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Crews Work On Veterans Medical Site
By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
Construction crews in Birmingham, Ala., are working to complete a facility designed to better serve local veterans. The Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center mental health clinic will combine services into one location when it opens late next year. “The new facility will give our veterans easier access to care, provide more services and put everything under one roof,” said Stacy Vasquez, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System (BVAHCS) director. “It will be a one-stop shop for our veterans in mental health treatment.” The two-story clinic will provide services to nearly 25,000 veterans each year. The 60,000-sq.-ft. facility will offer new resources not available at the current VA hospital. Birmingham-based contractor Hoar Construction has partnered with national developer US Federal Properties Co. LLC of Kansas City, Mo., and architect Hoefer Wysocki of Leawood, Kan., to build the structure. see VETERANS page 4
Oxford Hits It ‘Big Time’ Megan Hurst, Project Manager photo
Work on the approximately 58,000-sq.-ft. project began in June 2020
By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
The city of Oxford is preparing for a new entertainment center that will attract visitors to the area and create jobs. According to promoters, it also will be the only one of its kind in the area. “We are thrilled to have Big Time Entertainment coming to our city,” said Oxford Mayor Alton Craft. “It’s something we are very excited about and proud of.” Work on the approximately 58,000-sq. ft. project began in June 2020. Big Time Entertainment will consist of two buildings on a five-acre site off Elm Street and will house activities that include bowling, laser tag, mini golf, a go-cart track and other venues, along with a restaurant. “The city of Oxford is a great fit for this project because of the
tourism attraction of Choccolocco Park,” said Craft. “The 185 exit is centralized around indoor entertainment and the space right off the interstate will create symmetry of outdoor entertainment at Choccolocco Park (exit 188) with the indoor art recreation at exit 185.” Big Time Entertainment officials will reportedly hire close to three dozen full- and part-time employees, as well as a full-time management team. Oxford residents, businesses and guests will be able to take advantage of the new facility, which will serve a diverse group of people. “It will add to our tourism tremendously,” said Craft. “We are known for our outdoor parks, so adding another indoor space is great for our everyday citizen and tourist. It’s great to see construction under way.” see BIG page 10