A new development is taking shape in Northport, where a $350 million mixed-use resort is being proposed. This initiative aims to rejuvenate a 77-acre area close to Tuscaloosa National Airport, creating a local hotspot for residents and tourists alike.
The University Beach Resort will feature a 10-acre lagoon, a water park, an event center, residential spaces, and a variety of retail and dining options. Conveniently situated near Highway 82 and the Northport Sports Complex, the project is crafted to be a vibrant hub for living, working, and leisure, all centered around waterfront activities.
The site falls under the University Beach Special District, established with a zoning strategy meant to promote a lively, high-density, walkable community. This area is split into residential and entertainment zones.
The residential section is set to include single-family houses along with up to 470 multi-family units. Of these, at least 50 will be standalone homes. The design prioritizes walkability, featuring open spaces, parks, beaches, front porches, rear garages, and groomed community yards.
On the flip side, the entertainment district will cater to commercial and recreational needs, incorporating lagoons and water parks. Structures here can be up to seven stories high, with provisions for commercial spaces on the ground floor of multi-family units, allowing for adaptable future use. The site promises at least 1,500 shared parking spaces.
Trails, boardwalks, and plazas will connect the two districts, fostering engagement with the Central Lagoon. There will be public beaches (with daily fees) as well as private beaches for residents and hotel patrons. The developers aim to integrate unique architectural designs, recreational areas, and quality landscaping throughout the project.
The initiative aligns with Northport’s broader urban planning goals, such as economic diversification, effective land management, and bolstering the city’s identity through its natural assets.
The Northport City Council has reviewed and conditionally approved the rezoning request. Conditions include installing sidewalks, capping the number of multi-family units at 275, and prohibiting certain business types—like motels, tattoo parlors, self-storage facilities, and cannabis clinics—to ensure the project remains community-focused.
City staff are currently undertaking a preliminary impact assessment, confident that infrastructure and service capabilities can accommodate this development in a way that won’t disrupt the neighborhood.
For more information on the city’s proposed plans, details may be found here.
