Stewardship News A P u b l i c a t i o n o f A u d u b o n In t e rn a t i o n a l
Volume 14, Issue 2 • spring 2011
Protecting the Cahaba: First Phase of Grand River Nancy Richardson
A
udubon International has added another project to the growing list of those certified through the Audubon International Signature Program. The Shops at Grand River is only the first phase of a large, mixed-use project, but the eco-development principles of the Signature Program are already being applied at this unique outlet mall.
A Grand Idea Many people acquainted with the area of Birmingham, Alabama, characterize it as an industrial area where iron and steel are king. The Vulcan statue that stands on Red Mountain high above the city is the world’s largest cast iron statue and is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Yet, one must not miss the other ‘wonders’ in the Birmingham area, like a small town called Leeds and The Shops at Grand River. Situated along the Interstate 20 growth corridor between
Birmingham and Atlanta, Grand River is a 6,500-acre master-planned community that will feature residential neighborhoods with convenient shopping, entertainment, business, commerce, and world-class sporting and recreation. Nestled among lush parks and green spaces, Grand River is set against the picturesque landscape of the Cahaba River Valley. Historically an industrial area, underground mining in the Grand River area began in the early 1880s, and eight to ten underground mines exist
beneath the surface at varying depths and on different seams. All of these mines have been closed for decades. In their first step toward making this project an ecologically sustainable one, USS Real Estate, a division of United States Steel Corporation, the Daniel Corporation, and The Retirement Systems of Alabama formed a partnership with Audubon International by becoming the first community in Alabama to register in the Gold Signature Program. The Signature Program design approach is based on the concept that the most effective land plans integrate Best Management Practices during planning and design to effectively protect resources. Environmental issues are addressed before they become problems both in the short term and in the long term. In the educational Guide to Sustainability at The Shops of Grand River Contractor Edition, the project is described as “providing more than world-class shopping. The Shops will be maintained at the peak of efficiency providing a sanctuary for central continued on page 4