Plans are in the works to bring a state-of-the-art fashion and design facility to the University of Alabama campus.
UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences plans to build Drummond Lyon Hall, which will house its fashion retailing and apparel design program.
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Construction on the Colonial Drive building is expected to begin in the fall, pending final approval from the UA board of trustees.
The building is being named after Terri Drummond Lyon, a 1986 UA graduate, in honor of her support for the project.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to provide our students with the best resources and facilities to create their pathway to success in fashion and design,” Lyon said in a news release. “It is my honor to be one among many who are answering the call to support CHES and the university, and to help bring their vision for the future of the apparel and textiles program from conception to reality.”
![Savannah Taylor, a junior majoring in apparel design, carries the train from a corset dress she designed behind model Karli Kelly as they walk through Doster Hall before the annual Tee Time fashion show on the campus of the University of Alabama Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Over 20 students created designs from a variety of repurposed items including playing cards and trash bags. [Staff file photo]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/02/07/NTTN/ff279513-15fe-4091-a54d-70892869249c-Tee_Time_Fashion_Show_1.JPG?width=660&height=455&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
The 25,000-square-foot building will become part of a College of Human Environmental Sciences hub, which will include nearby Adams and Doster halls.
Once construction is complete, the new fashion and design facility will house the Fashion Archive, which is a collection of garment and textiles through history, along with a conservation laboratory, exhibition galleries, two cutting-edge studio classrooms, flex space for receptions or lectures and offices for fashion retailing and apparel design faculty.
The project has been made possible by raising $4 million dollars in charitable gifts with the support of UA alumni, the College of Human Environmental Sciences Leadership Board and other supporters.
“The university is thankful for the philanthropy of alumni and friends, especially Terri Drummond Lyon for investing so meaningfully in the lives of our students,” said UA President Stuart R. Bell. “Our students deserve the very best facilities where they can hone their talents and prepare for successful careers after graduation. This new building for our fashion and design programs will provide the exceptional experience necessary for our students to thrive.”
![Allie Lowery, a junior majoring in apparel design, makes some last-minute stitching adjustments as Sarah Monahan, a junior majoring in nursing, waits to model Lowery's design before the annual Tee Time fashion show at Doster Hall on the campus of the University of Alabama Tuesday, April 19, 2016. [Staff file photo]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/02/07/NTTN/5e923b00-4aab-43fd-b084-d27e94ec50f5-Tee_Time_Fashion_Show.JPG?width=660&height=439&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
UA said the facility will stand out when compared with apparel design and fashion merchandising programs offered at other Southeastern Conference schools. The facility will have dedicated spaces for apparel conservation and spaces for hands-on learning and hosting symposium-type events for the fashion and retail industries.
“We have no doubt that when completed, Drummond Lyon Hall will take our exceptional apparel and textiles program to even greater heights,” said Stuart Usdan, dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences. “It has the potential to open minds to new experiences and influence students, alumni, researchers and entrepreneurs in a variety of fields, from fashion to marketing and history … creating leaders who make a difference in our world.”
Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.
