Municipal Complex to be finished by April

The Mountain Brook Municipal Complex in Crestline, initially scheduled for completion by February 2012, is now set to open its doors in April 2013.

“[Contractor] Brasfield & Gorrie has worked very hard, and I think they would say that this date is firm,” City Council President Virginia Smith said. “They feel very comfortable about this date, and they know this project has gone on longer than anticipated.”

Smith noted that the exact completion date would depend on winter weather.

Brasfield and Gorrie took over as head contractor of the project in July after the city released the original contract with Taylor & Miree Construction.

Once opened, the 52,000 square foot, $16.5 million facility will allow easier public access to the city manager’s office and provide 64 underground parking spaces for staff members.

A committee is now finalizing plans for space outside the building, which will feature a fountain and the previously existing police memorial. Most notably, Fire Chief Robert Ezekiel has obtained an I-beam from the World Trade Center that will be on display. The beam is 8 feet and weighs more than 1,000 pounds.

Spartan Square, the area located directly outside the complex surrounding the water fountain, will highlight engraved bricks. The bricks are being sold as a fundraiser by the Leadership Mountain Brook class at Mountain Brook High School for the organization’s community service project. Bricks can be engraved and dedicated to a current or past Mountain Brook resident.

Notable details on the interior of the building will include a brass chandelier that was owned by the Jemison family, who developed much of Mountain Brook. The chandelier will be hung in the mayor’s office. In addition, the police chief’s office will have bulletproof windows.

Residents will be able to view fire department vehicles from a covered pedestrian sidewalk. But most importantly, the city will have an efficient place in which to conduct municipal business.

“We look forward to the larger mall area, which will allow residents and businesses to easily apply for business licenses, business permits and pay tickets all in a centralized location,” City Manager Sam Gaston said.

Currently, city staff and council are periodically going on walkthroughs in the municipal building. An owner-architectconstruction committee also meets as needed to finalize details.

After the previous municipal facility that housed city hall, Fire Station 1, fire department offices and the police department was deemed outdated, the city worked for two years finalize plans for the new complex to serve both staff and citizens. It was designed by Williams Blackstock Architects, who are responsible for designing the UAB Campus Recreation Center, the Vestavia Hills City Center and Auburn City Hall.

The new building will also house the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. Because of the extensive planning on the front end, no major plans have been adjusted since construction began. Smith noted that the building is so complex she was not surprised it got behind schedule.

After a more rainy summer than anticipated, Brasfield & Gorrie hired a waterproofing consultant to ensure that the building is watertight.

There is much city officials are looking forward to about the building.

“The new complex is a much safer building for our employees,” Smith said. “No mold, no jail doors that get stuck, no offices without fire escapes and more room for staff. The building will have certain audiovisual and security features that make it up to date with today’s technology.”

To order a brick or receive more information on Spartan Square, contact spartansquare@welcometomountainbrook.com or call 871-3779. Bricks are $100.