Members of the Legislative Council, comprising 20 Alabama lawmakers, convened on Wednesday, May 1, to receive updates on the ongoing construction of a new Alabama State House overseen by the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA).

Situated on the former Ripley Street parking lot east of the current State House, the project aims for completion by late 2025, with occupancy projected for January 2027. RSA, funding the project with an estimated $300 million to $350 million, plans to lease the building to the Legislature, targeting an 8% return on investment.

A secondary phase involves demolishing the existing State House to create a park area, with an initial projected cost of approximately $100 million, to be funded directly by the Legislature.

Architect Bill Wallace of Goodwyn Mills Cawood presented designs, featuring six columns and a dome facing the park and State Capitol, alongside floor plans showcasing meeting chambers and public galleries.

The initiative, addressing longstanding issues with the aging State House, originally constructed for the Alabama Highway Department, has been in discussion since 2022, with legislative support solidified in May 2023 through a bill granting control of the state-owned property to the Legislative Council.

The current 60-year-old structure was originally built for the Alabama Highway Department. According to reports, problems cited include limited public access, inadequate disability access, flooding and mold.

The new building will have expanded capacity and ADA compliance.