Christian school complex near Providence gets OK
City zoning board approves $21M Westminster plan
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Chalk up another school for fast-growing west Huntsville.
Just weeks from the opening of the new public Providence Elementary/Middle and Columbia High schools on the western fringes of Huntsville, a master plan was approved Tuesday night for a sprawling Christian school complex near Providence that will include athletic fields, a performing arts center, a gymnasium and a K-12 school facility.
The $21 million development for Westminster Presbyterian Church is on a 42-acre tract off Research Park Boulevard between Oakwood Road and Johns Road.
The Huntsville Board of Zoning Adjustments signed off on the master plan Tuesday night, clearing the way for construction beyond site preparation.
Westminster officials promised the development - with its campus-style layout, planned lush landscaping and ballfields - will be an attractive addition to surrounding neighborhoods and heavily traveled Research Park Boulevard.
"It's to our advantage to make it as attractive as possible," said Robert S. Illman, headmaster of Westminster Christian Academy.
School officials won a zoning variance more than two years ago with the stipulation that a master plan be submitted. Illman presented that plan Tuesday night with an overview detailing the phases of development. The property is zoned C-4, which allows government buildings including public schools. A variance was needed to authorize a private academy.
Athletic fields are being built first to accommodate Westminster's debut into football. The school plans both varsity and junior high football this fall for its campus off Evangel Drive.
The football field, slated for the northeastern corner of the property adjacent to Research Park Boulevard, should be ready for play but with gravel parking and temporary concession and restroom facilities, Illman said.
The other athletic facilities, including tennis courts and soccer and baseball fields, are targeted for completion by spring along with a permanent concession/restrooms building and parking lot.
Members of the board of zoning adjustments wanted assurance landscaping, lighting, exits and entrances will meet city requirements. A city planning official affirmed the submitted plans seem to meet those requirements. Illman said the ballfields will feature "state-of-the-art" lighting that is more economical, efficient and environmentally friendly.
Construction on the other components of the project, including the school, gym, church facilities and performing arts center, will proceed as fast as money will allow. Illman said fundraising efforts are focusing more on those features now that the athletic fields are well under way, he said.
The first emphasis on school construction will be on buildings to house grades 7-12. Illman hopes the school can be open for the 2007-08 school year.
© 2005 The Huntsville Times
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