Called the “Crossroads of North Alabama,” Priceville is expected to double in size within the next five years. In keeping with this projected growth is the Priceville Event & Recreation Center now under construction. Montgomery-based Chambless King Architects has designed the 25,000-square-foot facility to house fitness, sports and banquet space inside its modern, clean lines.
The Priceville Event and Recreation Center is the first step in the city’s plan to expand its downtown area known as Priceville Commons. The long-term goal is to create a mixed-use, walkable area surrounding the city hall. Located on Marco Drive near Priceville Town Hall which houses city hall and the courthouse, the center consists of a primary gymnasium and two single-story, multi-purpose fitness support wings.
The 10,100-square-foot gymnasium design includes an elevated walking track and tiered seating for 320 spectators. The floor can be configured for one full-size or two youth basketball courts, one futsal court, one volleyball court, or banquets accommodating up to 400 guests. The multi-purpose fitness wings feature a cardio and strength training room, along with additional spaces for small-scale banquets and virtual fitness training.
Chambless King Architects note that the center’s exterior visually complements city hall through matching brick and cast stone veneers, while introducing a playful aesthetic reflective of the energy a recreation center needs through multi-colored panels and translucent glass. That energy extends to the interior where an abundance of natural light and soft, comfortable materials help define and support the multi-use facility.
Plans also include pedestrian connections between the recreation center and city hall with ample lawn space designed to enhance activities at both locations and encourage community gathering.
“We feel a responsibility to truly serve and invest in the communities where we live and work,” said Michael Shows, lead architect on the project and principal at Chambless King Architects. “Open communication with the city council has allowed us to develop design solutions that address not only the current needs of the community but help plan for future growth of the Priceville Commons development. We are proud to be part of a project that will have such a lasting, positive impact.”
Priceville Mayor Sam Heflin wants Marco Drive to be “our new downtown city center,” with the center setting a standard for what the city wants future development to look like.
The project is expected to be completed in mid-November.
*Article Written by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Chambless King Architects