Irondale Civic Center renovation plans unveiled with $18 million investment for upgrades

The Irondale City Council convened on January 31, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the Irondale Civic Center, which the city purchased in 2022 for approximately $5 million. Initially intended for demolition, the facility's future has shifted dramatically under the management of Brad Doss, who has been with the city for 33 years.

Doss outlined the center's transformation plans, which include a comprehensive renovation budgeted at around $18 million. This renovation will involve gutting the existing structure and enhancing both interior and exterior amenities. Key features of the renovation include the creation of four large classrooms and four smaller boardrooms, a 10,000-square-foot auditorium capable of seating 670 people, and a 4,000-square-foot dining hall with a commercial kitchen.

In addition to the interior upgrades, the city plans to invest in outdoor amenities, including a splash pad, playground, amphitheater with a capacity for over 1,000 attendees, six pickleball courts, a new pavilion with restrooms, and a walking trail. Future plans also include the development of a mountain bike trail.

Doss reported that the Civic Center has seen significant usage, with over 300 rental days in the past year, hosting a variety of events from jujitsu tournaments to wedding receptions. The city aims to begin construction in April 2025, with an anticipated reopening in the fall of 2026.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to move forward with the renovation plans, reflecting the city's dedication to revitalizing the Civic Center as a community hub.