Architectural Ascendancy: The RSA Battle House Tower
A Definitive Overview of Alabama's Tallest Skyscraper.
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Overview
A Defining Landmark
The RSA Battle House Tower is a prominent skyscraper located in Mobile, Alabama. It holds the distinction of being Alabama's tallest building and the tallest structure on the Gulf Coast of the United States outside of Houston, Texas.[1][2] The tower is named in homage to the historic neighboring Battle House Hotel, which was meticulously restored and integrated into the tower complex as part of the development project.[2]
Location and Coordinates
The tower is situated at 11 North Water Street in Mobile, Alabama. Its precise geographic coordinates are approximately 30ยฐ41โฒ35.22โณN 88ยฐ2โฒ22.83โณW, which can also be expressed in decimal degrees as 30.6931167ยฐN -88.0396750ยฐW.[Geo]
Building Type
Classified as a skyscraper, the RSA Battle House Tower represents a significant feat of modern architectural and engineering design. Its construction signifies a commitment to urban development and vertical expansion within the city of Mobile.
Construction Milestones
Project Timeline
Construction commenced with the pouring of the foundation slab during the weekend of November 7, 2003.[2] This substantial foundation, exceeding 7 feet (2.1 meters) in thickness, extends over 5 feet (1.5 meters) below Mobile's natural water table, underscoring the engineering challenges involved.[2]
Spire Installation
A significant moment in the tower's construction was the installation of its spire. On Saturday, September 16, 2006, a Sikorsky S-61 helicopter was employed to precisely place the spire, bringing the building to its final height of 745 feet (227 meters).[3]
Navigating Weather Challenges
The construction phase was notably impacted by severe weather. Mobile experienced five major hurricanes during the building's development: Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Ivan in 2004, followed by Hurricane Cindy, Hurricane Dennis, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. These events caused significant delays but did not halt the project's eventual completion.[2]
Internal Facilities
Space Allocation
The RSA Battle House Tower is thoughtfully designed with a diverse range of functional spaces. It comprises 25 dedicated office floors, 3 lobby floors, 4 hotel floors, and 1 service floor. This strategic allocation ensures a blend of commercial, hospitality, and operational functions within a single structure.[1]
Building Footprint and Visibility
The tower offers an expansive 534,268 square feet (49,635 square meters) of column-free floorspace, facilitating flexible interior layouts.[1] The total building area encompasses 189,644 square feet.[4] At night, its illuminated crown is a visible beacon, observable from up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) away across Mobile Bay under clear conditions.[2]
Vertical Transportation
Efficient vertical movement within the tower is facilitated by a sophisticated system of 30 elevators, ensuring swift and convenient access to all levels for occupants and visitors.
Architectural Design
Architectural Vision
The architectural design of the RSA Battle House Tower was conceptualized by the esteemed firm TVS Associates (Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates). Their expertise guided the creation of this modern skyscraper, integrating contemporary design principles with the functional requirements of a major urban building.
Ownership and Management
Institutional Investment
The RSA Battle House Tower is owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). This ownership reflects a strategic investment by the state's pension fund, aimed at generating returns while contributing to significant infrastructure development within Alabama.
Technical Specifications
Height and Dimensions
The tower reaches a total height of 745 feet (227 meters) including its antenna spire. The roof height stands at 670 feet (204 meters).[2]
Structural Details
The building features 35 floors in total, comprising 30 elevator shafts for vertical transit. The total floor area is 534,268 square feet (49,635 square meters).[1]
External Resources
Official and Archival Links
Further information and resources related to the RSA Battle House Tower can be found through the following external links:
- Official RSA Battle House Tower Website
- RSA Battle House Tower at Emporis (Archived)[usurped]
- Photographs of the RSA Tower Rooftop
Additionally, related media files are available on Wikimedia Commons:
- Media related to RSA Battle House Tower
Related Information
Further Reading
For broader context on tall buildings and urban development in the region, consult the following related lists:
- List of tallest buildings in Mobile, Alabama
- List of tallest buildings in Alabama
- List of tallest buildings in the United States
Contextual Navigations
High-rises in Mobile, Alabama
Tallest Buildings by U.S. State
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City of Mobile
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References
References
- "Helicopter to place crowning point on Alabama's tallest skyscraper." The Press-Register, Mobile, AL. September 15, 2006
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional architectural, engineering, or real estate consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific project needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.