Reviewed by: Pat Byington
KultureCity in talks to acquire Powell Avenue Steam Plant
Reading time: 3 minutes
Over Easter weekend, a board member of KultureCity shared that the Birmingham-based nonprofit was in talks to acquire the Powell Avenue Steam Plant—the historic 80,105-square-foot former power plant owned by Alabama Power.
KultureCity pursuing Powell Avenue Steam Plant
Birmingham’s own KultureCity is working to acquire the historic Powell Avenue Steam Plant, according to an Instagram post shared on Easter Sunday by KultureCity board member Ming-Na Wen.
According to the Instagram post, KultureCity aims to transform the historic Powell Avenue Steam Plant into “the world’s first center that will provide inspiration, information and innovation for both the disability community and the community at large.” The development would also include a research facility and a museum that showcases inspirational stories of those who have achieved in spite of their disabilities.
Founded in 2013 by Dr. Julian Maha and headquartered in Birmingham, KultureCity is a nonprofit that aims to promote sensory inclusion and accessibility for people with sensory processing disorders, including autism, PTSD and dementia. The nonprofit works with other organizations to train staff and equip venues with tools like noise-canceling headphones and sensory-inclusive rooms to create safe + relaxing spaces for all.
When Bham Now reached out to Dr. Julian Maha for a comment, he noted that KultureCity has not yet acquired the Powell Avenue Steam Plant.
About the Powell Avenue Steam Plant
One of the largest properties in downtown Birmingham, the 80,105 square-foot Powell Avenue Steam Plant was constructed in 1895 and 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:
- Rotary Trail
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- UAB Hospital
- Regions Field
- Children’s of Alabama
KultureCity’s bid is not the first redevelopment proposed for the historic property; 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. Orchestra Partners worked with local architecture and design firm Birchfield Penuel Architects to restore the vacant facility.
“Our work began with uncovering the building’s potential, which shaped a variety of adaptive reuse plans to reimagine the steam plant as a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination.
Over the years, construction efforts have focused on stabilizing and rehabilitating the masonry and building shell, restoring historic elements, opening interior spaces to showcase the building’s impressive volume, and preparing it for future tenant fit-outs.”
Allison Vosicky, Project Architect, BPA
However, Orchestra Partner’s project ran into roadblocks along the way, and Alabama Power confirmed the cancellation of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Birmingham location in early 2024.
Alabama Power listed the Powell Avenue Steam Plant for sale earlier this year.
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