Gadsden City Hall Tops Out

Gadsden’s new City Hall project reached an exciting milestone in February 2025 with a topping-out ceremony marking the placement of the final beam in the new connector building. A topping-out ceremony is a long-standing construction tradition that celebrates the completion of a building’s structural framework and the start of interior work.

The new City Hall is a three-part complex designed to bring together key municipal offices:

• The former Regions Bank building at 200 Broad Street

• The adjacent former Merrill Lynch building

• A new connector structure linking the two, where the ceremonial beam was set in place

Mayor Craig Ford led the ceremony alongside the Williams Blackstock design team—architects Sean Whitt and Kyle Stover, and designers Kayla Bailey and John Beason—joined by the hundreds of skilled workers who have brought the new City Hall to life.

The move will allow the City of Gadsden to relocate from the outdated municipal complex at 90 Broad Street. That site is slated for redevelopment into a hotel as part of a larger riverfront revitalization effort. The new City Hall is expected to be completed and open by late 2025, offering the community a modern, connected hub for city services.

Finding Inspiration in New York City

This summer, members of our interior design team traveled to New York City to immerse themselves in the vibrant design culture that the city is known for. Founder Joel Blackstock, Director of Interior Design John Beason, and designers Kayla Bailey and Kelsey Quillin spent several days exploring showrooms, galleries, and architectural landmarks that continue to shape the design world.

From the timeless elegance of historic spaces to the bold innovation of cutting-edge interiors, the team returned with fresh ideas and renewed energy to bring back to our clients. These experiences not only deepen our creative perspective but also strengthen our commitment to delivering designs that balance beauty, functionality, and innovation.

Trips like this remind us that inspiration is everywhere—and that the best design comes from staying curious, connected, and engaged with the world around us.

1st Annual Firm Retreat at Pursell Farms

In April, we hosted our first annual firm retreat at Pursell Farms, bringing the entire team together for two days of connection, inspiration, and fun. Set against the scenic backdrop of Alabama’s rolling hills, the retreat offered a welcome pause from the day-to-day—giving employees space to reflect, recharge, and reimagine what’s possible together.

From collaborative sessions to friendly competitions in archery, axe throwing, and golf, the retreat blended professional growth with a healthy dose of play. Conversations flowed freely, new ideas took root, and relationships across the firm deepened. It was a meaningful reminder that great design begins with strong connections—and that the people behind the work are what truly set us apart.

Community Foodbank of Alabama Groundbreaking Ceremony

On April 3, 2025, the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its new facility in Bessemer, Alabama. This event signifies a major step forward in the organization's mission to combat hunger across its 12-county service area. The new facility, slated to open in the spring of 2026, will enhance the Food Bank's capacity to distribute nutritious food to those in need, reflecting its commitment to addressing food insecurity in Central Alabama.

The groundbreaking ceremony was a celebration of community collaboration and dedication. In April alone, the Food Bank received 1.7 million pounds of food and distributed 1.75 million pounds, providing over 1.46 million meals to neighbors facing hunger. This expansion will further support such efforts, ensuring that more individuals and families have access to essential resources.

This aerial rendering captures the full scale and impact of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama’s new facility—seamlessly integrating office, warehouse, and community garden spaces to support expanded operations and deepen local engagement.

This rendering of the new Community Food Bank of Central Alabama facility showcases a modern, welcoming design that reflects the organization’s mission of nourishment and care. Featuring expansive glass, clean lines, and natural materials, the building is designed to foster transparency, accessibility, and community connection.

Momentum Impact Day 2025

Our team attended Momentum Impact Day 2025 in Birmingham—a dynamic event dedicated to advancing women in leadership across Alabama. The day brought together professionals from diverse industries to share ideas, build connections, and explore new ways to foster inclusion and empowerment in the workplace.

Through inspiring keynote sessions, interactive workshops, and meaningful conversations, our team left feeling energized and motivated. The experience reinforced the importance of supporting one another and continuing to cultivate a culture where women can lead, grow, and thrive.

IIDA Awards Two Projects with IDIES

The Best in Show Award (as well as the Best of Education: Higher Ed) was awarded to the Auburn in Birmingham project, also known as the former Hood McPherson Building, for turning the 44,000 square-foot property into the urban hub for Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction as well as the Harbert College of Business.

This adaptive reuse project balances historic preservation with modern innovation, maintaining the original terra cotta façade, exposed brick, board-formed concrete, and cold-rolled steel to honor the building’s industrial character. A new contemporary entrance and canopy provide a striking contrast, creating a welcoming gateway that reflects Auburn’s progressive vision.

Inside, the design prioritizes transparency and adaptability—open-plan studios and classrooms maximize flexibility, while strategic spatial planning overcomes the challenges of the building’s narrow footprint. Exposed structural, mechanical, and electrical systems serve as an educational tool, reinforcing CADC’s hands-on learning philosophy.

By integrating preservation, innovation, and function, Auburn University has created a state-of-the-art academic environment that connects students to Birmingham’s urban fabric while shaping the future of design, construction, and business.

The IIDA also recognized Hoffman Media as the Best of Corporate (Large). Hoffman Media’s reimagined headquarters was developed as a space where timeless elegance meets creative function.

The design avoids the look and feel of a typical office, instead offering a refined, gallery-like environment that supports collaboration, content creation, and culinary innovation. A sculptural spiral staircase anchors the space, while deep curved openings, herringbone millwork, and copper accents echo the brand’s Southern charm and attention to detail.

Natural light filters through existing skylights, illuminating open meeting areas and layered textures throughout. Studio and recipe development kitchens—designed for filming, photography, and testing—seamlessly integrate technology and craftsmanship, creating a space where storytelling begins the moment you walk in.

Student Interactions - Investments to the Future

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Samford University School of the Arts Freshman Survey of the Professions class to Nextec—their first-ever completed architecture tour! Professor Jim Griffo , along with our very own Celia Gannaway and John Beason, guided these students through the details of a multi-tenant space, showing how creativity and function come together.

Meanwhile, at Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction , our COO, Matt Foley, and CFO, Amanda Fowler, took a deep dive into the business of architecture with 4th-year students in the Professional Practice class. From financial strategies to firm management, they shared insights on what keeps an architecture firm thriving.

Amanda Fowler speaking at the Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction.

Investing in the future of architecture is what we do—not just through design but by mentoring and engaging with the next generation.

Christmas Party - Automatic Seafood

We wrapped up the year with a holiday celebration at Automatic Seafood and Oysters. The cozy, coastal setting and seasonal menu made for a relaxed and memorable evening with colleagues and friends.

The night offered a welcome break from the busy season—filled with good food, laughter, and the chance to connect outside the office. It was a simple, festive way to mark the close of another year together.

Jamie Hewitt - Retirement Party

Today, we bid farewell to a cornerstone of Williams Blackstock Architects, Jamie Hewitt, as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. For the past 18 years, Jamie has been more than a colleague—he’s been a mentor, a leader, and a walking encyclopedia of architectural wisdom.

Jamie’s ability to inspire confidence in others, guide with patience, and share his expertise has left an indelible mark on our team and projects. His leadership has shaped not only the buildings we design but also the people we’ve become.

30th Anniversary Celebration

Williams Blackstock Architects celebrated our 30th anniversary at The Theodore with a night of connection, reflection, and gratitude. Surrounded by friends, clients, and collaborators, the firm honored three decades of design excellence and community impact.

The event spotlighted milestone projects and the people who helped shape the firm’s journey. As the team looks to the future, the celebration served as a reminder of the lasting relationships and shared vision that continue to drive our work.