Huntsville’s newest community destination is already filling its calendar before its official grand opening later this month.
A former high school becomes a community hub
The City of Huntsville is preparing to open the Sandra Moon Community Complex, a $32.4 million transformation of the former Grissom High School on Bailey Cove Road.
According to online reports, the 100,568-square-foot facility will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a performing arts showcase and a community day in partnership with Huntsville Parks & Recreation.
Although the opening date has not been announced, demand is already strong. Local arts organizations have moved into office and rehearsal spaces, and many weekend rentals have already been reserved.
Five resident organizations now call the complex home, including the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, Huntsville Community Chorus, Huntsville Master Chorale, Brass Band of Huntsville and Huntsville Concert Band.
What’s inside the Sandra Moon complex?
The renovated campus combines performing arts, recreation and community gathering spaces under one roof.
Highlights include:
611-seat performing arts theater with upgraded sound, lighting and four dressing rooms
300-person event center with a catering kitchen for receptions, meetings and celebrations
Main and auxiliary gyms for basketball, volleyball, pickleball and community sports
Fitness center overlooking the gym plus a dedicated group fitness room
Indoor walking track on the second floor
Multimedia studio for e-gaming, music and video production
Adaptive recreation area featuring a sensory room and accessible changing room
Outside, the campus also includes renovated multiuse athletic fields and a playground that is already welcoming families.
Performances are already on the calendar
The Performing Arts Center will host its first public performance on Oct. 1, when the Brass Band of Huntsville takes the stage. Around the Curtain Children’s Theatre will follow with another early production.
The theater and event center have attracted strong interest from local groups, with many popular weekend dates already booked months in advance.
Once fully open, the Sandra Moon Community Complex will serve as one of South Huntsville’s largest gathering places, offering arts programming, fitness opportunities, recreational activities and event space for residents throughout the community.
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