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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The first wave of work is set to soon begin on the city of Alabaster’s new recreation center and library.

The future site of the Alabaster recreation center and library is located near the intersection of Highway 119 and Thompson Road at the site of the old Thompson Intermediate School.

According to the city of Alabaster, on Monday, Oct. 28, a contractor will begin relocating utilities for the project. As a result, the front road and driveway in front of the facility will be permanently closed.

Once the utility relocation is completed on the project, demolition on the old TIS facility and ACS Central Office buildings will start in early 2025. Improvements to the Hwy 119 and Thompson Road intersection, alongside the construction of the rec center and library, will start later on in 2025.

The complex will feature multiple long-awaited amenities including a new library, recreation center and multiple gymnasiums. The new library will also feature an outdoor area on the side for residents to relax. The city has also discussed plans with a contractor for the design of water features which would be located behind the recreation center.

“We are extremely excited to break ground in 2025 on the crown jewel of the Alabaster Fast Forward program: our new state-of-the-art recreation center with (a) pool and splash pad and new library,” Alabaster Mayor Scott Brakefield said in an official statement regarding the city’s budget.

The city of Alabaster set aside $5 million in its fiscal year 2025 budget to begin construction on the new recreation center and library. The city also had an issuance of $80 million of bonds for the project’s construction.

Alabaster expects an 18-24 month construction timeline from the beginning of demolition which is scheduled to occur in January 2025.

In addition to the new recreation center and library, the left-hand piece of property located on the corner of Highway 119 and Thompson Road, known as Warrior Square, has been set aside to serve as a potential mixed-use space.

The city previously approved a resolution for a Memorandum of Understanding and collaborative relationship with Ironwood Construction and Development, LLC for the potential Warrior Square development.

The city also approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with CMH Architects for a master plan site development at Hwy 119 and Thompson Road. CMH Architects is already handling site plans for the rec center and new library and the approved agreement allows the organization to provide Ironwood Construction and Development with suggested plans for development at Warrior Square.

The city is currently not bound to any one developer or plan for the final use of the property at Warrior Square and may change its approach in the future based upon the results of the master plan and the developer’s findings.