A New Chapter in Montgomery: The ABC Board’s Next-Gen Warehouse — and the Glass That Shapes It

Montgomery, Alabama, is on the brink of a significant transformation in its alcohol distribution infrastructure. The Alabama ABC Board is moving forward with a major project: a brand-new warehouse and central office complex on a 25-acre site along Congressman W.L. Dickinson Drive.

Why This Matters

For decades, the ABC Board has operated out of its current facility at 2715 Gunter Park Drive West — leased since the early 1980s. But with demand surging — case sales have nearly doubled in ten years — the board says its current space is no longer adequate. The new warehouse is planned to be 250,000 square feet, with room to expand to 325,000 square feet as future need dictates.

ABC Board administrators argue the upgrade is \more than storage: it’s about future proofing. As ABC sales grow, the board needs a facility that can support its operations in a way that is efficient, modern, and flexible. The current lease is set to expire in March 2025.

Architectural Vision & Logistics

Backed by the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), the project is already in motion: RSA is soliciting architectural and engineering proposals for the site. The RFP outlines not just the warehouse but also a central office — a hub that consolidates ABC operations and ensures the agency can operate more cohesively.

For context, the scale of this undertaking is huge. This isn’t just a storage shed — it’s a thoughtfully designed, long-term investment in infrastructure. Rentals could span 10–25 years, according to the RFP.

Best Glass Company: Crafting the Transparent Backbone

While the warehouse is the headline, the silent star of the story may well be the glass that frames it. Enter Best Glass Company, Inc., the third-generation, Montgomery-based glass contractor that could play a key role in the project.

A Legacy in Glass

Founded in 1971 by J.T. Dunn, Best Glass Company started small, focusing on auto glass and residential replacements. Today, under the leadership of the Dunn family (now through Jeff Dunn), the company has grown into a full-service glass and glazing contractor serving both commercial and residential clients.

Their range of expertise is wide: storefronts and curtainwalls, all-glass doors, fire-rated glass, mirrors, shower enclosures, tempered and laminated glass, and more. They operate within a roughly 60–75 mile radius of Montgomery, making them a natural fit for local projects.

Why Their Glass Could Be Critical to the New Warehouse

  1. Commercial-Grade Expertise: Best Glass has the know-how for large-scale, commercial glazing — exactly what’s needed for a warehouse-office hybrid. Their experience with curtainwalls and storefront systems means they can bring both aesthetic quality and structural performance to the project.
  2. Local Partnership: By working with a Montgomery-based contractor like Best Glass, the ABC Board could support local business, keep costs more predictable, and facilitate smoother coordination. Best Glass’s proximity and reputation make them a strong contender.
  3. Quality + Security: Modern warehouse offices don’t just need glass — they need strategic glass. That might include tempered or laminated panels, fire-rate systems, or even specialized entrances. Best Glass has that capacity.
  4. Efficiency & Trust: A long-standing company like Best Glass offers reliability. Their decades of service in the region and established relationships with contractors and architects make them a stable partner for a multi-year development.

What This Means for Montgomery

  • Economic Boost: A massive new facility means construction jobs, contracts for local firms (like Best Glass), and increased economic activity.
  • Modernization: This project could signal a modernization wave for the ABC system in Alabama — not just on the warehouse floor, but in how the ABC Board operates and presents itself.
  • Local Pride: Using a homegrown company like Best Glass showcases Montgomery’s industrial and trades talent. It tells a story of local business capacity and legacy craftsmanship.
  • Strategic Growth: The expansion gives ABC room to continue growing, potentially keeping up with demand and supporting downstream partners like licensed retailers across the state.