Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
The Jasper City Council held its regular third Tuesday meeting this morning inside the newly renovated Sherer Auditorium, now serving as the city’s updated City Hall.
The opening meeting in the new space was the latest milestone in a project years in the making. Originally built in 1938 as a municipal auditorium through the Works Progress Administration, the stone building was later named Sherer Auditorium in honor of Harry Sherer, a former Commissioner of Public Works. After closing in 2009, the building sat unused until plans to renovate it into City Hall were approved in 2021 as part of a broader city investment initiative.
The $7 million project included removing the solid-color façade added in the 1970s, restoring the original stone exterior, and fully renovating the interior for government operations. Designed by CCR Architecture & Interiors and carried out by Coston Construction, the project officially began in late 2022.
The new City Hall includes offices for administration, garbage billing, business licenses, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and human resources, as well as a conference room and dedicated council chambers. The former City Hall, located at 400 19th Street West, will continue to be used for municipal court and additional court offices.
In 2023, Design Alabama highlighted the project as an example of historic preservation paired with practical reuse, calling Sherer Auditorium one of the state’s standout WPA-era stone buildings.
With the first council meeting in the new space now in the books, the building once again has life and purpose.
The meeting included acknowledgments of city staff, community support, and the shared effort that made the move into the new facility possible.
Mayor Gary Cowen expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of Jasper Fire Rescue, the Jasper Police Department, and the Jasper Street Department in response to the Independence Day weekend fire at the Walker County Public Defender’s Office. He also took a moment to recognize individual city employees who played key roles in organizing the transition into the new City Hall.
Councilwoman Jennifer Williams Smith echoed the gratitude and offered specific thanks to Sandi Farris of Jasper Parks and Recreation for her behind-the-scenes support during the fire response. Farris made sure departments had ice, coolers, and tables during long hours on-site. Smith also commended residents of the 7th Street neighborhood for showing appreciation to the Street Department with donuts and a thank-you card.
Councilwoman Jenny Brown Short took the time to recognize Virginia Bonham for her work in restoring the drapes on either side of the stage in the new council chambers, which were some of the original drapes from the Sherer Auditorium.
Councilman Willie Moore III thanked everyone who attended the meeting in person and helped make the occasion special.
Other actions from the meeting include:
• Council approval of event permits for a family gathering requested by Secunda Abrom, the Landshark Run-Swim-Run at the Memorial Park Natatorium, and Jasper Main Street’s Oktoberfest.
• Council approval of a budget amendment to provide funding for paving, a retaining wall, and an alley behind the City Hall Annex.
• Council approval of a resolution authorizing Mayor Cowen to enter into an agreement with Nelson Engineering Associates, Inc. for construction engineering and inspection services for Phase VI of the Downtown Sidewalk Improvement Project
• Council approval of a resolution authorizing Mayor Cowen to execute and submit an application requesting Fiscal Year 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $400,000 to demolish vacant homes with a $100,000 local match.
• Council approval of a resolution authorizing Community Consultants, Inc. to provide application preparation services and all grant administrative services required to implement all approved federal grant projects through 2028.
• Council approval of a resolution appointing election officers for the regular municipal election to be held on August 26, 2025.
• Council approval of a resolution appointing a Director for Blackwell Meadows Improvement District.
• Council approval of a resolution for nuisance abatement for grass/weeds.
• A public hearing and subsequent council approval of the adoption of an ordinance rezoning 56 separate parcels from the MR (Municipal Reserve) Zoning District to the R-1 (Single Family Residence), R-4 (Urban Dwelling), B-2 (Community Service) or AG (Agricultural) Zoning District to correct the Jasper zoning map.
Jasper City Hall is located at 21 17th Street West, Jasper, AL 35501. WL
