End of an era, Zamora Temple Dome removed to make way for Irondale Civic Center

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Zamora Temple Dome removed on November 20, 2025. (City of Irondale)

The iconic dome on the Zamora Temple was removed today to make way for the $19.96 million Irondale Civic Center Renovation.

Opened in 1985, the temple, which could be seen for years from I-459, was purchased by the City of Irondale in 2022 for $5 million.

The City of Irondale broke ground on the Irondale Civic Center, a $20M redevelopment of the former Zamora Temple, on Thursday, August 21.
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Dome
Zamora Temple Dome removed on November 20, 2025. (City of Irondale)

Renovated Irondale Civic Center: Amenities

A rendering of the Irondale Civic Center. (City of Irondale)
A rendering of the Irondale Civic Center. (City of Irondale)

Always used as a community gathering space, the 105-acre property and building is undergoing a major facelift to become a premier destination for recreation and events.

Once completed, the renovated civic center will include the following new amenities, according to the City of Irondale:

  • 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

The city is considering ways to preserve or sell the dome. The new civic center is expected to open at the end of 2026.

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Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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