Two years ago when the Fountain Heights Recreation Center was included on the list of nine such facilities across the city of Birmingham that could potentially be closed as a cost-cutting measure, it’s safe to assume no one would’ve thought we’d be looking at significant progress being made on its new, larger replacement.

Folks driving along I-65 have probably seen the new structure going up on their right as they make their way north in recent months. Bids for the privilege to build the project were due to City Hall early last May – a good reason why sharing a photo of its progress seemed like the right thing to do this afternoon.

According to the original inclusion in the city’s 2008-2012 capital budget, the purpose of the then estimated $1.5 million project (PDF – it’s 681 pages – you’ve been warned – the rendering is on page 1 though), designed by Exford Architects, was to replace the existing gym due to unstable soil and structural fatigue. Based on the original estimate of 245 days to complete the project, we may see folks using it and the park’s new playground by the end of the year.