MONTGOMERY, Ala. – After nearly four years of planning and preparation, the Alabama Department of Revenue is ready to move into a brand new, state-of-the-art $130 million facility.

This new building is expected to improve efficiency, security, and recruitment efforts, making it a significant milestone for the department. The move will bring over 700 employees into a modern, unified space, enhancing the department’s ability to serve Alabama residents.

The new building, called the Centennial Hill Building, is located at the corner of South Ripley Street and High Street. The facility also has a parking deck located behind the building on South Jackson Street, along with a spacious courtyard in between the two areas. The location is part of a larger redevelopment project in Montgomery’s historic Centennial Hill area, which will bring further improvements to the city.

A Much-Needed Change for the Department

For years, the Alabama Department of Revenue operated out of three separate buildings in downtown Montgomery. Commissioner Vernon Barnett explained that the department was spread thin and lacked a single, efficient workspace. “We’re spread over three buildings downtown, and we didn’t have one space to ourselves,” Barnett said. “Moving into one centralized building will help improve communication, collaboration, and overall efficiency.”

With the move, the department will no longer be divided between multiple locations. Employees will have the benefit of working in one location, which will improve productivity. It also allows the department to better align its operations, offering a more cohesive and effective working environment.

Why the New Facility Matters

One of the most important reasons for the move is improved security. The new building will enable the department to meet strict IRS security standards, which is crucial for protecting sensitive taxpayer data. Barnett explained that their previous location lacked adequate security measures to safeguard this important information. “We couldn’t lock it down the way we needed to, so that was where the real need came from,” he said. The new facility will be fully equipped to meet IRS requirements, ensuring that data security remains a top priority.

The move to the Centennial Hill Building will also help the Alabama Department of Revenue comply with modern standards for managing sensitive information. The department is confident that with enhanced security features, it will be able to better protect personal and financial data, making it less vulnerable to potential threats.

Revitalizing the Historic Centennial Hill Area

The Centennial Hill Building is part of a larger $130 million project developed by the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). The building itself is valued at over $100 million, and it is located in one of Montgomery’s most historic areas. The project aims to revitalize Centennial Hill, bringing new life to the neighborhood while improving infrastructure and services in the region.

Steve Timms, the Assistant Director of Real Estate Investments for the Retirement Systems of Alabama, spoke about the significance of the project. “The Centennial Hill Building is a key part of the larger effort to improve the area,” Timms explained. “This is a significant investment for us, and this development completes the block. We hope that it will not only benefit the Department of Revenue but also help rejuvenate the surrounding neighborhood.”

The building’s modern design and features are part of a broader effort to enhance Montgomery’s downtown area. The project is expected to draw further attention to the Centennial Hill neighborhood, potentially encouraging future investment and development in the area.

Boosting Recruitment and Retention

Along with its practical benefits, the new building is also expected to help the Alabama Department of Revenue in its efforts to recruit and retain top talent. The department, like many other state agencies, faces an upcoming wave of retirements. With the new facility, Barnett believes the department can attract younger workers eager to join a modern, innovative workplace.

“Like all the other state agencies, we have a lot of people who are ready to retire, and we need to hire young people to come in and work,” Barnett said. “I think that energy is contagious, and I think it will be great for our recruitment moving forward and our retention.” The department believes the new building will help energize employees, creating a positive atmosphere that will boost both recruitment and retention.

The Alabama Department of Revenue hopes that this move will not only improve its internal operations but also enhance its service to the people of Alabama. By modernizing its facilities and creating a more secure and efficient workspace, the department is setting itself up for success in the years ahead.