New, New, New provide more places for people to hold events, parties and showers. The option of renting china, crystal and linens makes hosting a refined event more convenient, he said. Nancy Crow, Pell City Civic Center coordinator, said the complex’s rooms — which can hold from 20 to 140 people — range in rental fees from $50 to $200. Funderburg sees the potential at the complex for conferences and events that will draw out-of-town groups and guests. “I’m really proud this city was able to...add to what we already have,” he said. The complex also gives the city government space for its departments to expand, Muenger said. CenturyLink — which is now a tenant — occupies 6,400 square feet on the second floor of the building and in the basement. The remainder of the second floor possibly could provide room for city departments that need it. “I feel like we will grow into that space over time,” Muenger predicted. Chamber welcomes from new quarters Lisa Gaither, executive director of the 375-member Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce, said the municipal complex shows potential residents and business prospects that the city’s government is investing in the community and the Chamber. “It conveys a strong message to visitors,” she said. The Chamber’s suite, directly across from Pell City Library, features a reception office, executive director’s office and a storage area, she said. The Chamber can use, as well, the conference room and other rooms in its quest to promote businesses in the area and to host events that bring revenue into Pell City. “I love our new offices,” she said. The location along well-traveled U.S. 231 positions the Chamber centrally between the downtown business district and the Logan Martin Lake area and gives the Chamber office much visibility, she said. Muenger said the city gives office space and some funding to the Chamber because “your Chamber is the image of your community in many ways. They are the face of your community.” Splash pad a hit already Building the splash pad required nine months of construction and “basically mov(ing) a mountain” across from Kids Kastle, said Edge. One contractor built the 5,000-square-foot splash pad and another constructed the building for the office, restrooms and adjoining public pavilion. Pell City Street Department employees did site preparation and the parking areas, and city Parks and Recreation maintenance workers built the rental pavilions, Edge said. And the result has brought a very positive reception from the people of Pell City, said Funderburg and Edge. It certainly drew the attention of Alexis Allor of Lincoln and friend Chloe Cox. “We saw it before when we were having a picnic” at Lakeside Park, said 11-year-old Alexis. The two girls came to the splash pad the next week because “it looks fun.” By mid-June, Ruth Pope of Pell City already had taken
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Clock a memorial tribute to Pell City Banker The clock in front of Pell City Municipal Complex is a memorial to longtime resident and businessman Ray Cox. It was given by his wife, Annette, and son, Emory. Ray Cox died of cancer in 2005. Born and raised in Pell City, Ray Cox began his career as an FDIC bank examiner in North Alabama. He saw the need for a customer service-focused community bank in Pell City and founded Metro Bank in 1989, his son said. “Founding Metro was his lifelong dream and his most lasting achievement.” Ray Cox also was involved in Pell City Rotary Club, serving as its president; was a member of Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce, and was a strong supporter of Pell City Library Guild. For all those reasons, it seemed fitting to place a memorial clock at the building that incorporates three of Ray Cox’s passions, Emory Cox said. “He was a visionary,” said Lisa Gaither, the Chamber’s executive director. And the clock is a reminder of the countless hours spent crafting that vision.
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