Alex City breaks ground on new $97M Benjamin Russell High School

Alexander City is getting a new high school.

On Wednesday, August 9, the Alexander City Board of Education officially broke ground on the new Benjamin Russell High School at a Groundbreaking Ceremony.

More than a schoolhouse

The new $97 million Benjamin Russell High School will be located near the corner of Highway 280 and Highway 63 in Alexander City, Alabama. 

The project includes: 

• New High School  (approximately 215,000 SF)
• Two gymnasiums
• Kitchen/cafeteria
• Media center
• Auditorium
• Two-story classroom wing
• Storm shelter
• Track/field
• And miscellaneous site work.

According to a Doster Construction news release construction has  begun and is scheduled to be ready for occupation in 2025. Lathan Associates is the architect of record, Scout Program Management is the program manager, with Doster serving as the general contractor. 

Education is a priority in Alex City

Today, serving over 1000 students, the original Benjamin Russell High School campus was built in 1950.  Back then,it was entirely funded by The Russell Educational and Charitable Foundation, Avondale Mills, and donations from public businessmen in town. 

In a statement on the Alexander City Schools Facebook page, the summed up the importance of the new high school this way:

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of a new chapter in our community’s story – a chapter filled with academic excellence, personal development, and a shared vision for a brighter future. Together, we’re building more than just a school; we’re building a foundation for success!”