By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Construction on the new city parking lot to be built at the corner of Ridgeley and Trammel streets has begun.
Crews from Triptek Construction have started moving dirt and leveling the property in preparation for application of the paving that will cover the 30-space car park, which is just a block off Main Street.
The city council accepted in September a bid of $436,000 from the Atmore-based company, which plans to complete the project early next year.
“The city of Atmore is getting ready to open up an exciting new park in early 2022,” said Main Street Atmore Director Niki Bryan. “There will be 28 additional parking spaces combined with a public-use green space featuring a boxcar stage for festivals, events, and entertainment.”
City Clerk Becca Smith said plans actually call for 30 spaces, including four for handicapped drivers.
The city paid $60,000 for the property; local businessman Jerry Gehman persuaded CSX Transportation to donate the box car that will be converted into a stage.
Bryan noted that the new venue, which will be a key supplement to the limited parking spaces available along Main Street, will have even more amenities that take it beyond the standard parking lot.
“There will also be lighting, seating and interactive lawn games for everyone to enjoy while they’re downtown,” she said, pointing out that the project offers an “opportunity for an interactive space that brings people together and activates spaces with public use elements, such as seating areas or tables.”