The University of Alabama in Huntsville on Friday announced plans for a dramatic campus expansion that would include a new multi-purpose facility to provide a home to the school’s ice hockey and basketball teams.

The school in 2017 purchased 58 acres for $7.1 million west of Sparkman Drive for the expansion -- an abandoned office park that would shift the focus of the campus, according to the master plan unveiled to the UA System Board of Trustees by retiring President Robert Altenkirch.

The mixed-use project across Sparkman Drive from the Bevill Conference Center would include parks, retail and student housing.

"A new district oriented toward the life of students and faculty outside of the classroom to create a signature 'college town' experience," is how the master plan described the project.

Highlights of the UAH development:

· An elevated pedestrian bridge across Sparkman Drive that would connect the core campus to the new development.

· Housing for 2,000 students.

· 170,000 square feet of ground floor commercial retail.

· 165,000 square feet for the multi-purpose facility that would house athletics, performance arts and community events.

· 3.5 acres of parks and open spaces.

The project would be paid for primarily by private developers, Altenkirch said, while the school may pay for the student housing. The multi-use facility could be funded through a public-private partnership, he said, which would allow for events beyond those hosted by the school to take place.

According to a survey of students, faculty and staff included in the master plan, students said they viewed the development as "a place that they would live multiple years during their college experience."

Those same parties also spoke to the need for an on-campus event space. The hockey team currently plays its home games at Von Braun Center about four miles from campus in downtown Huntsville.

The multi-use facility would also include a practice ice for community use, Altenkirch said.

Other planned uses of the district would include a hotel.

Altenkirch said he discussed the proposed development with incoming president Darren Dawson.

“Darren’s reaction was, and I quote, 'The concept looks fantastic, especially the multi-use facility,” Altenkirch said.