FLORENCE - The University of North Alabama will move its Department of Entertainment Industry into downtown Florence beginning this fall.

The university signed a five-year lease agreement with Grammy award winner Gary Baker to house the program in space adjacent to his NoiseBlock Music Group studio, which is at Pine and Tombigbee streets.

UNA President Dr. William Cale said the agreement is another step in the ongoing growth of UNA.

“This is an exciting thing not only for our students and the university, but for downtown Florence,” Cale said.

The lease begins June 1, which allows time for renovations before classes begin in August.

The Department of Entertainment Industry is now in the Guillot University Center, without dedicated classroom space. The new arrangement provides classroom space, offices and a performance venue.

Bob Garfrerick, chair of the department, said the arrangement is in addition to current access the university has to NoiseBlock Studios. The new space will provide students the opportunity to plan, promote and manage live performances.