Lawmakers Cite Memories And Mold In Farewell To Alabama State House

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) — The 2026 legislative session marks the final one inside Alabama’s current State House, a building constructed in 1963 that was never meant to serve as the Legislature’s permanent home.

Originally built to house the Alabama Department of Transportation, the structure began hosting lawmakers in 1985 while the Alabama Capitol underwent renovations. What was intended to be a temporary move ultimately became permanent.

As the session ended Thursday evening, lawmakers reflected on their time inside the aging building, as they shared both fond memories and concerns about its condition.

“We’ve seen a lot. We’ve seen speakers come and go. I served on the committee to impeach a governor,” said Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham. “All of those memories and things of that nature that I’ve experienced, but most importantly, I’ve experienced a camaraderie and a friendship that means more to me than anything.”

Over the years, the State House has faced significant maintenance issues, including multiple floods, roof leaks and ongoing mold and mildew concerns.

“Memories are you can’t breathe and that you’re all sick at the end of the year because all of the walls are filled with mold, so I’m not going to be really sad that it’s torn down,” said Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur. “It’s needed to be for a while.”

Despite the building’s physical decline, some lawmakers emphasized the relationships formed inside its walls.

“I’ve seen here that Democrats and Republicans can work together, and we have strong differences on a lot of very important things, but there is a level of civility, there is a level of respect,” said Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery.

Others echoed concerns about health risks tied to the building’s condition.

“There’s always memories when you’re here for that long, but I’m also glad to see it go down because with a lot of the employees that stay here full-time, it’s a health issue because there’s a lot of mold in this building,” said Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews. “I think it needs to go, and I think it should’ve been done a long time ago. This was a temporary fix, as you know, back in the ’80s, and I think it’s past time for this to be taken care of.”

The 63-year-old building is set to be demolished and replaced with green space as lawmakers prepare to move into a new $400 million dollar State House later this year. The 2027 legislative session in the new State House is scheduled to begin in February.