Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
KultureCity acquires historic Powell Steam Plant for $11M
Reading time: 3 minutes
KultureCity—the Vestavia Hills-based non-profit that has revolutionized venues nationwide to assist people with sensory accessibility and acceptance—has acquired one of Birmingham’s oldest buildings.
The 80,105 square-foot Powell Steam Plant in downtown Birmingham was purchased for $11 million by the group on July 8, according to the Birmingham Business Journal.
This moment represents everything KultureCity® stands for, radical possibility, bold action, and meaningful change.
Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity®
We’re building something in Birmingham that will be seen and felt far beyond city limits. It’s a home for the movement and
a powerful reminder that accessibility isn’t an add-on, it’s a foundation for progress.”
KultureCity in talks since April
In April 2025, Bham Now reported that KultureCity had entered talks to buy the former power plant that was owned by Alabama Power.
According to the April 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 will also include a research facility and a museum that showcases inspirational stories of those who have achieved in spite of their disabilities.
Historic Powell Steam Plant
One of the largest properties in downtown Birmingham, the 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
Kulture City’s national reach
KultureCity was founded in 2013 by Dr. Julian Maha and Dr. Michele Kong. Headquartered in the Birmingham metro area, the group works nationally to promote sensory inclusion and accessibility for people with sensory processing disorders, including autism, PTSD and dementia.
The nonprofit works with organizations throughout the country to train staff and equip venues with tools like noise-canceling headphones and sensory-inclusive rooms to create safe + relaxing spaces for all.
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