Moving forward
During Wednesday's council meeting, City Manager Jeff Downes gave an update on ongoing projects throughout Vestavia Hills.
"The main message I would like to get across tonight is that things are going on in a number of areas in the city," Downes said during the meeting. "We are excited about the development along central U.S. 31 but we are also working on projects in Cahaba Heights, Liberty Park and others that will be transformational for the entire city."
An outline of Downes' report can be found below.
Cahaba Heights Winn Dixie remodel
Downes announced that an architect has been hired and plans have been submitted for an $3.5 million interior and exterior remodel of the Winn Dixie in Cahaba Heights. Construction is set to begin June 30 and be completed by December of this year. The transformation will include landscaping, interior design work and the addition of 40 new employees.
"This is a great investment for the city and will serve as a catalyst for other projects throughout Cahaba Heights," Downes said.
Additional Library in the Forest parking
In December, the city acquired the property located at 1421 Round House Road where an additional 46 parking spaces will be constructed for use by Library in the Forest patrons. This effort is a joint project with the Vestavia Hills Library Foundation. Downes announced a bid date has been set for June 11 and construction is expected to begin by the end of the summer.
For more information on this project, click here.
Patchwork Farms development
Patchwork Farms is located between Cahaba River and Caldwell Mill Roads off U.S. 280. In December, Vestavia Hills held a three-day planning charrette, a type of collaborative session to design a solution, for the 87-acre site purchased by the City in 2007 for $11 million.
The property is jointly owned by the city and the Vestavia Hills Board of Education. On June 19, the city and the school board will meet with leaders of Northport Holdings to discuss the best use of the site.
"There has been significant interest in Patchwork Farms," Downes said. "I have great confidence that in the next two years, it will be something we can't recognize."
For more information on Patchwork Farms development, click here
U.S. 31 corridor development
Downes announced that by the end of this week, demolition of the former Food World building will be complete. Construction drawings for the new city hall and police/municipal court complex are now 100% complete and a groundbreaking ceremony for construction will be June 25.
The city has secured $20 million in funding for the project and has hired William Blackstock as the architect and B. L. Harbert as the construction manager.
For more information on the new city hall and municipal complex, click here
Wald Park and Recreation Center
During the meeting, Councilman Steve Ammons announced that the Parks and Recreation Board is currently conducting a three part study of Wald Park and also examining long term usage of the Vestavia Hills Recreation Center. Ammons said the board will present their findings to the city after the study is completed.
"We do not make knee-jerk reactions. We are examining the area very carefully for what will be the best use," Ammons said.
In March, Wald Park was selected for “Heart Your Park,” a program introduced as part of Macy’s “Secret Garden” campaign, which aims to raise awareness and money for local parks across the country. For more information, click here