What’s next for the Powell Steam Plant? Birmingham has several ideas

In January, a representative from the Alabama Power Company confirmed some sad news: the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema would not be coming to the Powell Steam Plant.

However, every cloud has a silver lining. Bham Now asked our audience how they’d like to see the Powell Steam Plant repurposed — here’s what they said.

About the Powell Steam Plant

Constructed in 1895, the Powell Steam Plant is one of the oldest buildings in Birmingham. The coal-powered steam plant provided electricity to businesses and services in Birmingham for over a century—in fact, the plant was in use well into the 2000s.

Over the years, developers have proposed several potential redevelopment plans for the Powell Steam Plant. Most recently, Orchestra Partners and Alabama Power proposed a mixed-use redevelopment of the property, anchored by Texas-based cinema chain Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The redevelopment of the Powell Steam Plant would be a large part of the Parkside Master Plan, which aims to enhance walkability and connect the Parkside District to surrounding areas.

However, after several years without noticeable progress, it became clear that the project was not moving forward as planned. On January 23, Anthony Cook—Communications Principal with Alabama Power Company—confirmed that the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema would not be coming to the Powell Steam Plant.

“Alabama Power and Orchestra Partners have mutually agreed to make changes in Powell Steam Plant’s development team. Both parties remain committed to the City’s growth and long-term success, and we look forward to great things ahead.”  

Anthony Cook, Communications Principal, Alabama Power Company

Bham Now asked, Birmingham answered

With the redevelopment on hold, Bham Now was curious: how does our audience want to see the Powell Steam Plant repurposed? Last week, Bham Now shared a poll on LinkedIn asking our audience to share their thoughts—here’s what they said.

• 63% of respondents voted for Mixed retail, dining + more
• 20% of respondents voted for Entertainment (ie. theatre)
• 14% of respondents voted for Grocery store
• 2% of respondents voted for Other

In the comments, several Bham Now audience members shared fun ideas for the Powell Steam Plant, such as turning it into an activity-based entertainment center for students and young adults (think bowling alley or roller skate rink).

Birmingham can learn from successful redevelopments

Should a mixed-use retail and dining redevelopment move forward with the Powell Steam Plant, the good news is we have plenty of projects to use as an example. One such example, located in Huntsville, is the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment center.

Built in 1900, the Lowe Mill was originally a cotton-product-producing textile mill. By the turn of the century, the mill was abandoned. In 2001, Jim Hudson—founder of HudsonAlpha and Research Genetics—purchased the property and began building a space where artists could work, interact with the public and share their work.

Now, Lowe Mill consists of 152 working studios that are home to more than 200 artists and makers. In addition, the facility includes seven galleries, four performance venues, a community garden, food & beverage options and much more.

Another great example—located about three hours north on I-65—is the Factory at Franklin. Built in 1929 as the Dortch Stove Works plant, the site went through a redevelopment in the late 1990s that transformed the Depression-era manufacturing plant into a thriving retail and entertainment destination. Today, the Factory at Franklin contains a wide array of restaurants, art galleries, retail stores, dining options and more. The site is even home to a weekly farmers market.

The possibilities for Birmingham’s Powell Steam Plant are endless.

What would you like to see happen with the Powell Steam Plant? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!