Community center construction begins

Construction on the new Homewood Community Center is officially underway. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 15.

"I'm grateful for the mayor and city council for backing this project," said Chris Mason, chair of the Parks and Recreation board. "Residents are really excited and thrilled about it."

B.L. Harbert International will oversee the construction of this $16.5 million project.

"This will be a first class facility," Mayor Scott McBrayer said. "It's what the residents expect. If we're going to do it, we're going to do it right."

Davis Architects designed the new facility, which will be more than 51,000 square feet, include state-of-the-art equipment, additional parking, a 25-yard competition pool and a recreational pool. The building will also be more energy efficient with a climate control system.

"Homewood has done a great job in urbanizing the environment here," said Billy Harbert, president of B.L. Harbert International. "This will be a place for everyone to congregate."

The center is currently scheduled to open in late spring 2014.