MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama State House, a fixture of state government for nearly four decades, is set to be demolished after lawmakers move into a new facility, following recent legislative approval and years of debate over the building’s future.
The State House at 11 South Union Street has a history distinct from the iconic Alabama State Capitol. Opened in 1963 as the Alabama Highway Department Building, it originally housed the Alabama Department of Transportation. In 1985, the Legislature moved into the upper floors while the Capitol underwent renovations. Although the move was meant to be temporary, lawmakers never returned to the Capitol, and the building was officially renamed the State House. The Legislature initially occupied the fifth through seventh floors, and as space needs grew, an eighth floor was added.
Over the decades, the seven-story structure has housed both the House and Senate chambers, as well as numerous state agencies. Its utilitarian design and aging infrastructure have long been a source of complaint among lawmakers and staff, prompting the push for a new, purpose-built facility. The State House has served as the center of legislative activity, witnessing major debates and decisions that shaped Alabama’s modern history.
The decision to raze the State House comes as construction continues on a new, modern legislative building directly behind the current site. The new State House, expected to cost about $300 million, will feature expanded chambers, improved accessibility, and updated amenities. Lawmakers are scheduled to move in by early 2027, after which the old building will be demolished and replaced with green space and a new parking deck.
The demolition is part of a broader effort to modernize Alabama’s legislative facilities and address longstanding issues with the current building, including space constraints and aging infrastructure. The project is being managed by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, with the Legislature set to lease the new building upon completion.
While the timeline for demolition depends on the completion of the new State House, officials hope to have the old building razed before the 2027 legislative session begins. The move marks the end of a chapter in Alabama’s political history, as the State House has been the site of countless debates, decisions, and demonstrations since the mid-1980s. The demolition will close the book on a building that, while never intended as the permanent home of Alabama’s lawmakers, became the backdrop for decades of state politics.