The new Pell City Municipal Complex was filled with people and excitement Monday, June 13, as City leaders, stakeholders and community members gathered for the official ribbon cutting of the building. The building now houses the Pell City Chamber of Commerce offices and the Library. 

This project is something that has been in the works for a long time. In September 2015, Mayor Joe Funderburg addressed a crowd what is now the Municipal Complex. At that time, there were skeleton frames of drop ceilings, and just a vast stretch of bare, grey concrete serving as the floor. The lack of decor and structure did nothing to dull the anticipation then, and that attitude was evident in the official unveiling of the Complex.  

“We have tried to create an atmosphere that’s pleasing to everyone — something that’s progressive and something this community can be proud of,” Funderburg said when he revealed designs for the new Pell City Public Library last year. “We think we’re going to do that with this building.” 

Last month, the Pell City Library Guild presented a check for $500,000 to the City of Pell City. That money was the result of an aggressive Capital Campaign the organization conducted earlier this year. Guild President Pat DeMotte said at the grand opening that the goal of having a new library has been in the works since the Guild’s conception in the 90s. DeMotte also said the effort to raise nearly $300,000 during this year’s campaign saw participation from across the community, proving how ready the community was for the new facility. 

The City hired Williams Blackstock Architects of Birmingham for the design, and the company’s use of light colors and unfinished wood accents makes the complex feel open and inviting.  Goodgame and Company joined the project, and brought it all together.

The City purchased the building from CenturyLink and closed October 2014. In July 2015, the Council approved contracts of approximately $2 million to complete the building. From conceptualization to completion, the City has guided the Complex to what it is today — an asset officials believe will serve the community for years to come.