SPANISH FORT – In a little more than a year, Spanish Fort residents will have their first, purpose-built City Hall.

The 33,000-square foot, $7.8 million complex will include not only the city’s administrative offices, but also a library and a senior center. It is a far cry from the humble beginnings of the city just two decades ago.

When Ray Carter was elected the first mayor in 1993, he was shoehorned into a small office that was donated by a local bank.

“It was a 6x12 office that had just enough room for a desk and two chairs,” said Carter. He joked that the office was so small, if two people came to see him, one had to stand in the door. “The citizens donated $500, and we used that to get a phone line and office supplies. We operated out of that office for about six months. It’s amazing what has been accomplished in 19 years.”

Because Spanish Fort was incorporated in 1993, Carter’s first mayoral term was just three years, to get the city in cycle with statewide municipal elections. He served a total of seven years.

Gregory Kuhlmann only served one term as mayor, but his four years corresponded with economic growth. The price of land was low and development was high. The city was able to purchase the 15 acres the new city hall will occupy during his term. Kuhlmann also oversaw the rapid development that saw the construction and expansion of shopping complexes at both interchanges along the interstate.

Over the last eight years, Mayor Joe Bonner and the city council have kept a tight rein on the purse strings, saving as much as possible. Their work allowed Spanish Fort to set back almost $3 million, reducing the amount the city will have to borrow for the project.

Bonner had hoped to see construction start while he was still in office. Instead, former District 2 Councilman Mike McMillan will be sworn in Monday evening.

“This city has been blessed,” said McMillan. “While respecting the past, we have great hope for the future.”

An anonymous citizen donated $10,000 to the project. The Westminster Village Foundation gave $6,980 for the senior citizen center. There have already been numerous book donations for the city’s first library.

The City Hall will feature a large room to host city council, planning commission and municipal court functions. The room will be able to be reconfigured to host community events, including dinners. The facility will be completed by January 2014.