University to Implode Tutwiler Hall on Fourth of July As New Dorm Nears Completion

The University of Alabama will implode its famous Tutwiler Hall women's dorm on the morning of Independence Day, providing a public spectacle long before any firework shows begin.

In a Tuesday press release, a University spokesperson said the 13-story building will come down at 7 a.m. on Monday, July 4th.

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Some viewing areas will be open to the public, but the spokesperson warned that because of the location of the building on Paul Bryant Drive and the large-scale safety area the University will implement before the blast, visibility will be greatly limited.

The University is suggesting those who want to watch the demolition do so via a public live stream they will broadcast.

For those who still wish to attend the event in person, a small public viewing area will be available on the top floor of the Magnolia Parking Deck at 800 Paul W. Bryant Drive. The first two floors of the deck will be open for public parking. Spectators will be provided dust masks on site.

According to UA, the following road closures will take place before and during the implosion

The following streets will be closed beginning at 5 a.m., Monday, July 4:
• Paul W. Bryant Drive from 6th Avenue to Wallace Wade Avenue.
• 10th Avenue from 12th Street to Paul W. Bryant Drive.
• 12th Street from 8th Avenue to 10th Avenue.
• 8th Avenue from Paul W. Bryant Drive to 12th Street.
• Colonial Drive from Paul W. Bryant Drive to Judy Bonner Drive.
• Magnolia Drive from Paul W. Bryant Drive to Judy Bonner Drive.

The following streets will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. to westbound traffic at 7th Avenue:
• 10th Alley.
• 11th Street.
• 11th Alley.

All streets will begin reopening after the implosion.

The first-ever Tutwiler Hall was built in 1914 on the modern site of the Rose Administration Building and was demolished more than 50 years ago. The 13-floor that will be imploded next month opened in 1968 and has been home to more than 50,000 women attending the University.

The new 1,284-bed Tutwiler Hall will be the third iteration of the women's dorm. It is expected to open this August at the start of the fall semester.