Historic Powell Avenue Steam Plant listed for $10M in downtown Birmingham
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Do you have an extra $10M burning a hole in your pocket? If so, you could be the next owner of the historic Powell Avenue Steam Plant in Birmingham’s Parkside district.
The 130-year-old steam plant is officially on the market, listed for $10,000,000 by local full service real estate firm Shannon Waltchack.
The historic Powell Avenue Steam Plant is for sale
Today, one of the largest properties in downtown Birmingham has hit the market.
Owned by Alabama Power, the 80,105 square-foot Powell Avenue Steam Plant is located at 1830 Powell Avenue South, just across the street from Railroad Park and within walking distance of some of Birmingham’s biggest developments, attractions and institutions, including:
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- UAB Hospital
- Regions Field
- Children’s of Alabama
- Rotary Trail
The property is listed by Shannon Waltchack, which describes the property as “brimming with untapped, potential, awaiting the touch of a visionary developer.”
“We’re thrilled to present a rare opportunity to own one of Birmingham’s true crown jewels!
As the Parkside District evolves into a sought-after redevelopment hotspot, prime properties are typically the first to be transformed, leaving behind less desirable plots.
But by a stroke of luck, the very best piece of land and building in Parkside is now available for sale.”
Derek Waltchack, Partner, Shannon Waltchack
A brief history of the Powell Avenue Steam Plant
Constructed in 1895, the Powell Avenue Steam Plant was built to provide coal-produced steam and electricity to businesses throughout The Magic City—and continued to do so as recently as the early 2000’s with customers like UAB, the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital and the Alabama Theatre.
In 2022, local developer Orchestra Partners and property owner Alabama Power proposed a mixed-use redevelopment of the Powell Avenue Steam Plant, 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, the project ran into roadblocks along the way—and Alabama Power confirmed the cancellation of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Birmingham location in early 2024.
What would you like to see happen with the Powell Avenue Steam Plant property? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know your ideas!
