The Powell Steam Plant in downtown Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Birmingham-based nonprofit KultureCity is seeking a $3.5 million commitment from Jefferson County to help fund the KultureCity National Accessibility Park, the country’s first fully integrated accessibility campus located at the historic Powell Steam Plant site.

Read on to learn more about the project and what’s next.

KultureCity taking big step with Powell Steam Plant project

Powell Ave Steam Plant — Constructed in 1895, the Powell Steam Plant provided power to downtown businesses up until the early Aughts. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

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.

Earlier this year, KultureCity purchased one of the largest vacant buildings in downtown Birmingham: the historic Powell Steam Plant. Located at 1800 Powell Avenue, the 80,105 square-foot steam plant is an ideal canvas for the nonprofit’s grand vision: KultureCity National Accessibility Park.

(Ming-Na Wen on Instagram) — A rendering of the KultureCity National Accessibility Park. (Ming-Na Wen / KultureCity)

Designed to be a national model for accessibility, workforce development and economic growth, the KultureCity National Accessibility Park aims to transform the Powell Steam Plant into the world’s first fully integrated accessibility campus, complete with:

A technical college and workforce training center
Real-world job training through retail and culinary spaces
A museum and navigation center focused on accessibility and inclusion
An inclusive outdoor amphitheater and public gathering space

Once completed, the project is projected to attract approximately 250,000 visitors annually, generate $45 million in total annual economic activity, and produce an estimated $900,000 in annual Jefferson County tax revenue.

The KultureCity National Accessibility Park project represents a $60 million investment in downtown Birmingham, with KultureCity already securing commitments from private donors, the city of Birmingham and the State of Alabama. On Thursday, December 18, the Jefferson County Commission will vote on an addtional $3.5 million commitment.

Excited to see the new KultureCity National Accessibility Park project take off? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!