News
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10 powerful examples of historic preservation in action
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Historic Preservation, Potential-Proving, Yaysayers
It’s easy to take for granted the historic gems we have here in Birmingham. Many beautiful, story-filled buildings dot the map of our city, their silhouettes adorning our skylines and their façades serving as the vibrant background to our everyday lives downtown. However, without attention, investment and a commitment by our community to prioritize these treasures, our historic buildings and the authentic character they give our city can disappear.
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Main Street Now shines a spotlight on the Magic City
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Events, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving, Yaysayers
You may notice some new faces exploring downtown Birmingham early next week. Nearly 1,900 leaders in commercial district revitalization from across the country will convene from May 6-8 for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference.
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The Key Tool for Urban Revitalization: Downtown BHM's Business Improvement District
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving, Why BHM
By the time REV took on BID management in 2018, downtown had a new set of needs from its BID. Downtown Birmingham in the ‘90s had a population mainly of 9 to 5 employees. But the downtown of 2018 had a whole new population of residents and visitors throughout the day and night. We had new opportunities to create positive experiences, inviting them into more downtown businesses and public spaces, and to keep them coming back for more.
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Introducing the six businesses that call Nextec home
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Historic Preservation, Potential-Proving, Why BHM
On the corner of 3rd Avenue and 16th Street North, you’ll find Nextec, a redevelopment of the 90-year-old, 65,000-square-foot Edwards Motor Company building (also formerly known as the Sticks ‘N’ Stuff building). With experience in historic renovation, developer Michael Mouron, chairman of Capstone Real Estate Investments, began this civic project in 2021 as a space for business startups to continue their work in the Magic City – a function encouraged by REV Birmingham.
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Woodlawn Marketplace: Nurturing retailers, building community
Filed Under: Birmingham Food & Drink, Business-Proving, Family Friendly, Front Page, Magic City Match, Potential-Proving, Small Business, Woodlawn, Woodlawn Street Market
Since autumn of 2021, Woodlawn Marketplace has stood tall in its place at 5530 1st Ave S. Originally planned as a month-long mini market experience featuring seasoned Woodlawn Street Market vendors, the project was met with such a positive reception that the REV team decided to press on and launch a larger, more permanent version. In the months following that decision, the space has undergone a transformation, evolving into a local retail incubator and café. Now, the heart and soul of the marketplace is supporting local businesses and building community in the historic Woodlawn business district.
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Urban Vintage Clothing pedaling forward
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Potential-Proving, Small Business, Why BHM
For as long as he can remember, Ty King, owner of Urban Vintage Clothing, has had an inclination for fashion. To him, style is more than the clothes on your back. It’s a feeling – and a really good one, if you’re intentional about expressing yourself through your attire.
That passion, combined with an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, is what drove him to open his storefront for Urban Vintage Clothing in December of 2022.
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REV's 2024 resolution (and how you can help the Magic City grow)
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving, REV Team, Why BHM, Yaysayers
The new year has arrived, and with it comes the power of a new beginning. All throughout the city of Birmingham, individuals and organizations alike are assessing and reflecting on accomplishments of 2023, while determining what work is still left to be done – and we are no exception.
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About the Rainbow Bridge: History and what’s happening now
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Historic Preservation, Potential-Proving, Transportation, Yaysayers
The Rainbow Viaduct, one of Birmingham’s oldest bridges, has been transporting people between the south and north sides of downtown for more than 130 years! Now as we look toward its future, you’ll see a pilot project on the bridge to make it more pedestrian and cyclist friendly while we determine the best next steps.
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Season 2 of Magic City Match is ready to help Black entrepreneurs grow
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Downtown Birmingham, Events, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Get Involved, Magic City Match, Potential-Proving, Small Business
Magic City Match is a program that transforms lives and opens doors for Black entrepreneurs and business owners. Led by REV Birmingham and powered by Prosper, this initiative aims to create opportunities for Black-owned businesses by matching them with brick-and-mortar spaces where they can thrive. After a successful pilot program in 2022, Magic City Match is back in action and ready to empower a new wave of entrepreneurs.
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9 questions with Deon Gordon about BHM's Thriving Tech Scene and Sloss Tech
Filed Under: Events, Front Page, Potential-Proving, Why BHM, Yaysayers
Meet Deon Gordon, one of the great minds behind Sloss Tech and a leading figure in Birmingham’s thriving tech industry. Sloss Tech is a vital conference driving the growth of Birmingham’s tech sector, fostering connections between tech enthusiasts, founders, investors, and professionals. This year’s conference is unique due to its post-pandemic return, introducing new programs for inclusivity and engaging students and early-career professionals. Deon envisions tech as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation in Birmingham and emphasizes the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech community.