The City of Gadsden broke ground Wednesday, June 26, 2024, for the construction of the new Gadsden facility for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). The 20,852 square foot facility will be located on the 200 Block of East Broad Street and employ 40 people full-time.
This project was made possible through the collaboration of the City of Gadsden, Public Building Authority, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, and Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority. The Gadsden City Council approved the issuance of a bond through the Public Building Authority that will fund the construction of the new building however ADRS has agreed to sublease the bond financing. The project includes a capital investment of 4.8 million dollars and will provide the employees with a cutting-edge facility to meet all their needs.
Mayor Ford stated “This unique project keeps a state agency in East Gadsden that delivers critical services for people with disabilities and those looking to improve their position in the workforce. I want to thank David Hooks, Commissioner Burdeshaw, and our state legislators for working with the city to find an innovative solution that will result in another high-quality facility added to our East Broad Street corridor. With the coming extension of I-759 and the recent opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Workforce Center at Gadsden State Community College, this building and its programs will help us recruit and retain local businesses and industries for decades.”
Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw, Commissioner of Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services noted “ ADRS has outgrown their current space of 11,062 sq feet and that the new 20,852 Square Foot building is designed to meet the needs of the disability community in Gadsden and Northeast Alabama and includes numerous staff offices, nurses’ areas, physical therapy, feeding clinic, orthotics, audiology suites. exam rooms, and nutrition area. It will allow our staff to provide services to Northeast Alabama not just Gadsden.
Source: Gadeson.org
