University of North Alabama - Campus

Campus

The University of North Alabama and the surrounding residential area share a rich history. The UNA campus is adjacent to the Seminary-O’Neal Historic District, named for the street on which the Synodical Female College was located and for two Alabama governors. The district, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, also is noted for its residential structures, built between 1908 and 1943 and representing a wide array of architectural styles.

UNA's initial campus facilities master plan was developed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same architectural firm that designed New York City's Central Park. A copy of the original Olmsted plan is permanently displayed in the President’s Office in Bibb Graves Hall.

The modern campus is distinguished by its shaded walkways, spacious green lawns, fountains, sculptures and historic buildings. UNA also is noted for its three antebellum structures: Wesleyan Hall; Rogers Hall; and Coby Hall. All three buildings are listed in the National Historic Register.

Gifts from friends and alumni and federal grants made possible a massive renovation of the UNA campus to conform with the landscape design originally formulated by Olmstead brothers. The university was transformed into an almost entirely pedestrian campus, with a brick walkway added to simulate the nearby Tennessee River and accented with fountains designed by Hugo Dante, of the Hill and Jangaard architectural firm, of Florence.