Year in Preview: Several city events moving to new home at City Hall facilities

December 28, 2015 3:57 PM

Not only are the new Vestavia Hills City Hall facilities home to offices and the city council, they will soon be the new home of many iconic city events. The new facilities, located at 1032 Montgomery Highway, offer multiple areas for community events.

“The design of the new City Hall was very intentional to try to support some of these events,” City Manager Jeff Downes said.

Downes said there are three to four main activity areas. The oval-shaped lawn and multi-level amphitheater set-up in front of the buildings make up just over an acre of usable event property, and Downes said are ideal for large events. So far, the annual Christmas tree lighting already took place in the area, and Downes anticipates other large events, such as Wing Ding, to make use of the space as well.

There is also an approximately 1,000 square-foot multi-purpose and kitchen area adjacent to the upper lawn behind the buildings. Downes said the upper lawn is around half an acre, offers views of Oak Mountain and is adjacent to a walkway that connects the two buildings.

There are also indoor spaces that can be used as “contingency spaces” in the event of inclement weather, as well as for smaller receptions and dignitary events.

Downes said he hopes many of the city’s “signature events” will be making the move to the facilities, including I Love America Day, Art in the Hills, the Leadership Vestavia Hills graduation, the Sunrise Rotary First Responders Picnic and more.

“We hope that the new city hall and the community space becomes the go-to space for these signature events,” Downes said.

While he said the city is still working through some of the logistics, community members interested in planning an event at the facilities are welcome to inquire. Outdoor event space is first-come, first-served, and indoor space availability will depend on administrative needs. Anyone interested should contact the city’s administrative offices and ask for the City Manager’s Office for more information.