Bulldozers moved in last week and began tearing down a City Hall building that had been part of Huntsville’s downtown skyline since 1965—a bustling time when the Rocket City played a starring role in the Space Race.

But after nearly 60 years and with structural issues, the building had become obsolete. Huntsville built a larger, modernized City Hall across the street from the old building on Fountain Circle. Government personnel transitioned to the new site last spring.

Meanwhile, the old digs are being leveled to make room for Big Spring Park East, which will be an expansion of the existing grounds. The city spent months preparing for the demolition of the gray, eight–story building. The inside of the building was stripped prior to the razing.

“This is a bittersweet day but one that we knew was coming,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “The former City Hall had long outlived its usefulness, but we are excited about the plans to incorporate the site into Big Spring Park East and the new amenities that will be available to the public.”

The demolition job is being done by Britt Demolition and Recycling, Inc. The contract states the process must be completed by June. Bostick Landscape Architects were contracted for the design, which is not yet finalized.

“The new project will keep the character of the park while bringing more spaces that groups will be able to reserve, and [it will also] create opportunities for passive uses,” said City Administrator John Hamilton. “The hardscape areas will help support events as well.”

Though the design blueprints are still being developed, about 2.4 acres will be added to Big Spring Park. It will include the grassy slope near the AT&T building that was the former home of the City Hall Annex.

Plans call for the plaza area to include public art, shade, rain gardens and a water feature to minimize noise. A lower terrace, connected by stairs and an ADA-accessible walkway, will link the plaza and Big Spring Park West, creating an urban space for various activities and overlooking the ponds in the park. Terraced walks and walls will lead into Big Spring Park East.

Construction on the park expansion is expected to begin soon after the demolition and cleanup of the former City Hall.

The master plan for the project can be viewed at www.huntsvilleal.gov.