Alabama Power’s Western Division Office plans historic renovations

Alabama Power Company’s Western Division office is being renovated to make necessary external repairs and to mirror its historic neighborhood.

The office covers an entire block fronting the eastern side of Queen City Avenue, the southern side of 9^th Street, the western side of 17^th Avenue and the northern side of Paul Bryant Drive. The four-level building covers 2.1 acres.

The project will enclose the existing building in brick veneer and replace the windows, among other improvements.

Ellis Architects Inc. of Tuscaloosa is handling the design. The project has a proposed construction start of Jan. 2, 2007. It is anticipated the construction will be completed in 12 to 14 months. Construction on the original building began in June 1966. “I am very pleased with the classic and historic design of the new exterior of our office building,” said Terry Waters, Alabama Power Company Western Division vice president. “This project will certainly be important to the overall downtown redevelopment efforts and will be in keeping with the historic character of the surrounding neighborhood.”

Alabama Power officials had considered relocating the division office but decided to remain at the present location to maintain the best possible customer service amenities, including a new covered walkway from the customer parking lot to the building’s entrance.

The design will go before the Tuscaloosa Preservation Commission for their review and approval on Sept. 13, 2006. A digital rendering of the new design is available upon request.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state.