Alabama’s David Bronner reflects on how RSA built ‘campus of state government’

For decades, the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) has served as a primary architect of renewal in Montgomery, systematically reshaping the State Capitol complex. Under the guidance of CEO David Bronner, these infrastructure initiatives are now nearing a major milestone.

The Next Chapter for State Government

Early next year, the new Alabama State House is set to open. This $400 million project represents the first true home for the Alabama Legislature and stands as the latest in a series of nine office complexes developed by the RSA near the Capitol since 1977.

These developments, which include a mix of office spaces for state agencies and private tenants, are connected by more than just proximity. The campus is defined by intentional design, featuring plazas, fountains, small parks, and sculptures that unify the varying building styles.

"This is leaving something for generations to come that’s special," Bronner said. "It’s going to last a long time. It’s not going to be like the bond market crashes on you after you did good, or the stock market."

Building a Campus Legacy

Bronner’s vision began in the 1970s, back when RSA operations were cramped into the Folsom Administrative Building. After initiating a cash management program that generated over $2 billion for the pension funds, Bronner successfully lobbied for the original five-story RSA Headquarters on Union Street, which opened in 1977.

To establish a cohesive aesthetic, Bronner and project manager Charles Humphries implemented signature features across all subsequent buildings. This includes the use of polished stainless steel torchieres topped with goldleaf bowls and distinctive green patina roofs—a nod to the copper roofing seen on the historic Archives and History building.

"We didn’t want it to look like New York City. We wanted to look more like a campus. And this is the campus of state government," Bronner explained.

Modernizing State Operations

The RSA has continuously addressed the evolving needs of state departments. This includes the recent opening of the Centennial Hill Building, which serves as the new home for the Alabama Department of Revenue, and the development of the RSA Dexter Avenue Building, which features a specialized data center for government and commercial IT needs.

While projects like the 23-story RSA Tower—the tallest building in Montgomery—transformed the downtown skyline, the RSA has also looked further afield to modernize facilities. For instance, the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage and Control Board is moving into its new warehouse and office complex near Maxwell Air Force Base this September, replacing a facility that had been in use since 1982.

According to RSA assistant director Steve Timms, the investment in high-quality architecture has successfully fostered a sense of pride among the state employees and retirees who utilize these facilities every day.