By Managing Editor Noah Worton
ALABASTER The historic Thompson Intermediate School building will soon be demolished to make room for the city’s eagerly awaited new amenities after years of serving the people of Alabaster.
In order to create room for the city’s new leisure center and library, which is anticipated to be finished by early 2027, the last stage of demolition of the former Thompson Intermediate School campus, located at the intersection of Highway 119 and Thompson Road, has started.
According to Alabaster Public Relations Manager Neal Wagner, it is heartbreaking to see the final demolition of the former ACS Central Office building because it has been a part of the city’s history for many generations. However, we are thrilled that work on a new library and recreation center project that will benefit a new generation of Alabaster residents for many years to come is about to start.
In order for the Alabaster City Schools Central Office to relocate to its new office space on the grounds of the present Thompson High School, the second phase of destruction was put on hold until recently. The first phase of demolition started on January 29. In November 2024, Complete Demolition Services LLC received approval for the demolition of the former TIS campus in the amount of $821,000.
In April, the Alabaster City Council approved a $43,676,000 project for Clements Dean Building Company that included a new leisure center, library, and retail development off Highway 119.
Scott Brakefield, the mayor of Alabaster, stated, “We are thrilled to proceed with this plan to revitalize one of our most prominent areas of town and finally have the opportunity to give our residents the recreation center and library they deserve.” We will be able to carry out our goal of developing a full city center, complete with a police department, municipal hall, senior center, entertainment venues, and a future library and recreation center.
With almost three times as much space as the Albert L. Scott Library, the new library will have ample space for community events, library programming, and significantly larger collections. The new leisure facility, which will have a main lobby, several indoor courts, event and meeting space, an indoor walking track, a fitness and workout area, and an outdoor pool and splash pad, will be adjacent to the new library.
Alabaster’s budget for fiscal year 2025 includes $5 million to start building the new library and leisure complex. Additionally, the city issued bonds totaling $80 million to fund the project’s completion.
The city anticipates that the project will be finished by December 2026, with Alabaster opening the facility in the spring of 2027, if there are no changes to the present estimated timeframe.
On the intersection of Highway 119 and Thompson Road, there will also be an unknown project in addition to the new library and recreation center. Previously, a mixed-use development was planned for the site. Additional details will be posted at Shelbycountyreporter.com as they become available.
