Commercial - Government
State Criminal Justice Facility
Montgomery, Alabama
As Construction Manager, Doster had the important role of converting the former 400,000 square foot St. Margaret’s Hospital into Alabama’s new State Criminal Justice Facility. Located in downtown Montgomery, the purpose of the new facility was to house the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, The Highway Patrol, State Corrections and The Department of Pardons and Paroles; prior to the renovation these departments were located in various buildings throughout the City. The structure, originally built in 1920, with renovations of the building ongoing through 1970, would receive a complete interior renovation, with necessary life safety compliance upgrades. Doster and the design team were tasked to provide offices for these departments under a tight budget, with flexibility to expand as needed.
Phase I of the project included the addition of an exterior tower and two stair towers; these additions were added to accommodate mechanical services and life safety issues. With the exception of repairs, and in some cases new storefronts and windows as needed, the exterior of the building was not altered. As such, by using stucco and metal panels, efforts were made to closely match the new addition with existing building components. Due to structural concerns that were beyond repair, the "Old 29 Wing" was removed, and the buildings former footprint replaced with landscaping and hardscape features.
The demolition of a building wing; the renovation of 333,000 square feet throughout another wing; upgraded parking facilities; additional stair towers; and a new HVAC mechanical shaft comprised the work of Phase II. Nineteen bid packages were managed during this phase of work.
All of the performed work was phased, as current tenants were operational 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. When issues such as electrical and mechanical connections, fire alarm updates and building access were taking place, this work was closely coordinated with the tenants.
The State Criminal Justice facility was completed within budget and on schedule, and with room for expansion.
