Alabaster Reporter
115 Main St.
Columbiana, AL35051
(205) 669-3131
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The Community

The Community

Geographic location
Alabaster is located in the western portion of Shelby County, adjacent to Helena, Pelham, Montevallo and Calera. Major highways that go through Alabaster include Interstate 65, U.S. Highway 31 and Alabama Highway 119.

Market
The commercial retail market leads a growing market in Alabaster. In recent years, major retailers, hotels and restaurants have opened locations in Alabaster, drawing customers from nearly every part of Shelby County. Alabaster is also home to several major lime, cement and rock quarry operations, the Shelby West Corporate Park and the Shelby County Airport.

Population
2008 Census estimates put Alabaster's population at 29,352, an increase of 99.2% since 1990.

Climate
Alabaster experiences a typical Southern climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters.

Major employers
Some of the larger employers in Alabaster include the Shelby County School System, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, Walmart, Dravo Basic Material, Specification Rubber and DeShazo Crane.

Education
Alabaster is served by the Shelby County School System. There are two elementary schools, one intermediate school, a sixth-grade campus, a middle school and a high school in Alabaster that are part of this system. Kingwood Christian School is a private K12 school that operates in Alabaster and is affiliated with Kingwood Church of God. Alabaster is within 30 minutes of several post-secondary schools, including the University of Montevallo, UAB, Samford University, Jefferson State Community College and Southeastern Bible College.

History
Many small communities were thriving in the area of present-day Alabaster in the late 1800s, including Elliottsville, Saginaw, Siluria and Longview. The community of Alabaster appeared on the map around 1925, named after the Alabaster Lime Company, and incorporated on February 23, 1953. Over the course of its history, growth has been a hallmark, including the construction of the county's only hospital, the construction of Interstate 65 and the recent growth of commercial and industrial areas.

Culture
Located in the Birmingham MSA, Alabaster residents enjoy a wealth of cultural opportunities in and around Birmingham. Many cultural groups in Birmingham actively reach out to Alabaster to offer its residents even more opportunities. Many arts groups call Alabaster home, including the South City Theatre.

Recreation
Alabaster offers its residents a robust sports league, and residents enjoy many local parks. Veterans Park, located on Highway 119, is host to many regional and national softball, baseball and soccer tournaments. Alabaster is also located only a few miles south of Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama's largest state park.

Area information
Alabaster is served by the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce:
shelbychamber.org
205.663.4542

The Alabaster Industrial Development Board is a good resource for any business looking to locate in Alabaster:
cityofalabaster.com
205.664.6800

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