Vestavia Hills breaks ground on new city hall

This morning, the city of Vestavia Hills held a groundbreaking ceremony at 1032 Montgomery Highway, the future site of the new city hall.

Speakers included City Manager Jeff Downes, Mayor Butch Zaragoza, Principal & Vice President Stephen Allen of Williams Blackstock Architects, President & COO Jim Rein of BL Harbert International, Chamber of Commerce President Karen Odle and Chamber of Commerce Chair Linda Parker.

"I remember in 1950 when the city hall was a small, four to five room building," Zaragoza said. "60 years later, we are moving forward. In two to three years, Vestavia Hills will not look the same. Good things are happening in this city."

Renderings of the 26,600 square foot two-story city hall and surrounding courtyard and outdoor amphitheater were on display during the ceremony. The mayor indicated the city plans to use this space for events such as I Love America Day and Art in the Hills. Allen revealed that the building will have a stacked stone exterior and grand lobby which will feature a celebration of city history and a sports hall of fame. The space will also will also host rotating art shows and events.

The Vestavia Hills Police Department will be housed in a neighboring 24,000 square foot building. The space will include a courtroom, Magistrate, holding facility and all police administrative offices. 

Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce shared their excitement from a business standpoint.

"This will be a catalyst for breathing new life into the business community," Parker said.

The facility is expected to be completed by the fall of 2015.