Becoming a preservation advocate (even if you’re not an expert)?
Historic preservation can feel intimidating from the outside. The terminology, tax credits, architectural styles and policy conversations can make it seem like you need a specialized background before you can participate. But the truth is, some of the strongest preservation advocates are simply people who care deeply about the places they call home. For the […]
Preservation that pays: The economic case for saving historic buildings?
When people think about historic preservation, they often think about nostalgia, architecture or cultural identity. And yes, those things matter. Historic buildings help tell the story of a city and create the kind of authentic places people actually want to spend time in. But preservation isn’t just about sentiment. It’s also about economics. Economist Donovan […]
What makes a downtown feel alive??
There’s a certain energy you feel the moment you step into a thriving downtown. It’s not just about tall buildings or busy streets, it’s about the interplay of people, design, activity and care. In Birmingham, that sense of vibrancy is something we actively cultivate every day. Here’s a closer look at the elements that bring a downtown to life and how we’re working to strengthen each one. Foot […]
How businesses are reimagining historic spaces in The Switch ?
Nestled between Birmingham’s City Center, Civil Rights and Parkside districts, you’ll find The Switch. Equipped with a rare combination of real-estate value and proximity to innovative resources, this emerging district is the place for visionaries, creators and startups to go for information and community. At the heart of The Switch is a story of adaptive reuse, which is the practice of repurposing […]
Feet on the street: 10 events that activate downtown every year ?
Downtown Birmingham comes alive through the rhythm of its events, each one playing a unique role in shaping the city’s vibrancy, foot traffic and economic momentum. From the festive aromas of the Greek Food Festival to the nostalgic charm of the Alabama Theatre’s Holiday Film Series to the joyful crowds drawn by the Magic City Classic, these events don’t just entertain — they bring our streets, sidewalks, shops and restaurants to life.
Safeguarding history, one easement at a time?
REV Birmingham believes the Magic City’s historic buildings are more than beautiful — they’re essential to the city’s identity, vibrancy and future. That’s why we’ve spent May, National Historic Preservation Month, spotlighting the tools that help protect and celebrate these places: first, the National Register of Historic Places; then, the power of historic tax credits. Now, we’re […]
Preservation that pays: How historic tax credits can power a downtown revival ?
For preservation advocates (or “building huggers,” as we like to call ourselves), historic tax credits are essential. They don’t just help save historic buildings — they support local economies, encourage private investment and breathe new life into spaces that shape the identity of our communities.
Listing history, building legacy: The National Register’s role in downtown’s historic districts?
Think of the National Register of Historic Places as the nation’s scrapbook — a thoughtfully curated list of the buildings, districts and landmarks that tell the story of who we are and where we’ve been. Established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and managed by the National Park Service, the Register helps communities across the country (and right here in Birmingham) identify, celebrate and care for the places that make their history tangible.
So so visionary: How one woman-owned business is helping shape the future of The Switch ?
Second Avenue North is a dynamic stretch of road in downtown Birmingham, renowned for its loft district, trendy eateries and lively entertainment scene. But as you venture west along this iconic thoroughfare, a delightful pop of pink awaits at its end. There, housed in a historic warehouse at the heart of The Switch district, is So So Spiffy: Home Staging and Design.
A cautionary tale: Birmingham’s historic losses?
In case you haven’t heard, May is National Historic Preservation Month, as so celebrated for years by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service. Here in Birmingham, a city rich in history and culture, this month-long celebration is not only a reminder to take stock of the historic treasures and charm we currently possess, but a time to mourn those we no longer have.