Irondale breaks ground on $20 million civic center renovation

This story was written by Jakob Gurley of the Trussville Tribune.

IRONDALE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — The city of Irondale has officially broken ground on a $20 million renovation of its Civic Center, marking what Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. called a “generational project” for the fast-growing community.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held Thursday morning at the center’s site on Ratliff Road, drew city leaders, residents, and project partners who gathered to celebrate the start of construction. The facility, formerly the Zamora Temple, was purchased by the city in 2022 for $5 million. Since then, the property has hosted numerous community events and private functions, but leaders said the long-anticipated renovation will transform the site into a premier destination for recreation, events, and fami