1. Plans include a loading area with ramps behind the 500-seat theater facility. This loading/unloading area will be able to accommodate concert equipment, and stage sets and props used for full-scale theater products.

2. The 500-seat theater is not funded in the current $22 million plan, but officials from Gadsden State said they hope to secure funding for the theater, estimated to cost around $8 million, before construction begins. Otherwise, the theater complex will be added at a later date.

3. The multi-function sports arena will seat 2,000 spectators for sporting events and concerts. Plans call for the wooden basketball court to be removable; goals will be designed to collapse quickly for storage. This will allow the Chamber of Commerce to hold trade shows for boats, recreational vehicles, etc. Large rolling doors will allow vehicle access to the interior.

4. Primary parking areas will be built at the rear of the facility, and will be accessed by a four-lane boulevard that will connect the existing Centre softball complex with Alabama Highway 9. Initial designs include parking space for as many as 550 automobiles. Any overflow crowds will be able to use the adjacent softball complex parking area.

5. The Gadsden State academic facility will be, at minimum, a two-story complex. Gadsden State John Blue told the crowd gathered at the Chamber of Commerce on March 13 that the feasibility of adding a third floor shell for future expansion will also be studied. The current plans provide for eight classrooms, a science laboratory, two computer laboratories, testing rooms, office space, and meeting rooms, among other amenities. Gadsden State will offer both nursing courses and general education courses at the facility, according to a recent Gadsden State press release.

6. The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce office will be relocated to the new facility after the house where it is now is relocated or torn down. The Chamber offices will be accessible from the outside of the main courtyard area through its own uniquely designed entranceway facade. There will also be an office for a workforce development center and a hospitality center, complete with a full-service kitchen, for use by local civic organizations.

The Post will provide more details about the new facility, including the estimated completion date, as they become available.