A project to re-pave the parking lot at the Park Plaza shopping center in Clanton has begun.

The shopping center, which is owned by the city, houses Fred’s, Farmers Home Furniture, Senior Connection, Mail Specialists Printing and Denture Creations.

The shopping center is also a common meeting place and starting point for parades through downtown Clanton, including the Peach Festival parade and Clanton Christmas parade.

Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver said it is possible the parking lot had never been re-paved. Its deteriorating condition made it rough for motorists—and even Fred’s customers pushing shopping carts.

“It’s rough and thin,” Driver said. “There are holes coming up in it.”

Wiregrass Construction Company submitted the low bid of $90 a ton of asphalt for the project.

Driver estimated that 1,400 tons of asphalt would be needed, which would produce a price tag of about $126,000.

At least on Friday, the work caused delays for motorists on Fourth Street North and Third Avenue North.

The length of the project will depend in part on weather conditions. Rain will extend the duration.

At the same time as the paving, city workers are pouring concrete for a curb on the side of the parking lot closest to a newly-installed storm shelter.

After the curb is installed, Driver said, a handicap ramp would be installed leading down to the shelter.

After the paving, Driver said the next focus at the property would be renovations to the lone empty storefront.