City of Irondale breaks ground on new Civic Center redevelopment

Today, the City of Irondale marked off a major milestone in its ongoing capital investment initiative by breaking ground on a nearly $20M redevelopment of the Zamora Shrine Center.

Located at 3521 Ratliff Road, the former meeting hall and events center will be renovated over the next 12-18 months to become the new Irondale Civic Center.

City of Irondale transforming Zamora Shrine Center to Irondale Civic Center

In 2022, the City of Irondale purchased the Zamora Shine Center, a 105-acre property originally built as a meeting hall and events center for the Zamora Shriners in 1985. Known for its striking design and iconic golden dome—visible from the interstate—the Zamora Shrine Center had long been used as a community hub, hosting numerous city-sponsored events as well as private functions over the past few years.

Now, with the renovation project set to begin, the Civic Center will undergo a major facelift to become a premier destination for recreation, events and community connection.

“This groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction—it marks a new chapter for Irondale. We are investing in a vibrant, state-of-the-art facility that will strengthen our sense of community and create a place where neighbors can gather and thrive for generations to come.”

Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr.

Once complete, the new Irondale Civic Center will include:

• A state-of-the-art conference hall accommodating up to 1,500 guests
• Community meeting rooms for neighborhood and smaller gatherings
• Splash pad, playground, and pavilion for families
• A walking trail, pickleball courts and amphitheater for recreation and entertainment
• Upgraded parking and an inviting outdoor plaza
• A fully equipped fitness center for residents of all ages

A major milestone in Irondale’s ongoing capital investment initiative

The Irondale Civic Center renovation is the fourth major project in the City of Irondale’s ongoing capital investment initiative, which includes:

• The Tails by the Rails Dog Park at Ellard Park, which opened in October 2024
• The Ruffner Park Sports Complex, which launched in March 2025
• The all-new, 16,000-square-foot Irondale Public Library, which is set to open next month

In addition to the capital investment initiative, Irondale has grabbed recent headlines with the announcement that Alabama’s sixth Costco will soon be coming to Irondale, representing the most significant economic development in the city since the creation of the Irondale Luxury Automall. 

Excited to see the City of Irondale kick off another exciting development? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!