Tuscaloosa hotel project halts for archaeological digging | News

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC)- The construction of a new hotel in Tuscaloosa could come to a stop due to ancient history.

University of Alabama archaeologists are digging to see if there are American Indian artifacts buried on the site. A city spokeswoman says it's highly unlikely that anything found underground would kill the hotel project.

But before it moves forward, archaeologists are digging up a park and most of the free parking lot in what's known as the old City Fest lot.

Four tents have been set up at the site and in some places, fences mark of the area. The work is required by law, according to city spokeswoman Deidre Stalnaker.

"They are looking for a little bit of anything, anything of significance. Significance could mean a lot of things depending on who you ask. But they are looking for anything they can study and get a better understanding of the history of Tuscaloosa," Stalnaker said.

In addition, free parking comes to an end at the City Fest lot Wednesday at 5 p.m. The city has a deck with hundreds of spaces and is also building a new lot next to the old one.

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