Fresh Surroundings at City Hall

Faces of the Lake

Fresh Surroundings

Alexander City’s new offices showcase the city

The City Hall atrium floods the building interior with natural light

The City of Alexander City is showcased in its central offices, which are housed in the renovated former corporate sales office for Russell Corporation, just off U.S. Route 280, the central feature of which is an atrium planted with tropical trees next to a waterfall and serenity pool.

“I planted a banana tree on the bottom level and a pomegranate tree. We had to take some of the trees out originally, but we tried to retain as many as possible,” said Mayor Curtis “Woody” Baird, who also installed an herb garden overlooking the waterfall.

The atrium includes tables and sitting areas where visitors, officials, citizens and employees can mingle or relax just outside of the city council chamber/courtroom under a glass and steel roof that allows natural light to pour into the building. The openness of the atrium carries into the chambers and other offices at the municipal complex.

“When we have work sessions, I like to be able to see each other and talk,” Baird said. “So the council chamber and courtroom can be set up any way we want. It also has a great sound system and lighting system,” Baird explained.

The new municipal complex is jam-packed with beautiful and relaxing features that were part of the original Russell sales complex. But when Alexander City purchased the 85,000-square-foot building, the intention was to house all or most employees within

The chambers can be set up in a variety of arrangements to suit the events or activities

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

one central location. The scenic views came as a perk.

“Everyone loves my office,” Baird said. “I still need to put my touch on it, but the floor-to-ceiling windows always seem to wow people. I’m just fortunate to have a spot that allows me to bring nature into my space like this. I also like being able to see 280.”

The building includes a cafeteria/event space that seats up to 200 people indoors, with an additional 50 on the balcony. With its glass walls and a view of green hills, the space will accommodate large meetings in a beautiful setting and makes a great first impression on visiting business and industry representatives.