Clara Verner Towers

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Clara Verner Towers in March 2004.

Clara Verner Towers is a 13-story retirement community located at 101 Hackberry Lane adjacent to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The 201-unit, high-rise was completed in May 1975 at a final cost of $3.9 million. Clara Verner Towers is one of the tallest buildings in Tuscaloosa.

In March 1969, the Alabama Association of Retired Teachers decided to dedicate the construction of a soon-to-be-constructed facility for retired teachers in honor of long-time Tuscaloosa educator Clara Verner. After over two years of planning and fundraising, in 1971 the Alabama Mental Health Board approved a proposal to lease property that was part of the Bryce State Mental Hospital campus for construction of the tower. The proposed site was located across Hackberry Lane from Rose Towers, just off River Road (now Jack Warner Parkway), and overlooking the Black Warrior River.

Construction commenced on the tower in 1973 with N. C. Morgan Construction Company of Tuscaloosa serving as the general contractor for its construction. Its concrete framing was topped-out on September 20, 1974 with a small ceremony. The tower was completed in May 1975 and its public open house and dedication occurred on October 3, 1975. Present at the ceremony was congressman Walter Flowers to make the dedicatory address and portrait of Miss Verner was presented by the Pilot Club of Tuscaloosa to be housed in its lobby.

In 2007, Stan Pate purchased the building from the Alabama Baptist Retirement Centers for $1.8 million. In February 2008, he unveiled plans for a $9 million, complete renovation of the structure. Amason & Associates was hired to serve as general contractor for the project and it was completed by 2009.

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