By Associated Press
Mobile, AL – Alabama's tallest building -- the 35-story R-S-A skyscraper is nearing completion on Mobile's waterfront and will get its crown on Saturday, weather permitting. 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 helicopter, similar to the one used to fly President Bush, will pick up its load across the street from the 200 (m) million dollar structure. An architect says the crown, a 115-feet-tall fiberglass spire, when illuminated will be a beacon visible for some 25 miles across the flat coastal terrain. The Retirement Systems of Alabama skyscraper is part of its multimillion-dollar project that links the 1852 Battle House Hotel and Riverview Plaza Hotel across from the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center and cruise ship terminal on the waterfront. The 745-feet-tall building could be completed by the end of this year, but tenants could start their moving-in work next month. Construction began in early 2004. With streets closed Saturday, city officials urged anyone wanting to view the tower installation to park at Battleship Park. Cruise ship traffic should not be affected.