Our Home, the New Hugh Merrill Hall

On March 19, 2018 an EF-3 tornado struck our campus and caused damage and destruction to many of our buildings. Of those damaged buildings, a few were considered total losses, one of which being the beautiful Hugh Merrill Hall. In the aftermath of the tornado, the university worked endlessly to relocate students and faculty to a workable, temporary location while also creating plans for the construction of a new and even more innovative building.

In January 2020, almost two years after the devastating tornadoes, the university broke ground on construction. Classes began in the building in Fall 2021.

Our Progress, In the News

February 16, 2020 Construction begins on JSU's campus to replace tornado-damaged building (Source: WVTM

February 18, 2020 Doster Construction starts work on JSU project (Source: AL.com)

February 20, 2020 Construction Begins on New Business Building at Jacksonville State University (Source: TV24)

January 8, 2021 Coming in 2021: JSU's New Merrill Hall (Source: JSU News)

August 17, 2021 Merill Hall to Open for First Day of Fall Semester (Source: JSU News)

  • Architect's rendering, exterior of the new College of Business and Industry Building

    Architect's rendering, exterior of the new Merrill Hall

  • Architect's rendering of the new building from Pelham Road

    Architect's rendering of the new building from Pelham Road

  • Architect's rendering of the back of the building, showcasing the courtyard

    Architect's rendering of the back of the building, showcasing the courtyard

  • Architect's rendering of the new building from the south/Pelham Road

    Architect's rendering of the new building from the south/Pelham Road

  • Architect's rendering of the aerial view of the new building

    Architect's rendering of the aerial view of the new building

  • Drone image showing the aerial view of early excavation work

    Drone image showing the aerial view of early excavation work

  • Drone image of the site during early excavation

    Drone image of the site during early excavation

  • Construction on the front, viewed from the southwest corner

    Construction on the front, viewed from the southwest corner

  • Construction, front view, including contractor fencing

    Construction, front view, including contractor fencing

  • Front of building construction progress

    Front of building construction progress

  • Sheathing work in progress on the front, viewed from northwest corner

    Sheathing work in progress on the front, viewed from northwest corner

  • Front view of the construction, showing entrance

    Front view of the construction, showing entrance

  • Back of building, viewed from southeast

    Back of building, viewed from southeast

  • Rear facade, showing courtyard area

    Rear facade, showing courtyard area

  • Closer view of rear facade, showing courtyard area

    Closer view of rear facade, showing courtyard area

  • Progress continues on the front of the building

    Progress continues on the front of the building

  • View of the front of the new Merrill Hall, taken in April 2021, from the west side of Pelham Road

    View of the front of the new Merrill Hall, taken in April 2021

  • The sky is reflected as workers continue to install the wall of glass on the front of the new Merrill Hall

    The glass front of the new Merrill Hall reflects the sky as work continues on the entrance