The iconic dome of the former Zamora Temple in Irondale, Ala., was removed Nov. 21, 2025, marking a major milestone in the city's $19.96 million Civic Center renovation and signaling the official start of full construction on the long-awaited project.
Located northeast of Birmingham, the dome sat atop the original Shriner's Masonic hall since it opened in 1985. Over the decades, it also became a familiar landmark visible to motorists traveling along Interstate 459, the Trussville (Ala.) Tribune reported.
The Moorish-inspired onion dome of the Zamora Temple was visible from the freeway between I-20 and the Grants Mill Road exit on I-459.
Irondale municipal officials purchased the building and 105 acres around it in 2022 for $5 million, and while it hosted numerous Masonic lodge meetings and community events, it also was the site of many other activities — everything from Feline Fanciers cat shows, the Tragic City Rollers roller derby team and various food festivals.
City leaders said the aging facility required a comprehensive overhaul to meet modern needs, but will not be demolished entirely, Al.com reported.
The removal of the dome comes just months after the city's official groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 21. The event drew city leaders, residents and project partners, with Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. calling the undertaking a "generational project" that fulfills community priorities outlined in the city's comprehensive plan, entitled "Blueprint Irondale."
"This is what our citizens asked for," Stewart said. "They wanted a place to gather, meet and enjoy recreation, and today we're seeing that vision move forward in a real and visible way."
The renovation project was awarded to Shelby General Contractors, with Williams Blackstock Architects designing the facility and Kemp Management Solutions overseeing construction. Each firm is located in Birmingham.
The timeline for completion is estimated at 18 to 24 months, the Tribune noted, though Stewart said that schedule could shift as crews uncover conditions inside the nearly 40-year-old structure.
"We're not tearing the building down," he said. "Once you start taking down walls and pulling up floors, you never know what you'll find. But we're confident our citizens will be enjoying this facility within two years."
The renovation project is funded through general obligation bonds issued in 2024. Irondale raised roughly $60 million to support multiple citywide initiatives now under way.
As the dome comes down, crews are preparing the building for significant upgrades, according to the Tribune.
When completed, the Irondale Civic Center will include a 1,500-seat conference hall, community meeting rooms, a fitness center, upgraded parking and an outdoor plaza. Family amenities will feature a splash pad, playground, pavilion and walking trails, while its outdoor pickleball courts and amphitheater are likely to become major attractions.
For Stewart, the dome removal symbolizes a turning point.
"In the history of Irondale, we've never had a place we could truly call home," he said. "Seeing this moment — seeing our city rise into its next chapter — fills me with pride. As the dome comes down, Irondale rises."
