Curry Commons Plaza and Clock Tower, Troy State University at Montgomery, Alabama
Download printable project sheet, 140KB.

Awards:
-2001 Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, Alabama Section - Illumination Design Award
-2001 National Association of Women in Construction, Montgomery Chapter - Certificate of Achievement

Troy State University at Montgomery engaged Sherlock, Smith & Adams to address the issue of campus identity. The TSUM campus is located in the southwestern corner of the Alabama capital's downtown area. It has experienced steady growth over the past few years and, as a result, TSUM acquired and leased properties within a two block radius of the main building, Whitley Hall. Despite the steady growth and increasing enrollment, TSUM still lacked a true campus identity.

The solution put forth by SS&A created Curry Commons, a large plaza which linked two city blocks with a major pedestrian concourse and green space. Improvements to the streetscape indicated the campus boundaries, while new landscaping sets the plaza apart from other properties. A large circular drive provides access to secured parking while creating a space for a new clock tower.

The clock tower became the focal point of the newly defined campus. It is topped by a natural-gas-fed flame dish reminiscent of the torch of knowledge, which is an integral part of the TSUM logo. The tower and plaza are the new symbols of the University.