Samford University plans new housing to accommodate growing student population

The Homewood Planning Commission meeting on May 6, 2025, spotlighted significant developments at Samford University, where officials discussed the impact of new housing on campus traffic and student enrollment. With the completion of new residential facilities, the university anticipates accommodating an additional 650 students, which is expected to drastically reduce traffic congestion on local streets, particularly Lakeshore Drive.

Samford University currently hosts approximately 6,200 students, with a steady growth trend over the past 15 years. This year alone, the university has seen an increase of 100 to 200 students, partly due to the influx of students from Birmingham Southern College. The university's projections suggest that the incoming freshman class could reach around 1,200, pushing total enrollment to approximately 6,300 by fall.

Jeff Polishek, the university's AVP for construction and operations, emphasized the importance of on-campus living, noting that 75% of undergraduate students are required to reside on campus. However, with the rapid growth in enrollment, the university may only achieve a residency rate of about 68% this year. The new housing is designed not only to meet the demand for student accommodation but also to enhance campus life with additional food and retail options.

The discussions highlighted a dual benefit: while accommodating more students, the new housing will also alleviate traffic issues caused by off-campus living. As more students reside on campus, the number of daily trips to and from the university is expected to decrease significantly, creating a net positive impact on the surrounding community. The commission's focus on these developments underscores the ongoing collaboration between the university and the city to manage growth effectively.