[Exodus]

^^You know there's a problem when a city no bigger than Raleigh and even smaller than that gets a skyscraper more than double the height of the tallest building in South Carolina. Also, the carpet looks like something out of a building in Cambodia.No, it's pretty bad that a city the size of Mobile can get a building built the size of RSA while Detroit "can't" fill it's 22 storie State office bldg. and feels the need to raze it and replace it with an 8 storie building, so don't feel so bad. I'm happy for Mobile none the less, and I like the carpet.

[g-man435]

^^^True.

[SouthSky]

^^You know there's a problem when a city no bigger than Raleigh and even smaller than that gets a skyscraper more than double the height of the tallest building in South Carolina. Also, the carpet looks like something out of a building in Cambodia.

The problem must be with South Carolina then as I think this building fits well with Mobile's skyline.

The carpet looks like it should be in a Vegas casino, but I like it.

[g-man435]

^^How did you guys get something this nice though? How come we can't get something like that here?

[Brown Duckz]

^^You know there's a problem when a city no bigger than Raleigh and even smaller than that gets a skyscraper more than double the height of the tallest building in South Carolina. Also, the carpet looks like something out of a building in Cambodia.Alabama is just better than South Carolina, that's all

[g-man435]

^^^Hey, i'm not arguing with that. Have you seen our roads here? They are in absolutely terrible shape. Out of like 20 skyscrapers proposed here, only 1 has been built. We might be growing, but we suck in the highrise department.

[Brown Duckz]

^^^Hey, i'm not arguing with that. Have you seen our roads here? They are in absolutely terrible shape. Out of like 20 skyscrapers proposed here, only 1 has been built. We might be growing, but we suck in the highrise department.Well this will be the last post, so that I don't take this off topic, but Alabama's interstate needs redone and additions in all of the big 4.

[SouthSky]

The city really had nothing with the actual placement, the head of RSA decided Mobile was on the rise and thought this would spur even more developments. It did and downtown is booming. The building was an investment more than anything.

If you don't know, RSA is short for Retirement Systems of Alabama and the head is Dr. David Bronner. You might know him when RSA held a majority in US Airways and he was the chairman. RSA owns the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama and various buildings around the US... most notably 55 Water Street in New York (among others).

Here's a link to some of their investments:
http://www.emporis.com/en/cd/cm/?id=retirementsystemsofalabama-montgomery-al-usa

Edit (Addition from Wikipedia):
"Since the beginning of the 21st Century, RSA has been ranked among the 20 largest internally-funded pension funds in the world."

By the way, since you're from ACC country you might know Raycom Sports. RSA owns part if not all of that.

[g-man435]

^^^Ah, ok. Thanks for that information and yes, i've heard of Raycom Sports too. I never realized RSA was that large. No wonder you guys got such a large and nice tower. :)

[Brown Duckz]

^^^Ah, ok. Thanks for that information and yes, i've heard of Raycom Sports too. I never realized RSA was that large. No wonder you guys got such a large and nice tower. :)The new RSA HQ is going up in Montgomery, as well as the Renaissance hotel & convention center which is a project of RSA/City of Montgomery.

[g-man435]

^^^Ok, now i'm confused. If that large building in Mobile isn't the RSA headquarters, then what is it?

[Brown Duckz]

^^^Ok, now i'm confused. If that large building in Mobile isn't the RSA headquarters, then what is it?Just an office tower built by there funds. :haha:

The HQ is only 10 stories or so in Montgomery, but will be where Dr. Bronner steps into his office and plans these things. :tup:

[Bama_75]

The new RSA HQ is going up in Montgomery, as well as the Renaissance hotel & convention center which is a project of RSA/City of Montgomery.


Good for Montgomery, glad to see the city growing.

[thoraudio]

Good for Montgomery, glad to see the city growing.

Hugs all around.

oh, and the tower? :worship:

[Musicisright]

I love how RSA is in the media everywhere you look lately. Tomorrow night is the night. I just saw them testing the lights on the crown on the news. It looked great.

Did anybody see the whole section they devoted to the RSA Tower/Battle House/Riverview in Sunday's Press Register? Wow. It's definitely worth the time to scan. It's actually on the Press Register's website here. (http://blog.al.com/pr/2007/05/vested_in_the_future.html) The painting on the front rocked me:
http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07195/rsa20cover20final.jpg


Anybody seen this (http://www.al.com/press-register/photos/gallery.ssf?cgi-bin/view_gallery.cgi/bama/view_gallery.ata?g_id=3454)? It's a gallery the PR put together of the tower's construction. Lots of pictures, most of them never before seen.

I can't wait 'til tomorrow night.

[Musicisright]

Look what I just spotted

http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07195/untitled4.png

Looks like they're just doing the colors onto the spire right now. Also, check out the Battle House in the lower left corner. It's lit up. Ahh:banana: I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight.

Here's the link: RSA Tower cam (http://flhurricane.com/jjohnston/)

[Musicisright]

I almost wet myself just then:

WOOOOW
http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07195/untitled3.png

[Scottybo]

WKRG briefly showed them testing the full crown lighting tonight and it was so much brighter than I thought it would be.

How many of us are going down tonight...other than myself?

[Musicisright]

tonight? i dont know how much longer they'll be doing it. i should go.

i feel like it's christmas.

[Scottybo]

Tonight as in Friday Night. It's morning now. ;)

[Musicisright]

oh, hehe. yeah, i will be there, that's for sure. i'd like to stand near the base somewhere. then later in the night i'll get some skyline shots.

[BlessedMobile]

I can't believe you guys got a shot of the spire all lite up. I talked to a supervisor late yesterday when I was by the Battle House and they told me it had only been tested in the day time up to that point. There will be a party at the base of the RSA tonight and then Bronner will throw the switch.

[RSAHort]

http://www.airwind.com/clients/rsa/dancinlights/source/1.html

[Musicisright]

^How lucky am I that one of my favorite buildings in the world is in my city?

Absolutely incredible. I guess I'm a sucker for pretty lights.

[Mike06]

Thanks for the video Hort. Scottybo, the lights are brighter than I thought they would be too. They look very nice. I wonder if the Riverview will have lights?

[Exodus]

http://www.airwind.com/clients/rsa/dancinlights/source/1.htmlThat was really nice:tup:

[Scottybo]

Will be very cool if the tower actually did do that.

[sahara727]

http://www.airwind.com/clients/rsa/dancinlights/source/1.html

i was going to a party at felix's last night and saw that same scene on the way back. it was incredible. i was expecting something cool, but this just blew me away.

[elb401]

Yeah it was good. I watched it from fort conde!

[spookyapp]

i got a few pictures and a short video that i'll try to post on here tomorrow. it was an amazing sight to see

[yeahwhatever]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM2BKr2hEYg

a little video from earlier tonight
enjoy
or dont

[Musicisright]

Here are my pictures. What a phenomenal night.

I was totally blown away by the lights.

Also on NBC15's ten o'clock news broadcast, they were talking about it being the tallest in Alabama and on the Gulf Coast between Houston and Tampa or something and they showed the Mobile diagram on this website and gave credit to SSP!

Anyway, here they are.


http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6538re.JPG



The countdown with drunk Ann Bedsole at the mic and David Bronner of RSA at the giant lever (with ex-mayor Mike Dow and current mayor Sam Jones looking on)
http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6554re.JPG


Candy! "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana played in the background.
http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6570re.JPG


Looks like Gotham City
http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6565re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6567re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6574re.JPG


Dow, the dude. (Mike Dow, Sam Jones, David Bronner, Ann Bedsole)
http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6575re.JPG


The Battle House
http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6590re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6591re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6594re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6595re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6596re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6602re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6605re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6612re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6618re.JPG


From Bienville Square
http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6628re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6631re.JPG

http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6632re.JPG

http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6633re.JPG

http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6634re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6643re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6674re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6694re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07196/_MG_6696re.JPG


Hope you enjoyed. Sorry, I didn't get any skyline shots tonight, I was with family and couldn't go climbing fire escapes.

[austin356]

Can someone describe the celebration as a whole? How many people? What all went on? Were things at all integrated with the things going on with thyssenkrpupp at the convention center? Did the Germans show up? Etc?

[austin356]

Also, Musicisright, great pictures. You should post them in the national pictures section.

[Exodus]

FANFUCKINGTASTIC PICS !!! That spire is beautiful:tup: The webcam does not do it justice. I get to see it in 3 days:)

[PhillyRising]

I think the openess of the crown makes it being lit up look more impressive. Will the colors change on the tower all night long or were they just demonstrating what they could do with color schemes?

[pboo74]

please post pics...

[Exodus]

I think the openess of the crown makes it being lit up look more impressive. Will the colors change on the tower all night long or were they just demonstrating what they could do with color schemes?It will have different colors for different holidays and seasons.

[Musicisright]

Thanks!

I stood directly in front of the Battle House when I got downtown and there were cars from the 1920s parked down Royal St in front of it. I didn't expect to be so moved by the sight of the Battle House. It was so bright. It was like I was looking at a picture or postcard. I could see into the building through the front doors and into the rotunda. People were dancing and I could hear the Excelsior band playing some jazzy tune. Then a parade of revelers, led by Excelsior, filed out through the front doors of the Battle House onto to the street. That's when the speeches happened. Ann Bedsole spoke, then David Bronner, then the president of the Press Register. I think there was a love/hate relationship between Bronner and the PR, Bronner made reference to a drawing in the PR that depicted him as King Kong on top of the RSA Tower. There was a lot of joking going on between everybody. Then Dow spoke, then Jones. Finally Ann Bedsole led the countdown. Then they lit it up!

There were spotlights all over the tower, and the colors on in were so rich and pretty. The colored and strobing lights continued for maybe half an hour on the tower, then it turned to white. Apparently, the tower will be white every night, and as the work week progresses to the weekend, the lights will get brighter. I talked to a woman whose husband was in charge of lighting the tower and she said that it'll be lit appropriately for all holidays. I can't wait to see that!

[Musicisright]

I also put the pictures I took in the My City Photos (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=131205) section of the forum.

[CottonCity251]

Wonderful pictures guys!!

[montysano]

Hi guys,

I'm glad everyone (so far, at least) likes the lighting. Our company did the installation, and I was the project manager. I had planned for a year to be there when they flipped the switch. Unfortunately, we had such a glut of jobs turning on at one time that I cancelled the trip, got out from behind the desk, strapped on a tool belt, and went to work out in the field. I was 25' up in a Genie lift, hanging lights in a Baptist church, when they lit it up.

We had done several mockups, which gave us some idea of how it would look, but I must say that the finished product exceeded all our expectations. My hat is off to our brilliant programmer and our install crew.

I just stumbled onto this forum (the electrical foreman for the building told me about it). It was interesting to see the discussion about the open structure at the top. While some may still not like it, the openess really helped the lighting.

The photos posted so far on the various threads are stunning, so thanks for that! I'm bummed that I missed it, but the photos help.

monty

[montysano]

BTW: the building will be lit in white only for a while. I think the owners want to digest what they saw, think about the possibilities, then come up with a long term programming plan.

[Scottybo]

Hi guys,

I'm glad everyone (so far, at least) likes the lighting. Our company did the installation, and I was the project manager. I had planned for a year to be there when they flipped the switch. Unfortunately, we had such a glut of jobs turning on at one time that I cancelled the trip, got out from behind the desk, strapped on a tool belt, and went to work out in the field. I was 25' up in a Genie lift, hanging lights in a Baptist church, when they lit it up.

We had done several mockups, which gave us some idea of how it would look, but I must say that the finished product exceeded all our expectations. My hat is off to our brilliant programmer and our install crew.

I just stumbled onto this forum (the electrical foreman for the building told me about it). It was interesting to see the discussion about the open structure at the top. While some may still not like it, the openess really helped the lighting.

The photos posted so far on the various threads are stunning, so thanks for that! I'm bummed that I missed it, but the photos help.

monty
Wow, nice asset to the forum here. Welcome!

I think it would be very cool at Christmas to have the lighting dance with music just like you always see at homes around the country. They could do it for maybe an hour or so.

[zaphod]

okay those lights are awesome

[Musicisright]

My hat is off to you, montysano, and everybody else who was involved with the tower. Now that it's complete, I'm a little sad. It's bittersweet, like realizing that your child is grown up.

At first I didn't understand why the crown was left open to the elements. But when I saw how the lights played into it, I understood and now I love it.

Sorry you weren't able to be there to see it light up last night, but hopefully the pictures are the next best thing. Thank you so very much. Congratulations and job well done.

[Alxx611]

I went on one of the tours today, and it looks amazing. Due to my camera taking horrible night time pics/indoor pics/any pics, I pretty much don't have any from inside, and I'm hoping someone does. Here's some from outside though. There were 3 live bands downtown, including the Excelsor jazz band and the free drinks and hot dogs were nice. it was really vibrant today, alot of people.

Waiting 45 minutes in line, so many people, so much heat..

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1804.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1838.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1856.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1857.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1848.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1850.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1844.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1852.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1802.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1812.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1799.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1840.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1829.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1833.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1836.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1841.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1842.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1864.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b375/Alxx611/downtown/DSCN1805.jpg

[Scottybo]

Nice pics. :tup:

[Musicisright]

Awesome pictures, Alxx! Thanks for taking. I got a lot of the same ones.

I got downtown right after 6 and tried to get in line for one of the tours, but a police officer told me that no one else could go. I was bummed. The dang paper said that it was from 3-7 so I don't understand. I walked around the tower anyway and at least got to touch it and smell its newness.


http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6733re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6738re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6741re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6749reed.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6751re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6753re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6764re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6766re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6769re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6772re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6778re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6803re.JPG



A couple of non-RSA shots:

http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6787re.JPG



http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6791re.JPG

A huge thunderstorm interrupted everything and left everybody running for cover, so I didn't get any night shots.

[SouthSky]

I love this shot:
http://xs315.xs.to/xs315/07190/_MG_6787re.JPG

Bravo!

[BamaGrad04]

http://www.airwind.com/clients/rsa/dancinlights/source/1.html

Yeah, so that pretty much rocked! :yes:

[pboo74]

awesome pics musicisright thanks for taking the time to show us the beauty of mobile gems.:cheers:

[montysano]

Now that it's complete, I'm a little sad. It's bittersweet, like realizing that your child is grown up.


True enough. Getting to hang out up on the 37th level was a real treat.

Let me also say: I lived in New Orleans for 7 years, and absolutely loved the place, so Katrina ripped my heart out. But until RSA Tower, I had never spent any time in Mobile. What a mistake! It has the same visual beauty as NO, without the dirt and danger. Driving down Government St., under those oaks.....wow. But then: what is better than sun shining through live oaks? Anyway, it's a lovely town.

Here's a few shots, mostly made for work/planning purposes.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0017.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0011.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0021.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0020.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0018.jpg

And one of lovely Park Ave, just because....

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0035.jpg

[BamaGrad04]

:previous: That must have really been amazing up there. Great job on the tower and with the pics.

Oh, and Park Ave. is possibly the coolest street in Mobile. I've got an uncle who lives on the street, and let's just say it made for some scary ass Halloween's as a kid.

[Verve]

I got downtown right after 6 and tried to get in line for one of the tours, but a police officer told me that no one else could go. I was bummed. The dang paper said that it was from 3-7 so I don't understand. I walked around the tower anyway and at least got to touch it and smell its newness.
.

Don't feel too bad. My wife and I got down there about 3:30 and waited around for some other friends to join us. They got delayed and didn't make it till about 5:15 and we were just getting to the end of the line and were about 2 groups behind the ones they told that they weren't allowing anymore in.

However, I think if they said from 3-7, they should have anticipated folks arriving right up until 7 pm and not stop the line earlier to ensure that everyone had gone through by 7.

Since I work downtown, I'll have to catch the tours that they will have from 10-2 each day.

Anyway, those were great shots you took.

[nimsjus]

Amazing pictures by everyone. Of course I will be home tomorrow which is two days late for all the fun. Oh well. What is the deal with the 10-2 tours? I hadn't heard about that. I may try to do it over the next couple of days while I am in town.

[austin356]

I am getting a room there this weekend if they have availabilities (they showed some on their website). I will gladly take pictures and post them.

If they dont have any rooms available then I will post some pictures of my the new Riverview and its Nautical theme.

[Musicisright]

Thanks for posting those pictures, montysano. You're the only forumer on here that has ties to the "inside".

Thanks for the compliment, SouthSky! I went back to my pictures and found one that was better than that one:

http://xs215.xs.to/xs215/07201/_MG_6782crre.JPG

[BamaGrad04]

I know this really isn't the appropriate thread, but damn, Van Antwerp has so much potential it's frustrating.

[CottonCity251]

Alxx and Musicisright wonderful pictures, you guys sure can capture the moment!

[montysano]

Hey Mobile folks,

What is the building visible on the lower right of this shot? I kept meaning to find out when I was in town, but never did.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/rsa_curt004.jpg

[HSVTiger]

True enough. Getting to hang out up on the 37th level was a real treat.

Let me also say: I lived in New Orleans for 7 years, and absolutely loved the place, so Katrina ripped my heart out. But until RSA Tower, I had never spent any time in Mobile. What a mistake! It has the same visual beauty as NO, without the dirt and danger. Driving down Government St., under those oaks.....wow. But then: what is better than sun shining through live oaks? Anyway, it's a lovely town.

Here's a few shots, mostly made for work/planning purposes.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0017.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0011.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0021.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0020.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0018.jpg

And one of lovely Park Ave, just because....

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/100_0035.jpg

holy smokes monty those are ausome, are you bringing some of those ideas to HSV?
TLS(HSV company) did the lighting for the tower right?
What's to keep a person from falling right out of it? Yikes!

[montysano]

are you bringing some of those ideas to HSV?



We've pitched the idea of using the same type of fixture to light the Saturn V rocket. Not sure if it will happen or not.

TLS(HSV company) did the lighting for the tower right?
Yes, that's us.

[HSVTiger]

We've pitched the idea of using the same type of fixture to light the Saturn V rocket. Not sure if it will happen or not.

Yes, that's us.
Outstanding job you guys did:tup:

[nimsjus]

Hey Mobile folks,

What is the building visible on the lower right of this shot? I kept meaning to find out when I was in town, but never did.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/montysano/rsa_curt004.jpg

That building is Government Plaza. It contains courts, city administrators offices, etc. Everyone here hates the architecture. I'm not a huge fan but it grows on me. It does provide us with a mix of different styles if nothing else. The biggest problem with it is the glass roofed atrium leaked and cost the city alot of money/time to correct.

[10101000]

I am from Mobile, and now live in Baton Rouge. I was on my way to the party Friday to visit my family, and I missed the lighting by 15 mins, I had to leave. I went down on Saturday night, and the tower was not lit. Does anybody know why?

[10101000]

Does anybody know why the tower was not lit on Saturday?

[elb401]

It wasnt lit on sunday either. I don't know why, but it was lit Monday (last night).

[10101000]

I wanted to see it so bad and did not get a chance. I am ready to move back home. Anything new coming to Mobile?

[10101000]

Does anybody have night time pics of the whole Mobile skyline since it has been lit?

[Exodus]

I wanted to see it so bad and did not get a chance. I am ready to move back home. Anything new coming to Mobile?The only thing I know of is the 3 condo towers on the waterfront where the csx building was razed. They will be 22, 21, and 19 stories tall. Btw, my wife is from Mobile, and we will be moving down there in the next few weeks. She got home sick, and I don't blame her.

[nimsjus]

I was downtown tonight after dinner at the oyster house. Went in the BattleHouse...Wow! It is amazing. I didnt have a camera and I would not have felt comfortable snapping pictures in the lobby of a 4 star hotel. The glass rotunda is beautiful. The carpet everyone is critical of is really just a rug, most of the lobby is marble floors which look really classy. The glass roof in the Trellis Room(the nice eatery) is also very nice. The Crystal Ballroom has beautiful chandaliers and the columns are amazingly detailed. There were probably 10-20 staff members working the lobby(valet, bellhops, management, maitre d's, etc). It FEELS nice. We just walked in off the street so I didnt snoop around too much, but what I saw was great. I can't wait to see what they do to the Riverview. The hotel is Mobile's new best asset as far as I am concearned. After seeing it, I feel bad for dignitaries(sp?) that stayed in town before the BattleHouse. Not that the other hotels are bad, but this is a whole new level of service, surroundings, etc for Mobile. We have a world class, destination hotel now.

[montysano]

Does anybody know why the tower was not lit on Saturday?

The building apparently took a lightning hit, and it knocked out some control components. Eventually the control system will be connected to the Internet and we'll have programming and fault diagnosis capabilities from our shop. Also, we gotta get the maintenance folks trained up on the system. But everyone was so wiped out from the push to get ready for the Friday night lighting that a few things slipped through the cracks. :jester:

As I noted earlier, the owners have asked for the lighting to be white until we all decide on a long term programming plan.

monty

[Musicisright]

I'll attest to that.^ I was down there Saturday evening for the lightning storm. Then Sat. night/Sunday morning around 1:00 am I checked the web cam (http://flhurricane.com/jjohnston/) and noticed the lights weren't on. I just thought that they turn them off in the middle of the night.

[BamaGrad04]

I was downtown tonight after dinner at the oyster house. Went in the BattleHouse...Wow! It is amazing. I didnt have a camera and I would not have felt comfortable snapping pictures in the lobby of a 4 star hotel. The glass rotunda is beautiful. The carpet everyone is critical of is really just a rug, most of the lobby is marble floors which look really classy. The glass roof in the Trellis Room(the nice eatery) is also very nice. The Crystal Ballroom has beautiful chandaliers and the columns are amazingly detailed. There were probably 10-20 staff members working the lobby(valet, bellhops, management, maitre d's, etc). It FEELS nice. We just walked in off the street so I didnt snoop around too much, but what I saw was great. I can't wait to see what they do to the Riverview. The hotel is Mobile's new best asset as far as I am concearned. After seeing it, I feel bad for dignitaries(sp?) that stayed in town before the BattleHouse. Not that the other hotels are bad, but this is a whole new level of service, surroundings, etc for Mobile. We have a world class, destination hotel now.


That's all true. I walked in there this afternoon and one of the staff members was just beginning a guided tour of about 7 folks. It was magnificent! The chef they brought in for The Trellis Room is one of the nation's top 50 chefs, and apparently he's serious about making that restaurant top notch. The Crystal Ballroom is AMAZING, although we couldn't go in there b/c they were setting up for an event. The bar that opens out onto Royal St. is perfect, with live music nightly. The ballroom that opens onto the balcony overlooking Royal St. is booked for every Mardi Gras week for the next 4 years; it's prime parade locale. It's great to have this gem back and I'd urge anyone in Mobile to stop in and look around. The staff is great and very helpful. :tup:

[bystander1]

I'll attest to that.^ I was down there Saturday evening for the lightning storm. Then Sat. night/Sunday morning around 1:00 am I checked the web cam (http://flhurricane.com/jjohnston/) and noticed the lights weren't on. I just thought that they turn them off in the middle of the night.

Maybe they do turn them off. I know they turn off the Montgomery tower lights around midnight.

[bayourat 15]

Hey cuz, tell the owners that its a buzz going around about the lights on the crown. Its the purple /blue / pink colors that has everyone saying wow! about. I missed the lighting (damn Theodore traffic) by 5 min, but as i cruised down I-10 I saw these colors on da tower , and almost sh-t my pants ! Wish that color scheme would be full time:cheers:

[Exodus]

What's to keep a person from falling right out of it? Yikes!It appears to have glass.

[austin356]

That's all true. I walked in there this afternoon and one of the staff members was just beginning a guided tour of about 7 folks. It was magnificent! The chef they brought in for The Trellis Room is one of the nation's top 50 chefs, and apparently he's serious about making that restaurant top notch. The Crystal Ballroom is AMAZING, although we couldn't go in there b/c they were setting up for an event. The bar that opens out onto Royal St. is perfect, with live music nightly. The ballroom that opens onto the balcony overlooking Royal St. is booked for every Mardi Gras week for the next 4 years; it's prime parade locale. It's great to have this gem back and I'd urge anyone in Mobile to stop in and look around. The staff is great and very helpful. :tup:



well mr you made me more excited. I am going to have a great time when I come down Saturday and stay there.

If by some chance there happens to be a wedding reception sat night that I am suppose to be at but dip out on, then everyone knows where I will be; At the Trellis.


And does anyone think it would be inappropriate to take pictures inside a 4 star hotel?


And has anyone dined at the Trellis yet? I would like a review...

[BamaGrad04]

well mr you made me more excited. I am going to have a great time when I come down Saturday and stay there.

If by some chance there happens to be a wedding reception sat night that I am suppose to be at but dip out on, then everyone knows where I will be; At the Trellis.


And does anyone think it would be inappropriate to take pictures inside a 4 star hotel?


And has anyone dined at the Trellis yet? I would like a review...

I tend to have that effect on people.........;)

My mom picked up a lunch menu from the Trellis and it was wide ranging; entrees from 12-30 for lunch, so I imagine dinner would be just a notch higher. I'm having my wedding rehearsal dinner at a restaurant almost directly across the street from the Battle House Friday night, and we'll definately be hopping over to the Royal St. bar afterwards.

[RSAHort]

Also, we gotta get the maintenance folks trained up on the system.
monty


Are you working with Lee? He is the building manager down there. Have you met RJ? He is our and Lee's supervisor here in Montgomery. RJ spends alot of time down there.

[10101000]

The building apparently took a lightning hit, and it knocked out some control components. Eventually the control system will be connected to the Internet and we'll have programming and fault diagnosis capabilities from our shop. Also, we gotta get the maintenance folks trained up on the system. But everyone was so wiped out from the push to get ready for the Friday night lighting that a few things slipped through the cracks. :jester:

As I noted earlier, the owners have asked for the lighting to be white until we all decide on a long term programming plan.

monty


Do you know of anything new that is coming to Mobile?

[Brown Duckz]

Are you working with Lee? He is the building manager down there. Have you met RJ? He is our and Lee's supervisor here in Montgomery. RJ spends alot of time down there.You wouldn't happen to be talking about RJ Caldwell?

[RSAHort]

You wouldn't happen to be talking about RJ Caldwell?


Yes. You know RJ?

[Brown Duckz]

Yes. You know RJ?Well, I'm only 20, I'm friends with his son Josh & I just knew that he worked for the state and dealt with most of the RSA properties... so, yeh-small world, hah.

[DallasTexan]

Everyone in Alabama knows each other... :D

[thoraudio]

RJ Caldwell? I was in the war with his uncle!



ok.... not really. just wanted to fit in :(

[Musicisright]

Ohh! Good ol' RJ! I used to go to church with his mama!

;)

[bystander1]

What-up, RJaaay?!!

:shrug:

[montysano]

HSVTiger said

What's to keep a person from falling right out of it? Yikes!


Exodus said

It appears to have glass.

Nope, no glass up top!

RSAHort asked:

Are you working with Lee? He is the building manager down there. Have you met RJ? He is our and Lee's supervisor here in Montgomery. RJ spends alot of time down there.

Several of our crew met RJ, and yes, I believe he'll be our contact. I haven't met him yet; all my contact has been with the electrical contractor, who is technically my customer.

[Bama_75]

Got down to see it lit up last night and it looks great.

There was a lot of people out walking around.

[elb401]

They turn it off about mid-night right?? I was down there at 11:53 pm and they turned it off.

[pkp]

Went on a tour of the hotel earlier this week and wandered around the tower some as well. I can hardly beleive this facility is in Mobile. Its just about as nice as any property I have been in, anywhere. I don't imagine there is anything quite like it in a similar sized city anywhere in the U.S.

[10101000]

Went on a tour of the hotel earlier this week and wandered around the tower some as well. I can hardly beleive this facility is in Mobile. Its just about as nice as any property I have been in, anywhere. I don't imagine there is anything quite like it in a similar sized city anywhere in the U.S.

It is hard to believe. When I was home over the weekend it did not feel like Mobile anymore. I think that this is just the start for Mobile. It will grow.

[Musicisright]

Its just about as nice as any property I have been in, anywhere. I don't imagine there is anything quite like it in a similar sized city anywhere in the U.S.

Totally. Walking around the site the other day, I got the same feeling. Every aspect of that property is just 100%. No corners were cut. I haven't been in either hotel or tower. Can you just walk right in either one? What were the tours of the hotel I heard somebody talking about?

In other news, my sister-in-law brought me THE blueprints for the RSA Tower. It's huuge and has like 600 drawings in it. There's so much detail in each drawing, it just makes me respect the ones who built her even more.

[thoraudio]

All of the RSA/Mariott places are top notch. From The Shoals to Ross Bridge to Capitol Hill to the Battlehouse. They really are a boon to the State.

The thing about it is, I don't think you could have convinced a private developer that 5 star locations would work in Alabama. But they do.

[pkp]

Totally. Walking around the site the other day, I got the same feeling. Every aspect of that property is just 100%. No corners were cut. I haven't been in either hotel or tower. Can you just walk right in either one? What were the tours of the hotel I heard somebody talking about?

In other news, my sister-in-law brought me THE blueprints for the RSA Tower. It's huuge and has like 600 drawings in it. There's so much detail in each drawing, it just makes me respect the ones who built her even more.

Yes - you can pretty much wander the public spaces of the hotel (lobby, bar, dining, meeting and ballrooms, etc...) all you want. If you want to see rooms, etc..., go the front desk and ask for a tour - not sure how long that will last. You can wonder around the tower lobby some, but there is not access to the elevator banks without a security badge. Just go through the hotel to the tower.

[DruidCity]

I saw the RSA Tower yesterday & it looks absolutely perfect :tup:

[Musicisright]

I know this isn't news, but I just checked the webcam and it seems there is a red light on each of the four corners of the first setback. They don't look decorative...More like for aviation purposes. Have they always been there?

[montysano]

I know this isn't news, but I just checked the webcam and it seems there is a red light on each of the four corners of the first setback. They don't look decorative...More like for aviation purposes. Have they always been there?

No, they haven't. I'll check the webcam tonight. Up until now, the only FAA light was on the top of the spire.