Mobile skyscraper gets crown today

Alabama's tallest building -- the 35-story RSA skyscraper near completion on Mobile's waterfront -- gets its crown today, if weather permits a helicopter to lift it.
Downtown streets near the building will be closed to traffic and pedestrians beginning at 7 a.m. The operation could be completed by 1 p.m.
The Sikorsky S-61 helicopter, like the Marine One used to fly President Bush, will take off from Mobile's downtown airport at Brookley Industrial Complex and pick up its load across the street from the $200 million skyscraper.
The crown, a 115-foot-tall fiberglass spire, when illuminated will be a beacon visible for some 25 miles across the flat coastal terrain, architect Jack Blake said Thursday.
The Retirement Systems of Alabama skyscraper is part of its multimillion-dollar project that links the 1852 Battle House Hotel and newer Riverview Plaza Hotel across from the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center and cruise ship terminal on the waterfront.
RSA is the state pension system.
Blake, the project manager for the Atlanta-based Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates (TVS), said lighting on the spire will change colors with events. For example, there will be lighting appropriate for Mardi Gras and Christmas.
It also may affect the mood of the city. Lighting at the start of each week will get brighter as the weekend approaches, Blake said. The lights won't move but just change color.
"This is a traditional building in a lot of ways -- with a base, shaft and crown. A lot of buildings -- you can look at the Empire State Building in New York -- are built this way," Blake said in a telephone interview.
Blake said the 745-foot-tall building could be completed by the end of this year, but tenants could start their moving-in work next month.
Kevin McCade, who operates the Royal St. Cafe a block away, said his business improved 40 percent during the skyscraper's construction.
"I'm worried about an exodus from other buildings," he said Thursday, anticipating the skyscraper's opening. He said it could spur other downtown landlords to spruce up.
Picking up lunch takeouts from the cafe, Pat Hancock said she's excited about the new building.
"Hopefully it will bring more business and shops, more people, making a reason to stay in town," she said.
Construction began in early 2004 and lasted through three hurricanes and a tropical storm.
With streets closed today, city officials urged anyone wanting to view the tower installation to park at Battleship Park on the Causeway.
Water St. will be closed at 8 a.m. Northbound traffic will be detoured at Government and Water west on Government to Broad St. to Beauregard St. to I-165. Southbound I-165 traffic will be detoured to Beauregard to Broad to Government to Water.
Cruise ship traffic should not be affected.