On Wednesday, October 25th, a group of experienced musicians, promoters, sound engineers, businessmen and more purchased WorkPlay from longtime owner Tom Williams Jr. We spoke with one of the new owners, Johnny Grimes, to see what’s next for WorkPlay.

About WorkPlay

Located along 23rd Street South in Southside, WorkPlay is a mixed-use event venue with multiple stages, a recording studio, a bar, several office spaces and more. The venue was created in the early 2000’s by the Hunter brothers—Alan, Hugh, Blake and Randy Hunter. Fun Fact: Alan Hunter was one of the original five video jockeys on MTV, and was the first video jockey to appear on-screen when MTV went live in the early 1980s.

Over the years, WorkPlay hosted a number of amazing performing artists, including:

Maroon 5
Chris Stapleton
Sturgill Simpson
Bob Dylan
Jimmy Eat World
Queens of the Stone Age
Jason Isbel

In 2010, the Hunter Brothers sold WorkPlay to former Tom Williams Automotive Group executives Tom Williams Jr. and Clark Williams. Now, 13 years later, the Williams brothers are handing WorkPlay over to the next generation of owners:

Johnny Grimes
Colby Mouchette
Shane Hopson
Ben Jackson
Josh Williams

“We couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity. WorkPlay has been a staple in Birmingham since the 2000’s, and at one point in time was known as, ‘the best sounding room in the South.’ It’s almost impossible to name all of the incredible acts that have performed at WorkPlay, so we want to capitalize on telling the venue’s history and accomplishments.”
Johnny Grimes, Co-Owner, WorkPlay

New owners share exciting plans

After closing on the WorkPlay property on Wednesday, October 25, the new owners have shared their vision and plans for the venue.

“In addition to building on the incredible legacy that WorkPlay already has, our vision is to take the venue into the future. We are working with several great designers to enact a comprehensive modernization project throughout the entire facility.”
Johnny Grimes, Co-Owner, WorkPlay

Some of the renovations to WorkPlay will include:

A complete transformation of the main bar, tripling its size and updating the design. Dubbed The Harmonic at WorkPlay, this bar will be open throughout the week—regardless of whether or not there is a show.
A makeover inside the main theater that includes reupholstering and replacing seats, painting the purple railing, adjusting the light and PA system as well as moving the soundboard out of the pit.
Remodeling the 15 offices inside WorkPlay—tearing out old carpet, refinishing concrete floors, painting the walls and more.
Building a second bar in the rear of the building to support weddings, corporate parties or other events hosted in the SoundStage.
Constructing a new outdoor patio area, complete with furniture and string lighting.

“WorkPlay’s theatre is one of those rare venues around town that was originally designed to be a venue. Inside, there are acoustic bass traps, mid traps and treble traps that were specifically designed for the theatre. The entire ceiling is coated in acoustic insulation. This audio treatment all contributes to the theatre’s reputation as one of the best places to hear music in the South—there is no bad seat in the house.”
Shane Hopson, Co-Owner, WorkPlay

Another area of interest for the new owners of WorkPlay is the SoundStage—a flexible room that has been used for concerts, movie productions and more.

“Our SoundStage room is a massive black box with 40-foot ceilings, a capacity of around 900 people and complete acoustic insulation. It was originally designed for movie production companies, but the technology needed is lacking. Our plan is to install a PA system so we can host some great acts and build out the room to where it can be a fully functional movie production room.”
Johnny Grimes, Co-Owner, WorkPlay

Finally, the new owners plan to update the two existing recording studios to ensure the best possible recording experience for artists.

What’s next for WorkPlay?

WorkPlay: 205.879.4773 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 500 23rd St S #103, Birmingham, AL 35233

“Historically, WorkPlay has been a creative hub for not only musicians but artists in general. Our desire is to continue to improve WorkPlay’s reputation as a space where innovation meets inspiration. Whether you’re into music, art or anything in the creative world, we want WorkPlay to be an open door to everyone in the city.”
Johnny Grimes, Co-Owner, WorkPlay

According to Johnny Grimes, he and his co-owners plan to complete the renovations by January 2024.

Excited to see what’s next for WorkPlay? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!