BY DESIGN
MGM’s architecture and engineering industry brings the region (and beyond) the tangible places and spaces in which we all live, work and play, using a combo of raw talent and sophisticated tools to marry form and function.
From idea spark to full-fledged vision, from blueprint to actual bridge, road or building, at every step of planning and creating the spaces that shelter us and the infrastructure elements that connect us, there are architects and engineers at work. Without them, our ability to do business and our quality of life would — both literally and figuratively — crumble. BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
PROJECT OF NOTE
PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM TAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL TOUR VIA SOME MGM FIRMS' NOTABLE PROJECTS
While it may seem obvious that the architec-
assets is our expertise,” said Jack Daniels,
of time. It packs a pretty sizable econom-
ture and engineering industry has and will
President of structural engineering firm
ic-impact punch too, according to Dr. Keivan
continue to play essential roles in the River
Blackburn Daniels O’Barr, Inc. “We are able
Deravi, Dean of AUM’s College of Public
Region, Don Brown, FAIA, founder of Brown
to provide highly complex designs for a
Policy and Justice. “The architecture and
Studio Architecture elaborated on the point.
multitude of projects.”
engineering industry, statewide, has a payroll of $2.2 billion and a total employment
“We create things that matter and that bring pleasure and usefulness to people,” he said.
Some firms, like JMR+H and Goodwyn, Mills
of 26,000 employees,” he said. “I believe
Vice President at JMR+H Architecture Tim
and Cawood, Inc. (GMC), cover multiple bas-
the River Region’s share of the industry is
Holmes, AIA, echoed Brown. “Good archi-
es in one office. “Our practice is diversified
approximately 6 percent of the state figures.
tectural solutions equal productive office en-
and spread over many areas, including com-
That means a payroll of $100 million and
vironments, pleasurable retail opportunities
mercial, governmental, military, educational,
employment of 1,500.”
and cultural gathering spaces that enhance
retail and coastal resort work,” Holmes
our daily lives,” he said. “The influence this
said. “So our beneficial influence sweeps a
GMC alone employs more than 400 profes-
has on creating positive experiences for all
wide path: whether it’s a student sitting in a
sionals companywide, with approximately
we do is undeniable.”
classroom at Carver High School, a patient
120 of those in the River Region. “Architec-
having surgery at a local clinic, a family
ture and engineering are major sources
Knowing that our area’s architecture and
going to the movies or a soldier receiving
of employment for an educated workforce
engineering firms are foundational to con-
training or a professional practicing in an
here,” said David Reed, PE, PLS, Executive
tinued growth and progress, it’s comforting
office environment.”
Vice President and Board Chairman at
to also understand the depth and breadth of options that the large number of firms in the River Region provides. “Our area architects
ECONOMIC ENERGY
GMC. “That’s a big positive.”
But the industry brings more to our commu-
Simply having so many architects and engi-
and engineers are some of the best in the
nity than interesting, usable buildings and
neers living alongside us is a plus. “Because
United States. One of the industry’s greatest
transportation systems that stand the tests
the Alabama Department of Transportation
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ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
CIVIL RIGHTS MEMORIAL CENTER
SUPER SIZE
“The architecture and engineering
industry is currently experiencing rapid growth. Mergers and acquisitions are at an all-time high, with many giant firms combining to form mega-giant firms. As part of our strategic
(ALDOT) is here, there are a lot of engineers here,” said Pep Pilgreen, President of Pilgreen Engineering, a civil engineering firm. “And having a lot of engineers here means a lot of well educated folks here." Reed agreed. “Having a large number of architects and engineers in a community helps cultivate interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math,” he said. “Development of STEM in education and the workforce of the River Region is vital to the community’s future success in attracting new commerce and industries.” Brown offered a wider perspective on his profession’s role. “During the recession, we lost a greater percentage of our profession than any of the others in this country. Conversely, when we are busy, as we are now, the economy is strong. We are the canary in the mine shaft.”
TOOLS & TRENDS Even as advances in technology bring multiple changes to the way work gets done in the industry, the higher education that
growth strategy, GMC has acquired several smaller firms over the last few years, and we are currently engaged
Pilgreen mentioned is still integral. “Now,
in the M&A process
almost everything we do is measured and
with two other firms.”
drawn on computers; nothing, other than
- David Reed,
some preliminary design work, is done by
Goodwyn Mills
hand anymore, and computers are faster, so that’s good,” he said. But the amount of
and Cawood, Inc.
automation is not without issues. “We, as engineers, still have to have the knowledge.
in 3D,” he said. “Calculations of complex sys-
Computers can spit out an error, especially
tems that once took days and reams of pa-
when changes are made, so you have to
per are now done by importing the data and
understand what you are looking at,” he
criteria and letting the computer do its work.
said. “It can also give false confidence and
Technology has completely transformed our
cause some to not check their work as much
industry, and it is wonderful; however, I do
as they should,” Pilgreen said.
miss some of the old, hands-on experience that was necessary to complete a project.”
Reed also praised the efficiency of modern times but admitted he sometimes misses the
Brown believes the same is true in his
“old ways.” “Today, we use drones to con-
profession and offered a caveat similar to
duct topographic surveys. Plans are drawn
Pilgreen’s. “All of us use current-generation
using design software on a computer, often
digital tools today, which enable small firms
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ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
RSA TOWER
DID YOU KNOW? Many of the architectural elements of RSA buildings around the state have been inspired by iconic structures in other areas. The pinnacle of the RSA Tower in downtown Montgomery pays homage to the top of JP Morgan’s headquarters in New York City. The banquet facility at the peak of the RSA Plaza building is identical (its glass exterior) to the famed Tavern on the Green restaurant in NYC’s Central Park. The Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa in Florence takes design cues from a resort in
like us to perform more comprehen-
industry,” he said. “I worry a bit that
sively and large teams to connect
we will become too dependent on
Alberta, Canada.
across platforms,” Brown said. “But
technology. You should use technol-
the aspects that the owner wants to
what really matters is the intellectual
ogy as a tool, but don’t let it drive
have,” said Holmes. Brown added,
capacity, education and training that
your creativity.”
“The pace of work has accelerated. The components of buildings have
we as architects employ to be the trusted advisor. It’s not about the
Technology is also presenting other
become more complicated. Recent
tool. It’s about judgment.”
challenges. By speeding up the
economic recovery has released
work on projects with software and
pent-up demand for development
Wilbur Hill, AIA, an architect at
modeling that allows for increased
and construction. But our profession
Brown Studio Architecture, still puts
collaboration across disciplines and
can’t turn out results overnight.”
pencil to paper at the beginning of
trades, it is elevating clients’ expec-
most projects but employs digital
tations, often to unrealistic levels.
One big benefit of technology is its
devices too. He expressed some
“The faster pace that technology
ability to aid today’s architects and
concern about the profession’s
has afforded us has also created
engineers in designing and building
reliance on technology. “The ability
expedited schedules that some-
“greener” structures, according to
to be able to communicate with a
times don’t give enough time for
Barry Robinson, owner and CEO of
pen is still very important to this
the design team to integrate all of
Robinson and Associates ArchitecContinued on page 14
TECH-SAVY
“Detection limits for environmental analytical capability have vastly improved. Back in the early to mid-1970s, we were fortunate to analyze soil and water contaminants to the levels measured in just a few parts per million (ppm). Today, contaminants can be detected in parts per trillion (ppt) and beyond. As a practical matter, contaminant cleanup capabilities and standards today allow scientists and engineers to find contaminants left as undetected during earlier days of environmental regulation.”
- Dan Cooper, TTL, Inc
12 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PROJECT OF NOTE
PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM
NOTABLE QUOTE
“
We, as engineers, still have to have the knowledge. Computers
PILGREEN ENGINEERING
can spit out an error, especially
MONTGOMERY MULTIPLEX AND CRAMTON BOWL EXPANSION
when changes are made, so you
We worked on the Multiplex building at Cramton Bowl and drainage needed
have to understand what you are looking at.
“
- Pep Pilgreen, Pilgreen Engineering
when re-doing the west stands of the bowl. This project stands out because we found some interesting things underground at Cramton Bowl. Where the press box is now is where they used to work on trolley cars a long time ago. We uncovered railroad tracks that no one knew were there. We found a huge culvert running under the football field, made of solid concrete. There are rooms under the main entrance that were covered up.
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ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
RIVER REGION IMPACT:
ture, Inc. “Repurposing old materials like tim-
Holmes. “One of the biggest challenges to our
ber elements, recycled glass and aluminum to
industry would have to be the myriad project
be more environmentally friendly is currently a
delivery methods now being employed in the
trend,” he said.
construction industry,” he said. “Construction management represents a relatively popular
Brown sees the same thing. “Energy efficiency
form of delivery that relies on a management
and sustainability are priorities for more and
firm to organize, manage and deliver projects
more clients and more of our colleagues, and
for an owner. As such, the architect is a mem-
we now have the tools to design and build
ber of a team controlled by a manager and not
this way,” he said. Holmes also sees a lot of
the lead professional of the project. It works
movement in this direction. “Responding to re-
well with the right team but can certainly be a
newable energy resources with smart design
challenge in the wrong hands.”
solutions is the latest in design and construction trends,” he said.
While the focus on designs and methods that conserve both natural and personnel resourc-
On the engineering side, Dan Cooper, Senior
ESTIMATED
ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING INDUSTRY IMPACT:
1,500 JOBS WITH A PAYROLL OF
$100M
PROJECT OF NOTE
PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM
es isn’t likely to go out of fashion Continued on page 16
Client Manager with TTL, Inc., explained how technology has greatly enhanced his ability to protect the environment in his work as a chemical engineer. “Detection limits for environmental analytical capability have vastly improved,” he said. “Back in the early to mid1970s, we were fortunate to analyze soil and water contaminants to the levels measured in just a few parts per million (ppm). Today, contaminants can be detected in parts per trillion (ppt) and beyond. As a practical matter, contaminant cleanup capabilities and standards today allow scientists and engineers to find contaminants left as undetected during earlier days of environmental regulation.” Another trend, one aimed at the efficient use of time, can sometimes present a problem for the architecture industry, according to
“What really matters is the intellectual capacity,
Montgomery’s Riverwalk
education and training that we
Stadium had significant
as architects employ to be the
geotechnical and historical
trusted advisor. It’s not about
challenges that required
the tool. It’s about judgment.”
innovative construction tech-
- Don Brown, Brown Studio Architecture
niques and foundation design
PROJECT OF NOTE BROWN STUDIO ARCHITECTURE RIVER REGION HEALTH CENTER
DAN COOPER, TTL, INC. RIVERWALK STADIUM
PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM
types to overcome potentially expensive problems. The use of several foundation systems that allowed the project to fit within the geometry of the site and be completed on April 9, 2004, (one week ahead of schedule) resulted in the cost
This center is an effective delivery
of the project matching the
mechanism for health care, and the
$26.5 million budget.
building is extraordinarily flexible and patient-friendly, so much so, that other areas have used it as a model. It’s also the most energy-efficient building in Montgomery.
14 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
M EM BER Spotlight
CHAMBLESS KING ARCHITECTS Chambless King is a team of highly creative architects and designers that blend passion and energy in an innovative approach to design. WHEN WAS CHAMBLESS KING FOUNDED? John Chambless and Stephen King came together in 2012 to form Chambless King Architects. This extension of the firm founded by Rock Chambless in 1961 now includes two new partners, Mike Shows, AIA and Nick Henninger, AIA.
Advanced Structural Testing Lab, Auburn University. Schematic Design Studies.
WHAT ARE CK’S PRIMARY SERVICES? Chambless King provides a variety of services related to architecture, interior design, project management, master planning/urban planning, project feasibility studies, project cost and schedule management. WHAT (IN THE FIRM’ S OPINION) IS THE FOUNDATION OF GOOD ARCHITECTURE? Relationships are first and foremost. Understanding the client’s needs and having the tools and design talent available to not only creatively interpret those needs but to also clearly communicate a design’s intent is paramount. Construction is always an expensive endeavor, and it is vital to us that every client fully understands and approves each aspect of a project’s design before it is constructed. HOW DOES TECHNOLOGY AFFECT THE WAY YOU APPROACH DESIGN? CK has found that traditional architectural and engineering drawings and presentations can be difficult for our clients to understand. It is challenging to represent many aspects of a design such as scale, texture and daylighting. CK utilizes virtual reality and other digital technology as a tool to create and communicate accurate studies of our projects. Our utilization of this powerful visual technology helps make presentations more interactive and memorable, while assuring us that our clients fully understand our designs. WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON FOR THE FIRM? CK is excited to be opening its first branch of the firm in Birmingham this fall. Upcoming work includes a mixed-use resort development on Lake Guntersville, a 125-acre sports and amphitheater development for the City of Albertville and completion of Auburn University’s Advanced Structural Testing Laboratory.
Montgomery Interpretive Center in Montgomery. 2018 Honor Award by Alabama Council AIA.
AwardWinning Work
Chambless King Office, Montgomery. 2016 Honorable Mention Award by AIA; 2015 Honorable Mention Award By Alabama Council AIA.
The American Institute of Architects has regularly recognized CK for outstanding design, a highly competitive distinction that has been awarded to CK for each of the past six years.
Logicore Corporate Headquarters, Huntsville , AL. 2017 Merit Award By Alabama Council AIA.
12 W JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 300, MONTGOMERY, AL 36104 | 334.272.0029 | CHAMBLESSKING.COM
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ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
anytime soon, Brown is hopeful that another current trend will soon reverse course. “There is a shortage of skilled architects,” he said. “Many of the 5,000 graduates annually in profes-
factors to attracting top talent.”
PROJECT OF NOTE
PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM
FOR THE LOVE Despite hurdles like these, many architects and engineers in the River
sional architecture programs had to
Region see a bright future for their
find other careers for five years due
industry and are fully enjoying the
to the deep recession recently. Now
attributes of their profession that first
there is a shortage in a career area
drew them to their careers.
that takes many years to matriculate.”
Robinson, who’s been in architecture
Reed identified the same dilemma.
for more than four decades, still loves creating something he can touch. “We get to physically see our work come to fruition,” he said. Hill appreciates this, as well as his job’s collaborative elements. “It’s BLACKBURN DANIELS O'BARR, INC. ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL STADIUM
We get to physically see
We worked with multiple firms in
our work come to fruition.
the River Region and also nation-
Barry Robinson, Robinson and Associates Architecture, Inc.
“One challenge our industry is facing is attracting and retaining high-quality engineers and architects,” he said. “Not only is there a shortage of qualified individuals,
ally known engineering firms to complete the stadium project. It
fun to watch something you’ve been drawing and then working on for months actually materialize," he said. “And I love working with a client to find solutions to their problems and to create something that works for them and the wider community.”
seats 26,500 fans and was built
Reed is living his childhood dream and
to allow for future expansion to
finds satisfaction in every facet of his
up to 55,000-seat capacity. The
work. “I grew up wanting to be an engi-
structural system for the stadium
neer, and I love that I am. To me, the most
consists of steel, concrete and masonry. What makes it notable is that it changed the face of the
but firms have to be located somewhere
I-85 corridor; it was completed on
people want to bring their families to live
a fast-track schedule; and it was a
and work. Housing, education, safety,
collaboration of several firms.
important part of this job is building the relationships required to succeed. The people I work with every day all allow me to accomplish the greatest joy of being an engineer: building something that lasts.”
recreation and opportunities are all key
PROJECT OF NOTE
PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM
WIBLE BARBER AUBURN UNIVERSITY’S LARGE ANIMAL TEACHING HOSPITAL We started Wible Barber Architects a year ago, and our firm’s ability to successfully complete complex projects using teams of specialists is illustrated by the design approach to The Large Animal Teaching Hospital at Auburn University. The project included Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal behaviorist from Colorado State University, who consulted on the project’s design.
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I ND U ST RY Leader | Architecture & Engineering
17 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
M EMBE R Spotlight
BROWN STUDIO ARCHITECTURE WHEN WAS YOUR COMPANY FOUNDED? Brown Studio Architecture has delivered a 40-year legacy of impactful work in Montgomery. WHAT ARE YOUR PRIMARY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES? We work with our clients to provide valued solutions, one project at a time. We work to provide solutions that work for them today and as they grow into the future. Brown Studio is a full-service architectural firm with a broad range of experience including medical, educational, multi-family residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, athletic facilities, urban planning and master planning. We offer a broad range of services beginning as early as site selection and programming through the development of construction documents, construction administration and beyond. WHAT SETS YOUR COMPANY APART? As our clients’ needs grow and change, we believe good design allows them the ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities. We also believe that every project is part of a community, and we believe a successful project is sensitive to the existing community fabric. Brown Studio Architecture also has legacy of civic engagement, community service and philanthropy. Throughout its history, the team at Brown Studio has worked both professionally and personally to make the River Region a better place to live, work and play. Our professional efforts have helped transform the riverfront and the entertainment district including more than 50 projects in downtown Montgomery. AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Brown Studio and our team members have received AIA design awards and other recognitions from the American Institute of Architects for professional leadership. We have projects that have received up to LEED Gold certification; and we have been awarded a National Preservation Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the Revitalization and Preservation of Moton Field, the Tuskegee Airmen flight training base in Tuskegee, Alabama, which is now a museum and National Historic Site.
401 MADISON AVENUE / 334-834-8340 / BROWNSTUDIO.COM 18 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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PROJECT OF NOTE
PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM
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GOODWYN MILLS AND CAWOOD, INC. DEXTER AVENUE STREETSCAPE RENOVATION The Dexter Avenue streetscape renovation was a
BORDEN MORRIS GARNER CONSULTING ENGINEERS, LLP
project 12 years in the making. The State originally
LAMP HIGH SCHOOL We designed the mechanical, plumbing and fire protection, as well
received federal funding for the project with the intent to
as the audiovisual, structural cabling, security system and site
enhance the landscape around the Capitol, emphasizing
utilities for the construction and modification of the old
the historical elements; however, the money was tabled
Montgomery Mall for the new two-story LAMP High School
as a result of political changes at the State House. Later,
(Loveless Academic Magnet Program) with a gymnasium, a parking lot and roadway. The total finished space was 73,950 square feet. The existing commercial structure was renovated into
a study of downtown Montgomery prepared for the city identified the need to renew Dexter Avenue while preserving its historic context. The project was finally green-light-
a new educational building, which was designed with state-of-the-
ed in 2014. GMC designed the streetscape to conform
art and current trend upgrades throughout. This reuse of space
to Dexter Avenue’s rich history. We also performed the construction inspections, testing and engineering. The
makes the project interesting, but working with the existing space
results were a serviceable corridor that preserved history
was also a challenge.
and enhanced the city and State Capitol.
PROJECT OF NOTE CHAMBLESS KING AUBURN UNIVERSITY BROUN HALL Broun Hall is home to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Auburn University. The renovation of Broun Hall included the addition of the Davidson Pavilion. The original design and layout of Broun Hall limited the ability and willingness for students to interact with each other. The exterior of the building was a traditional “brutalist” aesthetic common to the 1970s and '80s and lacked an identity to associate it with the rest of campus. Further, it did not openly address the student traffic coming off of the adjacent Ginn Concourse or provide exterior spaces for the engineering students. Once hallmarked by dark and uninspired spaces, our design for the new Broun Hall features a light-filled glass entry, spanning two floors and includes a new study lounge and study spaces, new skylighting, an updated conference and office area for faculty and staff and updated classrooms and conference areas. Continued on page 24
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I ND U ST RY Leader | Architecture & Engineering
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I N D USTRY Leader | Architecture & Engineering
22 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
M EM BER Spotlight Prattville High School Lobby Enclosure
WIBLE • BARBER ARCHITECTS The team at Wible Barber Architects knows that good architecture not only functions well for the end user, but positively contributes to their well being as well as to the community and its surroundings. WHAT ARE WIBLE BARBER’S PRIMARY SERVICES AND HOW ARE THEY EXECUTED? The firm can provide architectural and interior design services, space planning, master planning and construction contract administration services. We are able to achieve these services using Revit, a three-dimensional modeling software. Building modeling is used from project inception through the end of construction. It gives architects and clients a more accurate picture of what is happening spatially and materially, both inside and outside the building.
Priester’s Pecans
WHAT IS WIBLE BARBER’S CLIENT-SERVICE PHILOSOPHY? Wible Barber Architects strives to design buildings that can most importantly function as required by the owner, be completed on time and within budget and give the user a place where they will enjoy spending time. WHAT SETS THE FIRM APART? Our goal for all projects is to provide great attention to detail so that we produce not just a well-designed and constructed building but one that the owners and end users will love as much as we do.
Lowndes County Courthouse Restoration and Addition
Biggin Hall Renovation, Auburn University
Huntingdon Library Addition
529 S PERRY STREET, SUITE 16 / 334-657-2535 / WIBLEBARBERARCHITECTS.COM
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BIG BANG
CREATIVE PLANNING
“I wanted to preserve the history associated
When the Retirement Systems of
with rulings that came from the building, but
Alabama added the former State of
its physical structure was not that impres-
Alabama Judicial Building on Dexter
sive. My job is to make money, so I had to
Avenue to its real estate portfolio, it
figure out how to do both. I remembered a
faced an immediate obstacle. How to
skyscraper that went up in New York, and
take a small, dated structure that had been abandoned for more than 15 years and fill it with tenants to turn a profit.
one building in its way wouldn’t sell, so the developer bought the air rights above it, and built right over it.”
And there was another consideration.
- Dr. David Bronner, RSA CEO
While the building had no real architectural interest, through the years, the judges that presided there delivered
went up in New York, and one building
some far-reaching, monumental rulings,
in its way wouldn’t sell, so the developer
so razing it or stripping it down to bare
bought the air rights above it, and built
bones to start over weren’t viable op-
right over it.”
tions. But RSA’s CEO Dr. David Bronner saw an alternative that could renovate,
He had the idea, and he used a local
enhance and preserve all at once: build
architecture firm to bring it to fruition.
a new structure over and around the
“JMR+H had a real challenge to make
existing one and refurbish it as well.
something that did what it needed to and was also visually interesting,” he
Bronner has long been known for his
said. The design called for 25,000
vision; RSA buildings in downtown
tons of steel trusses to hold the new
Montgomery developed and erected
construction over the old building. It
under his watch have defined the capital
also added space behind the judicial
city skyline. But this plan was innovative
building.
even for him. He didn’t pull it from thin air though; it was inspired by a situation
The result is certainly architectural-
he saw unfold in New York City. “I want-
ly significant, but what’s inside it is
ed to preserve the history associated
equally important: the RSA Datacenter,
with rulings that came from the building,
which is the backbone of the MGMix
but its physical structure was not that
and a cornerstone of the city, county
impressive,” he said. “My job is to make
and Chamber’s TechMGM initiative in
money, so I had to figure out how to do
partnership with Maxwell-Gunter AFB.
both. I remembered a skyscraper that
“It’s the smartest thing we did in that Continued on page 26
JMR+H ARCHITECTURE / RSA DEXTER BUILDING
The highlight of this 525,000-square-foot project is the fully restored historic Alabama Judicial Building, which is embraced by the 50-foot-high structural glazed grand vestibule. The restored portions of the project have been adapted for premium executive office space and a multi-purpose center, which features the original Supreme Court chamber and lobby. The interior combines the finest woods, limestone, granite, marble and stainless steel. Visitors are awed by the dramatic four-story lobby/atrium, which features high limestone walls and a grand staircase.
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I ND U ST RY Leader | Architecture & Engineering
25 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
with other RSA buildings around the city and state; they each include a feature everyone occupying the building can use. At RSA Dexter, common meeting space is provided in the meticulously restored judges’ chamber. “The chamber is historically preserved down to the last detail, but the technology is there too,” Bronner said. “It’s pretty amazing and really beneficial to our “Good architectural solutions
small tenants because this shared space
equal productive office
lets them maximize their square footage.”
environments, pleasurable retail opportunities and cultural gathering spaces that enhance our daily lives,”
- Tim Holmes, JMR+ H Architecture
Another architectural hallmark of all RSA buildings is ease of maintenance, as Bronner explained. “I was a janitor in high school and college and that taught me the importance of being able to keep a space clean,” he said. “Ensuring our designs are
building,” Bronner said. “The Datacenter is
workable for maintenance staff is key; we
more profitable than any office leasing, and
work with all of our architects to make sure
it is almost at full capacity. We’re completing
that is reflected in their designs. What a
a new room now to add more space.”
space looks like matters, but if you can’t maintain it and keep it looking good, it actu-
RSA Dexter is unique, but it shares a bond
ally doesn’t matter.”
26 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
NOTABLE QUOTE
“
One of the industry’s greatest assets is our expertise. We are able to provide highly complex designs for a multitude of projects.
“
- Jack Daniels, Blackburn Daniels O’Barr, Inc.
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HOLDING ONTO HISTORY/
ONE OF THE RIVER REGION’S MOST EXPERIENCED REALTORS EXPLAINS WHY OLDER ARCHITECTURE MATTERS.
Sandra Nickel, founder and CEO of The Hat Team Realtors, has been selling real estate with a focus on historic properties
GOING GREEN:
for 37 years, 25 of them in Montgomery,
“Renovating an existing structure is a very ‘green’
and she admits part of her longstand-
approach to housing folks; it’s far less wasteful than
ing passion for historic preservation
tearing a structure down, filling landfills with good stuff,
is based on personal feelings. “I grew up in a really small bungalow with five
materials often better than those produced today.”
siblings, so it got pretty cozy at home,”
- Sandra Nickel
she said. “But my grandparents lived in this magnificent 1890s Queen Anne house, and I still remember how I would feel when I walked into that house with its tall ceilings and windows bigger than the doors at my house. I’d exhale, and stretch, and it felt so good. That’s where my love for old houses began.” She’s not alone. Many are equally moved by the design and craftsmanship of old homes. “You can’t quantify it, but there is something awe-inspiring about looking at an old building or home that has stood the test of time with the details and work we can’t afford to repeat today,” she said. Nickel also made the case for the educational value of historic structures. “I remember being taken to house museums, like Lincoln’s birthplace, and the history I was learning in books became much more meaningful when I could tie it to a life experience,” she said. “When I’m down at Old Alabama Town, when kids are there, I can see the lights coming on in their eyes when what they have read and heard all of a sudden becomes more real.” She pointed to how the purchase and use of historic structures brings tangible benefits to our area too. “Renovating an existing structure is a very ‘green’ approach to housing folks; it’s far less wasteful than tearing a structure down, filling landfills with good stuff, materials often better than those produced
today,” she said. Preservation has positive economic impacts as well, thanks to the tourism draw of historic structures and their stories. “Montgomery gets hundreds of millions of dollars a year from the tourism industry through lodging taxes and other activities, and of those travel dollars, roughly 20 percent is strictly leisure travel, and a significant percentage of that tourism money is heritage tourism,” Nickel said. “Many studies show
PROJECT OF NOTE
that heritage tourists [those interested in history] stay longer and spend more
PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM
money than people coming here to do other things.” Designated historic districts in Montgomery (and nationwide) also tend to hold their property values better. “Higher property values mean more property taxes coming in for the city and its services,” Nickel said.
GRANT ENGINEERING, LLC DOWNTOWN HOTELS We have two projects that will add lodging options to the city. The first encompasses the renovation of the old Bishop Parker furniture building downtown and its transformation into a 100room hotel, a space that includes
Nickel is known for her promotion of
a new full-height atrium. Also, the
preservation and her willingness to
second hotel, on Coosa Street,
explain the ways it can enhance our area, and she sees an additional plus that Montgomery is not yet taking full advantage of. “Historic preservation is an incredibly effective tool for neighborhood revitalization,” she said. “We’ve not been great so far at doing that here, but I believe we’re on that track, and I believe we’ll see some great results.” 28 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
is in the design phase. It will involve the renovation of the two waterworks warehouses and the Murphy House into a 112-room Marriott Autograph hotel. This project will have an atrium and a rooftop bar.
HERE AT HOME
Todd Strange said. “Testing RoadBotics’
The City of Montgomery is taking some
throughout our city could lead to safer,
proactive action on infrastructure with an
smoother travel and newfound cost savings
improvement program that’s using the
for our city organization thanks to smarter
latest tech to do it right.
decision making.”
RoadBotics, one of the country’s leading
In late July, RoadBotics deployed a team
road monitoring technology companies,
of its certified operation technicians to
recently did a pilot scan to assess Mont-
Montgomery. Over the course of one week,
gomery’s road conditions with its AI-based,
the technicians drove a designated portion
cutting-edge proprietary program. City of
of the city’s road network, collecting
Montgomery officials anticipate using this
image data of the roads using a wind-
assessment to adopt a data-driven ap-
shield-mounted smartphone.
effectiveness in optimizing infrastructure
proach to future paving projects that could result in bigger taxpayer savings, increased
The team will then upload the data to
efficiencies and longer-lasting roads.
RoadBotics’ secure cloud where it will be analyzed using machine-learning tech-
“As Montgomery continues our journey to
nology. RoadBotics’ assessments of this
becoming a leader among America’s Smart
data are giving the City of Montgomery
Cities, we must explore new technologies
up-to-date information about its infrastruc-
that benefit our residents and preserve
ture at an unprecedented speed, while also
our resources,” Montgomery Mayor
offering precision and affordability.
29 MONTGOMERYCHAMBER.COM
NOTABLE QUOTE
“
The ability to be able to communicate with a pen is still very important to this industry. You should use technology as a tool, but don’t let it drive your creativity.
“
- Wilbur Hill, AIA, Brown Studio Architecture
In d us try O verv i ew
|
ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
NEEDED NOW /
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS ARE CRUCIAL FOR CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH.
Alabama is at a critical crossroads. While our state has achieved
usage. Alabama roads and bridges are supported by the gasoline
multiple economic development wins in the last decade, to keep
tax ($.18 per gallon from the state and $.18 per gallon from the
that momentum going, transportation infra-
federal government). After factoring in inflation,
structure issues around Alabama have to be
Alabama’s funding level has stayed relatively flat
addressed and addressed soon. According to
since 1992. Yet, due to a rise in population and
leaders at The University of Alabama’s Alabama
a higher number of vehicle miles being driven
Transportation Institute, the ability to attract new
across the state, the number of tires traveling the
industries will be negatively impacted by our failing roadways. “When businesses are expanding or locating in a new area, the site selection process looks at three main areas: business climate, workforce and transportation infrastructure,” said Justice Smyth, Outreach Director, Alabama Transportation Institute. To drive the point home, Smyth suggested considering Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and its hourly “just-in-time deliveries” from nearby supplier plants, which are integral to its efficient production. “A car or truck accident can cost them as much as a $10,000-per-minute penalty because the manufacturing line is shut down,” he
roads has increased. There are other factors too.
THE ALABAMA ROAD
Fuel efficiency has decreased the revenue while
NETWORK ENCOMPASSES
increasing the wear and tear on roadways, and
213,127 MILES
electric and hybrid vehicles aren’t buying as much
OF ROADWAYS AND
gas, so no taxes are collected from them.
PER THE ESTIMATED
Upcoming technologies like automated vehicles
15,954 BRIDGES.
will further widen the funding-usage gap, as will
ROADWAY MAINTENANCE
strategies like the trucking industry implementing
AND DEVELOPMENT,
“platooning” technology that allows trucks to
EACH ALABAMA
decrease the distance between them to increase
RESIDENT ESSENTIALLY HOLDS AN
fuel efficiency by lessening drag (much like race
$81,176
cars that “draft” off of the car in front of them).
INVESTMENT IN
OUR ROAD NETWORK.
said.
Our neighboring states already understand how
having the right infrastructure not only keeps its residents and visitors safe but is also a key waypoint on the road to a robust econ-
But our infrastructure woes aren’t only costing us opportunities in economic development. Safety and quality of life are suffering too. There were more than 1,100 roadway fatalities in 2016 in Alabama. “These are our friends and families that are being killed on our roadways — It’s important that we improve them,” said Smyth. These findings are just pieces of the more complete information coming out in October in the first report of the AL 2040 Infrastructure Study. The 20-year study, conducted in partnership with the Alabama Transportation Policy Research Center, is examining the numbers and conditions of our state’s roads, bridges and harbors; determining how city, county and ALDOT funds are allocated for them; and creating forecasts and recommendations for restorative, preventive and capacity enhancements.
ROBINSON & ASSOCIATES ALDOT I-10 EAST WELCOME CENTER (MOBILE COUNTY) The purpose was to transform Alabama’s image by designing a building and surrounding grounds that highlight the local architecture and create an atmosphere that makes visitors excited to be in Alabama. The exterior contains a lighthouse element that extends into the interior of the building, letting visitors see up into the structure. The building’s exterior walls are
And time is of the essence; none of the problems get better with a wait. If nothing happens or changes, congestion, safety and commute times will all get worse. Currently, Alabama has more than 5,700 bridges maintained by ALDOT. More than half of these are more than 50 years old, and that’s the total life span of a bridge. According to Dr. Shashi Nambisan, Executive Director of The Alabama Transportation Institute, adequate funding is lagging behind
inlaid with sculptured brick that replicates the natural seascape. Access to the facility is through wide vistas and verandas to display our Southern hospitality. The building’s floor allows visitors to feel as if they are in the Gulf of Mexico with native fish and sea creatures inlaid into the terrazzo.
30 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PROJECT OF NOTE PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM
omy. Many of them have been investing in infrastructure to attract larger companies. To stay competitive, Alabama has to step up.
We want to thank our clients, our industry partners, and our friends for the strong support, and for allowing us the opportunity to earn your trust, and your business.
With a 20-year view into the future, this study and series of reports hopes to show elected officials and residents where the greatest threats lie and by so doing, promote action. “The federal government under President Trump has proposed a substantial investment of matching funds for transportation infrastructure; it actually bonuses those funds that are recurring yearly maintenance,” said Nambisan. “Our business community and citizens need to contact the State House and encourage an increased investment to capitalize on these upcoming federal funds. With wise infrastructure investment, Alabama residents
AT WORK Curious about current and upcoming infrastructure improvements in our area? One major ongoing project involves Eastern Boulevard around Interstate 85 and includes the interstate resurfacing. Learn more and find updates on ALDOT’s website dedicated to the project: rp.dot.state.al.us/EBI/.
will receive the maximum economic return on their tax dollars.” Article sources: The University of Alabama’s Alabama Transportation Institute in partnership with the Alabama Transportation Policy Research Center.
Blackburn Daniels O’Barr has faithfully served the Architecture and Construction Community in and around Montgomery for more than 35 years. • • • •
Full service structural engineering services BIM capable Registered in 9 states Backed by over 80 years of combined engineering experience
www.blackburneng.com 334-265-0206