RSA Activity Center and Plaza
Montgomery, Alabama

Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc. was retained by the Retirement Systems of Alabama to design and construct the new 22,000 square foot RSA Activity Center and Plaza. The $7.75 million banquet and exhibition building is specially equipped for audio and video presentations and includes a large kitchen facility designed for banquet and other activities.

The area is enhanced by entry plazas, walks, and extensive fountains, including a 20’ pyramid of water marking the primary public entrance to the conference center. A 4,200 square foot reflecting pool leads the visitors through the heart of the park, on axis with the 27-story RSA Tower. Bronze plaques, surrounding the reflecting pool, honor twelve Alabamians who made significant contributions to commerce and education. Granite seatwalls parallel the reflecting pool, providing seating for visitors. The northern end of the reflecting pool falls to a lower basin and plaza At the base of the waterfall a broad oval lawn lined with shade trees is an elegant forecourt for the Tower.

Plant materials were selected for hardiness in the urban environment and compatibility with the overlying campus of RSA properties in the downtown area. Laurel Oaks were used for both street trees and at the oval lawn to provide an evergreen backdrop for the site. Seasonal Color is provided by Red Maples, Arguta Spiraea, Carolina Jessamine, Parneyi Cotoneaster and annuals. The bermuda lawn area and bench seating provide a significant green space popular with office workers and visitors to the urban city center.