The 192-acre Birmingham-Southern College campus has a new owner. The U.S. Coast Guard will transform the site into a training facility for 1,200 recruits and 400 staff members.
Coast Guard to bring jobs and economic growth
Mayor Randall Woodfin celebrated the announcement on Facebook, noting the creation of 1,000 jobs for Birmingham. The campus will now serve as a hub for training and workforce development. Senator Katie Britt and Rep. Terri Sewell praised the acquisition as a major investment for the city and surrounding communities.
The purchase ensures all creditors, including the City of Birmingham and ServisFirst Bank, will be fully repaid. Local leaders, including City Councilor Sonja Smith and Rep. Robert Aderholt, emphasized the long-term benefits for Birmingham’s workforce and economy.
Campus history and closure
Birmingham-Southern College closed on May 31, 2024, after failing to secure a $30 million state loan. The 168-year-old institution had already received a $5 million city loan in 2023, but it was insufficient to keep the school open. Prior bids to acquire the campus from Alabama A&M University and Miles College fell through.
The property had been valued at $65 million and had remained largely dormant for nearly two years, leaving a historic campus unused.
Coast Guard plans and national significance
The acquisition aligns with the Coast Guard’s Force Design 2028 initiative, which aims to expand training facilities and modernize operations. Secretary Kristi Noem called the move a “bold blueprint for change,” noting record recruitment numbers and plans to add 15,000 new members by 2028.
The campus will now provide secure, modern training for future Coast Guard personnel while generating economic growth, tax revenue, and community investment in Birmingham.
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