The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center board awarded a $3.9 million contract to a minority-owned business Wednesday to upgrade its outdoor space.

The contract is to rebuild the central outdoor space that connects Legacy Arena to the BJCC’s concert hall, theater and exhibit halls.

“The redesigned piazza will be more inviting for public use and more versatile for different kinds of events,” said BJCC CEO Tad Snider. “The space will have a park-like feel, with grassy areas, decorative plants, artistic elements and a water feature.”

Plans are for construction will begin by the end of this year and are expected to summer 2025.

“Our goal is to turn a space that is now mostly concrete and bricks and make it an asset for our guests and the community at large,” Snider said. “We want this to be a space you would enjoy for a while before going to a concert or show, and a space that can also host smaller events.”

The project was awarded to SDAC, whose $3.9 million bid was the lowest of three submitted. The company is based in Homestead, Florida, and has an office in Selma.

SDAC recently conducted the site-grading work for the Coca-Cola Amphitheater.