As a senior project manager at Sain Associates, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that will make a difference in a community. One recent example is the Irondale Civic Center in Irondale, Alabama. The building itself has quite a backstory. Originally constructed in the mid-1980s by the Shriners as a meeting space, the facility later became part of a larger proposal to bring Trinity Medical Center to Irondale. Although that relocation didn’t come to fruition, the site remained, changing ownership a few times before finally being purchased by the City for redevelopment.
The City recognized a growing need voiced by local organizations: Irondale needed a dedicated event space. Their vision was to transform this long-standing but underutilized facility into a vibrant civic center with amenities for residents of all ages. That’s where we came in.
Sain’s Role and Partnership
Our team was selected to provide civil site design and surveying services, with survey beginning in April 2024, followed by civil design in June. By December, we had a completed design that balanced functionality, cost-efficiency, and long-term community benefit. With construction set to begin this summer and conclude in late 2026, the vision is well on its way to becoming a reality.
Designing for the Present and the Future
This project came with unique design challenges, starting with accessibility. The building and site were constructed before the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, so we needed to ensure that our upgrades met today’s ADA standards without drastically disrupting the existing layout. We explored several options, ultimately developing a plan that eliminates oversized median islands, introduces new access from the adjacent ring road, and reconfigures just a portion of the existing parking to meet both code and community expectations. It’s a smart approach that preserves value while enhancing usability.
Another critical issue was the outdated septic system. The planned usage of the building demanded a more robust solution. We coordinated with the local utility provider to design a force main extension from Ratliff Road, providing both immediate capacity and long-term flexibility for future development in the surrounding area.
What’s Ahead
When completed, the Irondale Civic Center will include much more than an updated building. The site will feature an amphitheater, playground, splash pad, and pickleball courts. These amenities will turn this space into a true community destination.
This project is about more than redevelopment. It’s about reinvesting in a place that has long served Irondale and reimagining it to serve the city for generations to come. We’re proud to help bring that vision to life.