The Decatur City Commission is scheduled to vote this evening on a $1.3 million contract for preparation of construction documents for the Beacon Hill School complex with Rutledge Alcock Architects.   According to a letter from Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon, the funds are available from HOST proceeds.

Mr. Saxon estimates that renovation construction will begin in 2013 that will “incorporate a modern headquarters for the Decatur Police Department, new Municipal Court facilities”, a rec center, “a wing that can be programmed for the City Schools Central Office, on-site parking for the Police Department and the other Beacon School facilities uses, and an outdoor plaza and entertainment area.”

The city solicited feedback from the community back in June 2010.

Additionally Mr. Saxon adds that “Consistent with feedback during the master planning process from former residents and family members of former residents of the community, we are also planning to develop an exhibit in the complex that documents the heritage of the Beacon Hill Community, the historical center of African American life in Decatur.”

Mr. Saxon also mentions that CSD should make a final decision on whether to move into Beacon Hill early this month.