Article by: Thomas Dean, Contributing Writer

In December 2024, Traditions at South became the first apartment complex to be purchased by the University. Featuring four floors with 156 apartments and 560 bedrooms, Traditions at South will see a floor-to-ceiling renovation featuring both exterior and interior upgrades. To learn more about these developments, I sat down with the Executive Director of Housing, Jeremy Sheffield. 

“We knew that when we bought Traditions, the room type was desirable. We knew the environment and the construction were not up to our standards, so now, we are trying to get it up to standard,”Sheffield said.

Opening for students in the fall of 2025, Traditions at South drew massive support from the student body. The complex offers subtle upgrades to student parking, with a full-scale lot directly adjacent. Equally, every apartment features a kitchen, a living room, a private bedroom, a balcony, and a shared pool. 

“Demo’d to the studs,” Sheffield said.

Room renovations are aimed to be completed by the beginning of the spring semester 2027, taking place throughout six phases. Featuring new cabinets, stools, and an upgraded counter, the kitchen and living room face a complete remodel. In the bedroom, the closet door mirror is removed along with the carpet, while the bathroom sees a new sink, toilet, and shower. 

Originally, housing planned on taking away balcony access in order to support student safety. However, the balcony works as a key escape route in the event of a fire, which crucially requires that balconies remain unlocked and accessible. Housing does implement a strict balcony policy, highlighted by no grills, signage, or moving any furniture to be used outdoors. 

One feature of the renovation hopes to improve campus safety by updating the lock, door, and gate software. Beginning in the fall, students will use a digital fob to unlock and enter the property. First of its kind on campus, this new key method can be stored on a phone to provide students with improved access and security. Rather than a manual or black insert currently used, with the updated system, all students must do is add the key to their digital wallet.

Support for the renovations has varied, although Housing has been attentive in listening to students in order to provide them with the best housing experience possible. Currently, the green spaces on either side of the complex face an unknown renovation but hope to eventually act as an addition to the pool as a space for students to share community and lifestyle. 
For updates, suggestions, and all things housing, please access the Housing page at www.southalabama.edu.