The Huntsville City Council has approved a $4.8 million project to modernize the kitchen at the Von Braun Center.
Major kitchen renovation planned
Redmond Construction Company has been awarded the contract for a full renovation of the main kitchen, which includes installing new equipment such as two walk-in coolers and a walk-in freezer. The project also covers dry storage, two unisex restrooms, a utility room, an electrical room, and corridors.
Enhancing VBC’s capacity and future growth
City Administrator John Hamilton described the renovation as part of the ongoing efforts to upgrade and expand the VBC. “A complete kitchen overhaul is essential for both current operations and future expansions,” he said. “With increasing demand and more simultaneous events, this upgrade will help the VBC continue to serve its growing audience.”
Investment in VBC’s long-term success
Councilwoman Jennie Robinson acknowledged the significant cost but emphasized the broader investment in the VBC. “People see improvements like the Saturn barn, but this is one they won’t see—though they’ll certainly experience it at events,” she said.
Mayor Tommy Battle added, “They may not see it, but they’ll taste it.”
Hamilton noted that every VBC event involving food and beverages will be affected by the kitchen upgrade. “This is a major commercial kitchen renovation, involving extensive plumbing, electrical work, and structural updates—it’s much more than just new equipment,” he said.
To support the VBC’s renovations, the city recently secured $30 million through a bond issuance.
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