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In the Know • December 03, 2025

Picture yourself eating lunch here

Having access to green spaces in an urban environment means more than easily finding a pleasant place to enjoy a lunch break. In 2019, a team of researchers from UAB’s Department of Occupational Therapy reported that spending 20 minutes in an urban park can make someone happier, regardless of whether they are engaging in exercise during the visit.

With cooler weather now upon us, there is no better time to find a new lunch spot.

Photos by JENNIFER ALSABROOK-TURNER and ANDREA MABRY / UAB Office of Marketing and Communications

 

Science and Engineering Complex courtyard

 

  • Exterior view of grassy courtyard at Gorrie Hall
  • View from second-floor courtyard of Gorrie Hall looking toward University Boulevard
  • View of second-floor exterior area at Gorrie Hall with planters and seating
  • Another view of exterior plantings, steps and seating on a sunny day on the second-floor exterior courtyard of Gorrie Hall
  • Exterior view of grassy courtyard at Gorrie Hall
  • View from second-floor courtyard of Gorrie Hall looking toward University Boulevard
  • View of second-floor exterior area at Gorrie Hall with planters and seating
  • Another view of exterior plantings, steps and seating on a sunny day on the second-floor exterior courtyard of Gorrie Hall

 

When Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall (map link to Gorrie Hall), the new home of the School of Engineering, opened in June 2025, it completed the U-shaped Science and Engineering Complex. The open end of the U contains a secluded, multi-level space that includes plentiful seating and features designed to recycle the condensate water from the complex’s cooling units.

 

Kracke Plaza

 

  • Looking back to the Heersink Conference Center and Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building from the far side of the grass in Kracke Plaza
  • View of grassy area, benches and tiered seating in Kracke Plaza
  • Another view of Kracke Plaza from the second floor of the Heersink Conference Center
  • Looking out to the statue of Dr. Kracke and grassy areas at Kracke Plaza from the ground-floor conference room at the Heersink Conference Center
  • Looking back to the Heersink Conference Center and Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building from the far side of the grass in Kracke Plaza
  • View of grassy area, benches and tiered seating in Kracke Plaza
  • Another view of Kracke Plaza from the second floor of the Heersink Conference Center
  • Looking out to the statue of Dr. Kracke and grassy areas at Kracke Plaza from the ground-floor conference room at the Heersink Conference Center

 

This park space, in front of the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building (map link to Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building), includes six picnic tables. It opened along with the Altec/Styslinger building in October 2025.

 

Sterne Plaza

 

  • Aerial view of students walking through Sterne Plaza
  • Another aerial view of Sterne Plaza looking toward Campus Green
  • 3 students relax under shade in Sterne Plaza
  • An iron statue of Blaze the dragon in Sterne Plaza
  • Aerial view of seating areas in Sterne Plaza
  • Aerial view looking past Sterne Plaza to Birmingham downtown in the distance
  • Aerial view of students walking through Sterne Plaza
  • A student works at a laptop in seating area in Sterne Plaza
  • Aerial view of students and glass wall of Sterne Library in Sterne Plaza
  • Aerial view of students walking through Sterne Plaza
  • Another aerial view of Sterne Plaza looking toward Campus Green
  • 3 students relax under shade in Sterne Plaza
  • An iron statue of Blaze the dragon in Sterne Plaza
  • Aerial view of seating areas in Sterne Plaza
  • Aerial view looking past Sterne Plaza to Birmingham downtown in the distance
  • Aerial view of students walking through Sterne Plaza
  • A student works at a laptop in seating area in Sterne Plaza
  • Aerial view of students and glass wall of Sterne Library in Sterne Plaza

 

If you are in the Science and Engineering Complex area (map link to Science and Engineering Complex), you should also check this space nestled between the complex and Sterne Library (map it). It offers plenty of shade and charging ports for electronic devices. Plus, you can pick up a drink at Sterne’s Starbucks.

 

Two more

These spaces on opposite ends of campus are not new; but because they opened in 2020, they are not as well-known as they should be. Each is worth a look.

 

McMahon Hall courtyard

 

  • Looking into the McMahon Hall courtyard, including trees and seating
  • Elevated view of seating areas at McMahon Hall courtyard
  • Shaded pergola and seating in McMahon Hall courtyard
  • Another shaded seating area in McMahon Hall
  • Looking into the McMahon Hall courtyard, including trees and seating
  • Elevated view of seating areas at McMahon Hall courtyard
  • Shaded pergola and seating in McMahon Hall courtyard
  • Another shaded seating area in McMahon Hall

 

Named for former UA System trustee John J. McMahon Jr., McMahon Hall (map link to McMahon Hall) opened in fall 2020 on the south half of the block bordered by Ninth and 10th avenues South and 16th and 17th streets. Its outdoor courtyard area features both shaded and sunny gathering spaces.

 

Townhouse Park

 

  • A view of Townhouse Park looking toward the Administration Building
  • Plantings and low seating areas in Townhouse Park
  • Picnic tables and trees in Townhouse Park
  • Lighted decorative towers at night in Townhouse Park
  • Another view of lighted decorative towers at night in Townhouse Park
  • A view of Townhouse Park from the parking deck at the Administration Building
  • A bench at Townhouse Park
  • A view of Townhouse Park looking toward the Administration Building
  • Plantings and low seating areas in Townhouse Park
  • Picnic tables and trees in Townhouse Park
  • Lighted decorative towers at night in Townhouse Park
  • Another view of lighted decorative towers at night in Townhouse Park
  • A view of Townhouse Park from the parking deck at the Administration Building
  • A bench at Townhouse Park

Built following the razing of the 1950s Townhouse Building, Townhouse Park (map link to Townhouse Park), located at the northeast corner of University Boulevard and 20th Street South, is home to foliage and several benches and tables. It also features three laser-cut stainless steel towers with programmed LED lighting. Each tower features art patterns conceptualized by local artist Deedee Morrison and inspired by sketches and notes from former UAB faculty, staff and students found in the UAB Archives.

 

Yes, the teaser photo for this story was actually taken on the Campus Green. Sharp eyes! Feel free to eat there, too.

Written by: Haley Herfurth and Matt Windsor
Photos by: Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner and Andrea Mabry

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