The city of Montgomery announced Monday that it has completed demolition of the long-abandoned Paterson School property, marking the beginning of a revitalization project that will transform the former school site into a new health center for retired city employees and their families.
W.B. Paterson Elementary School, originally built in the 1950s, served generations of Montgomery families before closing in 2007. For nearly two decades, the vacant structure stood unused, becoming a concern for nearby residents and a visible reminder of disinvestment in the area.
With demolition complete, the city is advancing to the next phase of development for a modern, employee-focused health and wellness center, according to a city press release. The new facility is expected to provide a range of services, including primary care, preventive health services, occupational health resources, wellness programming and other health care services designed to improve access to care for city employees.
Mayor Steven Reed said the project represents an investment in both the city’s workforce and the surrounding community.
“This project represents progress on multiple fronts,” Reed said. “We are removing a long-vacant property that has been a concern for residents for years while investing in the health and well-being of the employees who serve our community every day. This transformation reflects our commitment to strengthening neighborhoods, modernizing city services, and supporting the workforce that keeps Montgomery moving forward.”
With demolition complete, Chambliss King Architects is advancing design development and preparing the construction documents needed to move the project forward. Once those documents are finalized and delivered, the city will begin the competitive bidding process, the next major milestone toward construction of the new Premise Health Center.
The health center is part of the city’s broader effort to revitalize underused properties, enhance employee benefits and invest in modern infrastructure that supports municipal services. Once completed, the facility will feature upgraded clinical spaces and expanded health care offerings designed “to promote wellness, improve access to preventive care, and support a healthier and more resilient workforce,” the city said.
The city said it will release additional project details, including construction milestones, bidding information and anticipated timelines, as development progresses.
