Thousands of Alabama schoolchildren visit the Capitol in Montgomery every year to witness government in action. However, in recent years, these visits have highlighted the building’s outdated conditions, including cramped committee rooms, malfunctioning elevators, and limited space for visitors — issues that have long hampered the functionality of the current State House.

To address these challenges, Alabama is constructing a new State House designed to better meet the needs of both lawmakers and the public.

The existing State House, built in the 1960s, is slated for replacement in a $350 million project. According to WSFA, once the new facility is complete, the old building will be demolished to make way for a green, park-like space aimed at welcoming school groups, visitors, and the community. This will create a campus-style atmosphere in downtown Montgomery, fostering increased civic engagement in a more accessible and inviting environment.

Alabama Secretary of the Senate Patrick Harris emphasized the historic nature of the project, stating, “This is really kind of the first entire state house capital building built in the U.S. since Florida did it in the early ’80s.”

The new facility will incorporate modern technology upgrades, including expanded and improved committee rooms, legislative chambers, and offices. These enhancements are designed to support live-streaming of committee meetings and improve transparency in government proceedings. News 19 reported that the current building’s limited elevator access and cramped spaces have made it particularly difficult to accommodate school tours, with groups often forced to climb multiple floors due to broken elevators.

The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) is funding the project. Nia Scott, a representative of RSA, told News 19 that the project remains on schedule and under budget. “By September 2024, 85% of the project is expected to be bid out to contractors,” Scott said, noting that construction is proceeding efficiently with two cranes actively in use.

Completion of the new State House is anticipated by the end of 2026, with lawmakers expected to hold their first regular legislative session in the building in 2027. Once operational, the new facility and surrounding green space will not only enhance legislative operations but also improve the overall visitor experience at Alabama’s Capitol.

In addition to the construction, officials are working to integrate sustainable design features to reduce environmental impact and create a healthier indoor environment for both legislators and visitors. The project aims to balance modern needs with historical respect, ensuring the Capitol remains a centerpiece of Alabama’s government and community life for decades to come.

Originally reported by Sherri Blevins in Yellowhammer News.