Bell, UA Alumni and Chair of the Human Environmental Sciences Leadership Board.
