As many entities were shut down due the Covid-19 epidemic, Tuscaloosa County Commission operations remained open as they actively worked towards bettering life for its citizens. Synergic Center was a result of this effort. Probate Judge Rob Robertson envisioned a place where community leaders could come together and create innovative solutions to some of today’s most challenging issues. The Tuscaloosa County Commission unanimously voted to approve funding for the purchase and renovations. With the help of a generous grant from Innovate Alabama, Judge Robertson’s vision is moving forward to fruition.

                Beginning as an abandoned call center, the Synergic Center has undergone transformative efforts to become a state-of-the-art facility near historic Northport. Synergic is placed on a spacious 13 acres, and the facility itself boasts a raised floor data center, conference rooms, a computer lab, and many workspaces that are ready for use. As construction quickly progresses, space continues to take shape. There have been large and small classrooms, offices, training areas and a drone shop added on. With a focus on community-wide innovation and collaboration, the new content studio will help spread information about these efforts with the help of digital media. This will include videography, podcasting, web design, and graphic design.

                With this new space, the Synergic Institute will focus on three core pillars: innovation, education, and collaboration. These values will be put into action partly through strategic, educational partnerships with various entities in Tuscaloosa and beyond. Some of the current partners include Innovate Alabama, Shelton State, West Alabama Works and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Each partner is strategically selected to play a unique role in the mission of the Synergic Institute.