RSA Judicial Building
Native nameRSA Dexter Avenue
LocationMontgomery, Alabama
Coordinates32.3782415°N 86.303048°W
Completion date2011
Architect2WR Holmes Wilkins Architects
OwnerRetirement Systems of Alabama
Cost$185 million
Floor area525,000 square feet (48,800 m2)
Floor count12
Websitehttps://www.rsa-al.gov/real-estate/office-building-portfolio/rsa-dexter-avenue-building/
References[1][2]
Roof58.83 m (193.0 ft)

The RSA Judicial Building, also known as RSA Dexter Avenue Building, is office high-rise in Montgomery, Alabama owned by Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) completed in 2011. Built on the grounds of the former home of the Alabama Supreme Court its incorporates the 1926 three-story courthouse complex called the Judicial Building within its 50 ft (15 m) glass atrium.

Alabama Supreme Court building

The earlier building was built in 1926 as the Scottish Rite Temple with an Egyptian motif. It was sold to the state in 1932 and became home to the Alabama Supreme Court and the Alabama' appellate courts and was called the Judicial Building.[3] It was remodeled in 1938 in a Works Progress Administration project when the exterior was stripped and modernized.[4][5] It was vacated and fell into disuse after the court system relocated to the newly-built Alabama Judicial Building circa 1994.

RSA building

The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) project for a new building began in 2007. Its design and location were a source of controversy for its height, the preservation of the courthouse and the effect it have of streetscape and views of the Alabama State Capitol.[6][7][8][9] While Montgomery's city planning code prohibits structures along Dexter Avenue taller than six stories, state buildings are exempt from the regulation.

The RSA building is 12 stories, 58.83 metres (193.0 ft) tall and is clad in glass curtain wall facade.[1] [10] While the is exterior steps were removed, a fully restored historic Alabama Supreme Court Building was incorporated into the new structure is highlighted in 50 ft (15 m) glass atrium.[11][12]

Inside the atrium is an "honor court" with statues of the Alabama Supreme Court chief justices who served in the older building.[13] The building also houses a datacenter for the region.[14][15]

See also

References

  1. ^ "RSA Judicial Building, Montgomery EMPORIS". Emporis[dead link]
  2. ^ "Retirement Systems of Alabama Dexter Avenue Office Building". JMR+H Architecture, PC
  3. ^ "Alabama Supreme Court – Court of Appeal | US Courthouses"
  4. ^ Project, Federal Writers' (October 31, 2013). The WPA Guide to Alabama: The Camellia State. Trinity University Press. ISBN 9781595342010. – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "State Judicial Building (former) Remodeling - Montgomery AL"
  6. ^ "Landmarks Foundation Comes Out Against RSA Building". WSFA12News. December 11, 2007.
  7. ^ "Preservationists Oppose Downtown Building's Design". WSFA12News
  8. ^ "Montgomery Preservationists Urge RSA To Redesign Building Plans For Old Judicial Building". WSFA12News
  9. ^ Goymer, Marvera (December 23, 2007). "Proposed 12-story RSA building would destroy view of Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama". The Birmingham News
  10. ^ "Alabama Appellate Watch | Page 104"[dead link]
  11. ^ Harper, Brad. "Where it's at: Downtown is 1% of Montgomery's land, but a whopping 15% of its development". The Montgomery Advertiser
  12. ^ "Honoring the Past While Looking Towards the Future | W&W Glass, LLC". glassonweb.com
  13. ^ "RSA dedicates Dexter Avenue building, pays tribute to judges". WSFA12News
  14. ^ "Your personal information may be locked up in Montgomery building". WSFA12News
  15. ^ "Retirement Systems of Alabama RSA Dexter Avenue Datacenter at 445 Dexter Avenue". www.datacenterhawk.com