National Search Launched for Buyer of Birmingham-Southern's Closed Campus

Birmingham-Southern College has broadened its search for a buyer, extending its efforts nationwide for its 192-acre campus located in west Birmingham, Alabama.

Closed since May 31 due to financial issues, the college is now partnering with a New York-based real estate brokerage and investment banking firm to facilitate the sale. According to an emailed statement to Cotton State Chronicle, Birmingham-Southern’s president, Daniel Coleman, confirmed that while discussions with local buyers are ongoing, the institution is open to out-of-state offers to ensure the best possible sale conditions. However, specific details about prospective buyers remain confidential.

The college has enlisted the expertise of Keen-Summit Capital Partners LLC and JLL executive vice president Hugo Isom, who are promoting the property as a unique opportunity. “This is the premier college campus available for sale in the U.S. right now,” said David Levy, managing director of Keen-Summit Capital Partners LLC. The site is ideal for institutions looking to expand or establish specialized campuses, including medical, technology, and life sciences.

Located near the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport, the campus is touted for its accessibility to a global audience. It is also in proximity to downtown Birmingham and cultural landmarks such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Rickwood Field, and the McWane Science Center.

Key features of the campus at 900 Arkadelphia Road include 19 academic and administrative buildings, 34 student housing facilities accommodating around 1,600 students, 24 single-family homes, and various athletic facilities.

Since the college’s closure, the future of the Bush Hills campus has been uncertain. In June, Birmingham-Southern signed a letter of intent with Miles College, a historically Black college in nearby Fairfield, though details of those negotiations remain undisclosed. Previous offers from Alabama A&M University, including a $65.5 million bid, were unsuccessful.

The listing for the campus was posted on Keen-Summit’s website on July 23. An audit and tax records from last year valued Birmingham-Southern’s campus, buildings, and equipment at approximately $65 million.

Despite its storied 168-year history, Birmingham-Southern faced long-standing financial challenges. The board of trustees decided to cease operations in March, attributing the closure to the state treasurer’s denial of a $30 million bridge loan. The college also owes ServisFirst Bank $16.5 million, giving the bank the first claim to sale proceeds.