Visit Tuscaloosa, in support of the City of Tuscaloosa and Saban Center, is excited to announce a major development in one of the city’s most anticipated projects, as Saban Center officially tops out in Tuscaloosa’s River District, reaching its full structural height. Slated to open in 2027, the first-of-its-kind learning campus for STEM and the arts is designed to bring education, creativity and community together under one roof, further positioning Tuscaloosa as a destination for innovation, culture and lifelong learning.
Designed by globally renowned architecture firm Steinberg Hart in collaboration with Birmingham-based Davis Architects and developed in close partnership with Nick and Terry Saban, the striking marble-clad complex is currently taking shape along the Black Warrior River. The Saban family recently gathered alongside city, state and project partners to mark the occasion, signaling continued progress toward the campus’s anticipated 2027 debut.
“Saban Center is deeply personal to us, we've been involved every step of the way, working closely with the design team to shape a place where children of all ages can explore their curiosity and imagine what's possible for their futures,” said Nick and Terry Saban. “We're thrilled to see this vision materializing in the heart of Tuscaloosa, and can’t wait to see the next generation of Alabama's leaders, makers, and dreamers make it their own.”
This milestone also represents a significant moment for Tuscaloosa’s continued growth as a destination, reinforcing the city’s commitment to investing in transformative projects that elevate its cultural offerings, attract new visitors and contribute to long-term economic and community development.
"What makes the Saban Center so remarkable is that it will be a transformational education asset and world-class visitor attraction all in one,” said Kelsey Rush, President & CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa. “Families driving from across the region, tourists exploring downtown, and residents looking for something to do on a Saturday, this is the kind of place that draws people in. It truly reflects the city's commitment to innovation, education, and the offering of cultural experiences."
Set within a 7.71-acre landscape along the Black Warrior River, the 118,000-square-foot campus is designed as a series of flowing, curved pavilions anchored by a transparent central tower, creating an architectural landmark that is both visually striking and deeply connected to its surroundings. The building is thoughtfully integrated into the site’s natural slope, reducing its apparent height at street level while establishing a recognizable presence from across the River District.
At the heart of the complex, a 70-foot glass tower will house an 18-foot illuminated globe powered by advanced display technology, creating a new visual beacon for Tuscaloosa and reinforcing the destination’s growing identity as a hub for innovation, education and cultural experiences.
The building’s exterior will feature locally sourced recycled marble from the Alabama Marble Mineral & Mining Company, celebrating the state’s natural resources and craftsmanship, while interior materials emphasize durability and long-term performance. This approach reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and regional storytelling, tying the campus to Tuscaloosa’s sense of place.
"The architectural vision for Saban Center reflects our mission to foster curiosity, confidence, and leadership in young Alabamians. Flowing, integrated spaces invite exploration across disciplines, while the Alabama marble facade and regionally sourced materials root the campus in the place and people it serves,” said Audrey Buck, Executive Director of Saban Center. “Through our partnerships with the city, state, and numerous leading institutions, we’re excited to open a new hub for learning and collaboration that will create lasting opportunities across the region.”
Led by Nick and Terry Saban and their Nick’s Kids Foundation in partnership with the City of Tuscaloosa and many additional funding partners, the project represents a powerful public-private collaboration with statewide impact. In addition to housing the State of Alabama STEM Hub, the campus will bring together several of Tuscaloosa’s most established community institutions, including the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and IGNITE, formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum, alongside partnerships with leading organizations across education, research and industry.
“Saban Center will be a catalyst for building Alabama’s future-ready workforce," said Walt Maddox, Mayor of Tuscaloosa. "Through this extraordinary partnership with the State of Alabama, Nick and Terry Saban, and many dedicated organizations, we are creating pathways that equip students and educators with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in tomorrow’s economy.”
With construction progressing toward its 2027 opening, the Saban Center is set to become a cornerstone of Tuscaloosa’s River District, further enhancing the destination’s mix of cultural attractions, outdoor experiences and community-driven development along the Black Warrior River.