The mission of GES with its wide array of student needs was so clearly expressed by the principal and her team, and the tapestry of the design concept was woven around the various unique spaces, inside and outside, needed for the special programs and services provided by the school. Site limitations and challenges led to creative ways in which to configure the new building and tie all functions together in a colorful and usable manner.

The new building will have state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for research. This will allow the Department of Physics to conduct cutting-edge research in such areas as advanced materials, advanced computation and advanced photonics. The building also includes an open layout with offices, labs and research areas that are interconnected.

The area around Montgomery and neighboring cities are known as the River Region because of the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers into the Alabama River. The rivers have been important routes for trade, commerce and recreation for centuries and the tradition will continue with a new Whitewater Park in downtown Montgomery. The City of Montgomery completed construction on an Olympic standards, recirculating white water park and entertainment venue dubbed “Project Catalyst” which city and county officials say will transform the area economy and draw 300,000 visitors to the River Region annually.

The 835,000-square-foot Protective Stadium was designed to accommodate a maximum of 42,000 fans for NCAA D1 football, professional soccer, outdoor concerts, shows, and many other special events.