Project Description

• Introduction
• Arrival/Decompression/Reception
• Orientation
• Interpretation
• Dining, Retail & Entertainment
• Terminus

Introduction
The following text is a vision of the project after completion of the "Phase I, Build Out" illustrated on accompanying site plans and renderings. It is the intent of the narrative to identify the major project components and from time to time, capture the character of the interpretive program.

The flow of the document reflects the "ADROIT" sequence, an organizational philosophy that maximizes the visitor experience.

Arrival / Decompression / Reception
The majority of visitors to the Alabama Railpark from outside Montgomery arrive at the newly constructed Main Entrance off Court Street and proceed to the parking area. Once parked within the graciously landscaped environment, offering a brief respite from the rigors of travel, they will immediately be drawn to the brightly illuminated, glazed reception building at the south end of the parking area. The almost 6,000 square foot climatized structure is the setting for a somewhat abstract railroad terminal serving three active tracks. In the terminal waiting area, in addition to ticket windows and such visitor amenities as rest rooms, assistance for visitors with special needs, group tour accommodations, newspapers, magazines, timetables, etc., visitors discover a number of options from which they can choose to optimize their time at the Center.

Both staff and electronic guidance systems define and explain the resources of the Alabama Railpark and help them schedule their time and budget. For example, they can purchase a one-day pass to the Alabama Railpark which entitles them to all of the presentations and exhibitions on the site, or if their stay in Montgomery allows, they can purchase a discounted multi-day ticket.

They can also purchase tickets for any of the excursions operating that day, or advance tickets for a later time.

They can purchase a discount coupon book for special offers by merchants in the shopping arcade as well as tickets for the children’s miniature train ride. They can make reservations at the Café and when available, at the on-premises Railroad Hotel.

Finally, they can acquire timed tickets for performances in the Imax theater at the south end of the site and arrange for guided tours of the entire project.

Visitors from the immediate area arriving by bus, taxi and/or private automobile are likely to enter the site from the south, off Prince Street. Many of these visitors will have specific destinations in mind, e.g., dining, shopping, film performances, excursions, special events. Parking and ticketing at the South Entrance will be handled accordingly.

Visitors entering the site via Excursion Train will of course arrive at the working Depot, and will follow signage to the entrance lobby.

Regardless of their method of access, all first time visitors will be encouraged to experience the exciting Orientation program that introduces and summarizes the substance of the story that will unfold during their visit.