AUBURN, ALA. — Birmingham, Ala.-based HPM has completed construction of the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University. The dual-purpose, 142,000-square-foot property houses learning environments for culinary students, as well as a boutique hotel, the 1856 teaching restaurant, brewery and a food hall. HPM served as program manager on the project and provided project management support for Auburn University Facilities Management during the pre-construction and construction phases.
Auburn alumnus and board of trustees member Jimmy Rane helped kickstart the project with a $12 million gift dedicated to the building’s construction. The board later approved naming the facility in honor of his parents, Tony and Libba Rane.
The property is situated at the corner of East Thach Avenue and South College Street in downtown Auburn. HPM also oversaw the construction of a $10 million, six-story parking garage nearby before breaking ground on the culinary facility in 2019. The design-build team for the property include architect Cooper Carry, facility operator Ithaka Hospitality Partners, the Auburn University Facilities Management department and general contractor Bailey-Harris Construction.