City Awards New Police Station Project Bid to Goodgame Co.

On Tuesday, May 28, the City Council for the City of Pell City awarded the construction of its new police station to Goodgame Company. The Pell City-based construction company’s $5.95 million bid was the lowest of four returned to City administration, the highest coming back at $7.24 million.

Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris presents a rendering of the planned Pell City Police Department to City Council on May 28.

“Bids were within the margins of what we expected, and less than the costs of other departments that recently constructed new operations centers that we reviewed during this process,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “I think if the Council approves this bid, it will set our department up for the next 30 years.”

Goodgame Company’s bid for the facility was certified by project architect David Christian, who presented to the Council during its Regular Work Session. Christian confirmed that the bid met specifications, but included some contingencies for soil compaction at the project site. 

Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger said that fluctuations in cost were accounted for, and that the project would be funded without the need to borrow.

“We anticipate completing this much-needed project entirely from existing funds,” Muenger said. “We’ve closely accounted for the construction costs, as well as associated costs of upfitting and equipping the space. Not a lot of cities can fund a project of this magnitude without the need for external financing, and the ability to do so speaks well to the financial stewardship of this administration.” 

Architect rendering of the new station proposed for the Pell City Police Department.

The project has a contractual 12-month timeline for completion. Residents can expect to see demolition and site preparation begin in July 2024.

The City’s new 15,000-square-foot police station is planned for the site of the former Boys and Girls Club in Pell City, directly behind the City’s new Pickleball Courts on 19th St. South. The planned facility will provide the Department with approximately five times its current amount of operational space in City Hall.  

“Since the most recent renovation of City Hall in 2002, the Police Department has been locked into approximately 3,000 square feet of space” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “This new facility will give them the room they need to operate appropriately for a department their size.”

Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said the facility was designed for expansion and is expected to accommodate the needs of the City for decades to come. The new facility will provide officers with the resources they need to excel, including expanded space for administration, investigations and patrol divisions and dedicated community meeting rooms.

Architect rendering of the new Detective Room in the Pell City Police Station.

“I extend my gratitude to the City Council and administration for their unwavering vision and support,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “This project wouldn’t be possible without their commitment to public safety.”

A pre-bid meeting was held May 7, 2024, and eight contractors requested architectural plans for the new facility. The Anniston-based firm Christian & Associates Architects, Inc. completed the plans for the new police station in March. 

Architect rendering of the exterior of the Pell City Police Station.

Coming Soon to Pell City Square: Outback Steakhouse and Whataburger

Whataburger: Projected Opening Summer/Fall 2024

Outback Steakhouse: Projected Opening Spring 2025

The City of Pell City is excited to announce that popular restaurants Outback Steakhouse and Whataburger will soon join the impressive selection of retailers at Pell City Square. 

Construction is underway at both sites, and the City anticipates both will be open to the public before the close of 2024. The new restaurants will be located on the west side of the Pell City Square development, with Outback on the northwest corner parcel next to Ross Dress for Less. 

“The arrivals of Outback Steakhouse and Whataburger fulfill a key promise made by this administration to attract high-quality dining for our residents as part of the Pell City Square development,” Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “These businesses bring not only exciting new options but also create significant economic opportunities through job creation and increased local investment.”

The addition of these beloved national chains brings the Pell City Square closer to completion. The project, which sits on the site of the former St. Clair County Hospital, was announced in 2022. It contained four outparcels that would be developed separately from the primary retail component.

The additions of Outback and Whataburger mean all City-controlled parcels are committed. Only two outparcels totaling 3.44 acres remain on the east side of the site, both controlled by Bill Ellison, president of I-20 Development.

Outback will have 187 seats in the restaurant with a maximum occupancy of 210. Combined with Whataburger, the new restaurants are expected to add approximately $3 million in annual taxable income to Pell City’s economy. 

The Pell City Square development was initially projected to generate $25 million in taxable sales. Revised figures following an immensely successful holiday season in 2023 now project that figure to be higher.

“We’re expecting that the Pell City Square’s taxable sales for 2024 will surpass original projections by around 20 percent,” Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger said. “When we include the new restaurants, taxable sales are likely to exceed $33 million annually. 

“Not only do these figures show our City has been successful in capturing local spending that would otherwise travel to competing markets, but it also provides the City with a significant boost in its ability to provide services and amenities for current and future residents.”

Pell City Square is located off I-20 Exit 158 on Dr. John Haynes Drive in Pell City. The 148,000 square foot retail space features Hobby Lobby, Ulta, Pet Smart, Ross Dress for Less, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, America’s Best Eye Care and Five Below.

Pell City Square was made possible by a partnership between Noon Real Estate, the St. Clair County Commission, the City of Pell City, and the St. Clair County Economic Development Council.