Civil Rights District & The Switch NW Downtown Development Plan
NATIONAL MONUMENT BOUNDARY
KELLY INGRAM PARK
INNOVATION DEPOT
Welcome
Purpose
! The Northwest Downtown Development Plan is a community-based process that will help guide future development in the Civil Rights District and the Switch. This effort builds on recent planning projects, including Freedom Walk and the City Center Master Plan, to create a clear and actionable road map for implementing the community’s vision for these urban districts and their connection to adjacent neighborhoods.
Study Area
Uptown 59
Fountain Heights
aham r b A d
ren Reve
s Jr Wood
Blvd
City Center Core Civil Rights District
ent
l
ona
Nati
ve 7th A
um Mon
ve 6th A
Smithfield
ve 5th A
18
th
The Switch
ve 4th A
h St
St
St
St
12 th St
North Titusville
th
th
th
S
65
Northwest Birmingham Study Area
13
rea
yA tud
ve 1st A
R
16
Ave
14
2nd
k Par d oa ailr
t 17
ve 3rd A
St
15
th
St
Overview of Engagement Process DECIDE
COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLES NEIGHBORHOODS
FAITH BUSINESS COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERSHIP
GENERATION Y&Z
INNOVATION BUILDERS
GUIDE
SOLUTIONS GROUP
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE
STEWARD
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
FOCUS GROUPS
WORKING GROUP
FOCUS GROUPS
NORTHWEST DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN
Working Group Role of the Working Group
Stewards of the community-based process
Urban Impact Inc
REV Birmingham
City of Birmingham
Alabama Power
Solutions Group Role of the Solutions Group
Guiding the community-based process Fountain Heights Neighborhood
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Innovation Depot Civil Rights District Churches
4th Ave Historic Business District Civil Rights Activist Committee
Process JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
Build on Local Strengths
Build for People
Build LongTerm Value
Community Assets & Opportunities
Framework for Economic Opportunity & District Development
Catalytic Projects & Value Capture
MAY
01 Community Engagement
Overview
…A place that puts Birmingham on the map
3,600 Unique Website Visitors
…An international destination where millions of people visit each year.
125 Online Surveys
….A national destination for top talent
81 Stakeholders Interviewed 14 Solutions Group Members 6 Community Roundtables (over 115 participants) …A place for blackowned businesses to thrive.
….A vibrant social atmosphere for locals and tourists
…An area that embraces all and makes all feel welcome
SEVEN THEMES 01
“Be Bold, Be Courageous“
02
“Fitting into the Whole City”
The NW Downtown Development Plan Public Realm & Connectivity
03
“Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline” Safety & Perception
04
“Be Sure the Right Story is Told” History & Culture
05
“Double-Down on Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Economic Opportunity and Growth
06
“It Needs to Feel Like Community” Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
07
“Create the Infrastructure for All to Grow” Investment & Development
SEVEN THEMES 01
“Be Bold, Be Courageous“
02
“Fitting into the Whole City”
The NW Downtown Development Plan Public Realm & Connectivity
03
“Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline” Safety & Perception
04
“Be Sure the Right Story is Told” History & Culture
05
“Double-Down on Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Economic Opportunity and Growth
06
“It Needs to Feel Like Community” Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
07
“Create the Infrastructure for All to Grow” Investment & Development
Be Bold, Be Courageous
The NW Downtown Development Plan “This should be a place where you can come here and start something that can change the world.”
“Re-imagine everything; be bold, courageous.”
“We want people to be drawn-in by Birmingham culture and moved.”
“We need a place where we can heal.” “ Look ahead and put the pieces in place to make change over the next generation.”
“Be on the offensive of creating opportunity.”
“Need this to be where someone looks around and says ‘wow, this is Birmingham.” “My dream for the district is to put the City of Birmingham on the map.”
SEVEN THEMES 01
“Be Bold, Be Courageous“
02
“Fitting into the Whole City”
The NW Downtown Development Plan Public Realm & Connectivity
03
“Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline” Safety & Perception
04
“Be Sure the Right Story is Told” History & Culture
05
“Double-Down on Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Economic Opportunity and Growth
06
“It Needs to Feel Like Community” Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
07
“Create the Infrastructure for All to Grow” Investment & Development
Fitting into the Whole City Public Realm & Connectivity
“Need to capitalize on and connect to things outside of the district.”
“Civil Rights District is in isolation; needs to be connected to the wider community.”
“Don’t let the neighborhoods be detached; they must be connected; they are important to city.”
“How do you keep the Switch from looking like any other place?” “Improve the streetscape to make the District “the place” to be.” “Proximity is misunderstood; things are not that far by foot or bike.”
“Need walkability! Foot traffic is what makes cities vibrant.”
Fitting into the Whole City Public Realm & Connectivity
+ Diversity and density of land uses
“We need walkability! Foot traffic is what makes cities vibrant.”
“It’s very unwalkable and unbikeable even though a grid city”
“In the top 30 metro markets in the US, walkable urban places make-up less than 1% of the total land area but account for more than 20% of the occupied square footage of office, retail, and multi-family space. “ 2019 Foot Traffic Ahead: Ranking Walkable Urbanism in America’s Largest Metros George Washington University School of Business and Smart Growth America
DESTINATION
ACCESS AESTHETICS
SAFETY
WALKABILITY INDICES Source: BleČiĆ, I., Congiu, T., Fancello, G., & Trunfio, G (2020). Planning and Design Support Tools for Walkability: A Guide for Urban Analysts. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4405; doi:10.3390/su12114405.
Fitting into the Whole City Public Realm & Connectivity
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
18TH STREET
59
20
SMITHFIELD DOWNTOWN 65
NORTH TITUSVILLE
280
PARKSIDE
18TH STREET
UAB
Fitting into the Whole City Public Realm & Connectivity
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
6
18TH STREET
59
20
SMITHFIELD
NORTH TITUSVILLE
25TH STREET
24RD STREET
23RD STREET
22ND STREET
20TH STREET
19TH STREET
65
RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BLVD
DOWNTOWN
280
PARKSIDE
5 18TH STREET
UAB
65
NORTH TITUSVILLE
UAB
1 18TH STREET
PARKSIDE
5
25TH STREET
24RD STREET
59
23RD STREET
18TH STREET
22ND STREET
RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BLVD
20TH STREET
19TH STREET
2
17TH STREET
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
16TH STREET
15TH STREET
14TH STREET
13TH STREET
12TH STREET
11TH STREET
Fitting into the Whole City
Public Realm & Connectivity 6
20
SMITHFIELD DOWNTOWN
280
Public Realm & Connectivity
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
18TH STREET
59
20
SMITHFIELD DOWNTOWN 65
NORTH TITUSVILLE
280
PARKSIDE
14TH STREET
“Don't let the neighborhoods be detached; they must be connected; they are important to the city.”
16TH STREET
Fitting into the Whole City
18TH STREET
UAB
1
Fountain Heights Park
Fitting into the Whole City
16TH STREET
Public Realm & Connectivity
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS Fountain Heights Recreation Center
City Walk Bham
59
2
5
1: Fountain Heights Recreation Center 2: 16th Street Baptist Church 3: BCRI 4: A.G. Gaston Motel 5: Innovation Depot 6: Max Central Station 7: Regions Field
1
6
Railroad Park
PARKSIDE
14TH STREET
1:: Historic 4th Ave. Business District 2:: National Monument
7
DOWNTOWN
2 Parking - 7ft
Frisco Switch
4
Travel Lane - 12ft
65
Travel Lane - 10ft
Travel Lane - 12ft
Parking - 7ft
Sidewalk - 14ft
Fountain Heights Park
NORTH TITUSVILLE
Kelly Ingram Park
3
Sidewalk - 14ft
SMITHFIELD
20
UAB Campus Green
UAB
280
1
Fountain Heights Park
Fitting into the Whole City Public Realm & Connectivity
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS A.H. Parker High School
1
2
City Walk Bham
4
5
Gra ym
ont
SMITHFIELD
Reverend Abraham Woods Blvd.
3
Ave nu
Kelly Ingram Park
e
4TH Avenue 65
20
Linn Park
DOWNTOWN
2
5TH Avenue
Smithfield Library
59
1
Frisco Switch
6
Railroad Park
NORTH TITUSVILLE
PARKSIDE
1:: Historic 4th Ave. Business District 2:: National Monument 1: Smithfield Library 2: Smithfield Community Center 3: Solomons Books & Church Supply 4: A.H. Parker High School 5: Boutwell Auditorium 6: Masonic Temple
UAB Campus Green
UAB
280
Fitting into the Whole City Public Realm & Connectivity
Fountain Heights Park
5m Walk
“Things are not that far by foot or bike.”
10m Walk Smithfield Community Center
15m Walk 16TH STREET
A.H. Parker High School
5m Walk REV ABRAHAM WOODS, JR. BLVD
CityWalk BHAM
15m Walk
10m Walk
Boutwell Auditorium Linn Park
Kelly Ingram Park
15m Walk
10m Walk
14TH STREET
5m Walk MAX Central Station Railroad Park
20TH STREET
4TH AVENUE
Fitting into the Whole City Public Realm & Connectivity
Time Decay Curves Walking Trips
Bicycle Trips “I will walk just about anywhere if it’s 20 minutes or less, whether it is for work, school, or recreation.”
45% 40% 35%
40% 35% 30%
30%
“If it takes more than 20 minutes, I don’t usually want to ride my bike -- unless i have to get to work.”
25%
25% 20% 20% 15%
15%
10%
10%
5%
5% 00
10 WORK
20
30
40
SHOPPING
50
60 MIN SCHOOL
00 RESTAURANT
10
20
30
RECREATION
Source: Iacono, M., Krizek, K., & El-Geneidy, A. (2008). Access to destination: how close is close enough. Estimating accurate distance decay functions for multiple modes and different purposes. Minnesota Department of Transportation, St. Paul, MN/RC, 11
40
50
60 MIN
Fitting into the Whole City Public Realm & Connectivity
Fountain Heights Park
Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard AH Parker High School
7 min
Smithfield Community Center
8 min
Smithfield Library
10 min
Boutwell Auditorium
10 min
Linn Park
5m Walk
10m Walk
Kelly Ingram Park
Smithfield Community Center
15m Walk
A.H. Parker High School
5m Walk
9 min
CityWalk BHAM
REV ABRAHAM WOODS, JR. BLVD
15m Walk
10m Walk
Boutwell Auditorium
Linn Park
15m Walk 10m Walk
14TH STREET
5m Walk
CityWalk Bham
MAX Central Station Railroad Park
20TH STREET
4TH AVENUE
Fitting into the Whole City Public Realm & Connectivity
Fountain Heights Park
14th Street North
Alabama Children’s Hospital
Regions Field, RR Park
8 min 10m Walk
7 min Smithfield Community Center
6 min
Innovation Depot
15m Walk
A.H. Parker High School
16TH STREET
UAB Campus Green
5m Walk
5m Walk REV ABRAHAM WOODS, JR. BLVD
CityWalk BHAM
15m Walk
10m Walk
Boutwell Auditorium Linn Park
Kelly Ingram Park
15m Walk
10m Walk
14TH STREET
5m Walk
Railroad Park
MAX Central Station Railroad Park
20TH STREET
4TH AVENUE
SEVEN THEMES 01
“Be Bold, Be Courageous“
02
“Fitting into the Whole City”
The NW Downtown Development Plan Public Realm & Connectivity
03
“Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline” Safety & Perception
04
“Be Sure the Right Story is Told” History & Culture
05
“Double-Down on Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Economic Opportunity and Growth
06
“It Needs to Feel Like Community” Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
07
“Create the Infrastructure for All to Grow” Investment & Development
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline Safety & Perception
“Must feel safe in the district; must be a priority.” “What’s going on to help address vagrancy and panhandling?” “There is some hesitation of people to do business in the district.”
“It must feel welcome; safe.”
“Safety is a baseline! Need to extend CAP? Perception is key.”
“Approach to homelessness requires a human rights lens.”
“Even on sunny days it seems gray. More green spaces.”
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline Safety & Perception
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline
18th
St
17th St
15th St
Reverand A brah
16th St
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
Safety & Perception
am Woods J
r Blvd Reverand Abr aha
14th
St
m Woods Jr B
7th Ave
4th Ave
St
4th Ave 3rd Ave
16th
NORTH TITUSVILLE
2nd Ave
St
1st Ave Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
Linn Park
6th Ave 5th Ave
12th
lvd
3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline Safety & Perception
B-PLAN Planning for Everyone
51% Interested but Concerned
Interested but Interested butConcerned Concerned
Enthused and Confident
Not able or Interested
Strong Strongand andFearless Fearless
Figure 1-1: National Bicycle User T ype Statistics (1)
Strong and Fearless Dill & McNeil, 2015
Enthused and Confident
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline Safety & Perception
High Stress On-Street Facilities
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline Safety & Perception
Low-Stress Separated Facilities
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline Safety & Perception
16th Street North and 4th Avenue North
Prop Con osed ditio n
“Improve the streetscape to make the District ‘the place to be...’”
Sidewalk - 14ft
Parking - 7ft
Travel Lane - 12ft
Travel Lane - 10ft
Travel Lane - 12ft
Parking - 7ft
Sidewalk - 14ft
ition d n o C ing t s i Ex
Park i
Side wal
k-1
4ft
ane
8ft
ng -
Trav el L
Trav el L
ng -
Park i ane
- 11
ft
Ame
- 11
ft
Mul tius
nity
8ft
Flex
zone
Zon e
e Tr ail -
- 5.5
ft
12ft
- 7.5
ft
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline
18th
St
17th St
15th St
Reverand A brah
16th St
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
Safety & Perception
am Woods J
r Blvd Reverand Abr aha
14th
St
m Woods Jr B
7th Ave
4th Ave
St
4th Ave 3rd Ave
16th
NORTH TITUSVILLE
2nd Ave
St
1st Ave Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
Linn Park
6th Ave 5th Ave
12th
lvd
3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline Safety & Perception
e s U e v si s a P y ail
D
t
hS
t
e 5th Av
th
17
hS
16t
e 6th Av
e 5th Av
17t
Civic Gatherings & Events
St
Remembrance & Education
h 16t
Maintaining Sacred Space: endowment and curatorial support for artwork, monuments, landscape, and architectural features Safety and Cleanliness: on-street ambassadors linked to partner agencies to support the needs of unsheltered persons Daily Passive Use and Comfort: seating, shade, and amenities for passive daytime use Enhancing Digital Education and Wayfinding: open wi-fi in public space and app-based integration of education programming, district wayfinding, and local business information
St
Re
h 17t
nc a r b m me
Kelly Ingram Park / 30 Year Refresh
Daily Passive Use
e
on i t a c u & Ed
St
nts e v E gs & t
hS 17t
th 16
rin e h t a Civic G
St hS
16t
e 5th Av
t
e 5th Av
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline Safety & Perception
Kelly Ingram Park / 30 Year Refresh Maintaining Sacred Space: endowment and curatorial support for artwork, monuments, landscape, and architectural features Safety and Cleanliness: on-street ambassadors linked to partner agencies to support the needs of unsheltered persons Daily Passive Use and Comfort: seating, shade, and amenities for passive daytime use Enhancing Digital Education and Wayfinding: open wi-fi in public space and app-based integration of education programming, district wayfinding, and local business information
Mural by Guido van Helten Mural by Sean Schwab
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline
18th
St
17th St
15th St
Reverand A brah
16th St
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
Safety & Perception
am Woods J
r Blvd Reverand Abr aha
14th
St
m Woods Jr B
7th Ave
4th Ave
St
4th Ave 3rd Ave
16th
NORTH TITUSVILLE
2nd Ave
St
1st Ave Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
Linn Park
6th Ave 5th Ave
12th
lvd
3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline
Daily Publ
ic Activity
Safety & Perception The Frisco Switch / Signature Urban Placemaking Connect Seamlessly with Anchor Company Campuses: Fully connect and integrate anchor innovation companies into the Frisco Switch public space network Alleviate Parking Demand: Connect to multiple parking options and Max Central Station through a clean, safe and beautiful urban trail to leverage Transportation Demand Management and parking strategies Plan for Future Development: Create north/south connections from Innovation Depot to connect key companies and resources to the north and future anchor development sites and parking reservoirs to the south Establish Public-Private Partnership: Coordinate mid-block crossings and right-of-way improvements for continuity of public space and circulation between parking, amenities, and employers
Retail & O utd
oor Dining
Circulation
& Services
3rd Ave
To Pack Health
St
13th
St
12th
St
2nd Ave
To Biso Collective To Shared Pa rk and Future ing Redevelopme nt
16th
Innovation Depot
St
14th
1st Ave
To MAX Centr a
l Station
Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline
Safety & Perception The Frisco Switch / Signature Urban Placemaking Connect Seamlessly with Anchor Company Campuses: Fully connect and integrate anchor innovation companies into the Frisco Switch public space network Alleviate Parking Demand: Connect to multiple parking options and Max Central Station through a clean, safe and beautiful urban trail to leverage Transportation Demand Management and parking strategies Plan for Future Development: Create north/south connections from Innovation Depot to connect key companies and resources to the north and future anchor development sites and parking reservoirs to the south Establish Public-Private Partnership: Coordinate mid-block crossings and right-of-way improvements for continuity of public space and circulation between parking, amenities, and employers
SEVEN THEMES 01
“Be Bold, Be Courageous“
02
“Fitting into the Whole City”
The NW Downtown Development Plan Public Realm & Connectivity
03
“Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline” Safety & Perception
04
“Be Sure the Right Story is Told” History & Culture
05
“Double-Down on Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Economic Opportunity and Growth
06
“It Needs to Feel Like Community” Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
07
“Create the Infrastructure for All to Grow” Investment & Development
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
“Need to stay true to the fabric of Birmingham.”
“History is part of the asset base; the past needs to inform how we move forward.”
“Some pieces of missing history that need to be lifted up.”
“Telling stories can have real power.”
“People want to be sure the right story is told; sacrifice not in vain; We didn’t just march here, we lived here, and worked here.” “Don’t want civil rights message to get lost, muddied, or smothered.”
“Don’t displace the people and culture.” “Civil Rights destinations are often a once-in-alifetime visit; don’t want to disappoint.”
“What happened in Bham cannot be replicated anywhere.”
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
“We don’t want the civil rights message to get lost, muddied, or smothered.”
“What happened in Bham cannot be replicated anywhere.”
Be Sure the Right Story is Told
“CRD needs to speak to the younger generation and inspire them to change the world.”
History & Culture
“Need to change the narrative of the CRD; not a district in the past tense.”
“Thanks for the history lesson, but what is bham doing now and in the future?”
“Need to make CRD an exciting adventure, not just moaning and groaning; a sad place.”
“District needs to be interactive; not just a museum.”
“The CRD can be connected to today’s aspirations and thoughts.”
“CRD doesn’t relate to our current lives; no thread to today or tomorrow; like a fly in amber.”
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
Narrative is key to identity. it is the stories of people’s day-to-day lives which give them power. The Civil Rights District must be living heritage: gaining meaning every day; always becoming and never concluded.
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
St 18th
Reverand A brah
17th St
LOCATIONAL ATTRIBUTES PROPERTY OWNERSHIP BUILDING FABRIC CULTURAL ASSETS ANCHOR USES BUSINESS CLUSTERS TRANSIT ACCESS BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
16th St
15th St
QUALITIES OF PLACE
am Woods J
r Blvd Reverand Abr aha
14th
St
m Woods Jr B
7th Ave
4th Ave
St
4th Ave 3rd Ave
16th
NORTH TITUSVILLE
2nd Ave
St
1st Ave Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
Linn Park
6th Ave 5th Ave
12th
lvd
3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
18th
St
17th St
Safe and Comfortable Neighborhood Connections
16th St
15th St
Vibrant, Active District
Mixed-Income Neighborhood Strong Cultural and Institutional Assets
Reverand Abr aha
m Woods Jr B
Critical Mass of NeighborhoodServing Retail
7th Ave
5th Ave
Fully Leveraged Public and NonProfit Properties
4th Ave 3rd Ave
Technology in Support of District Strengths
2nd Ave 1st Ave
St
Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
12th
Linn Park
6th Ave
Landmark Redevelopment Projects
Heart of Black-owned Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in the Country
lvd
3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
18th
St
17th St
Institutional Presence – Physical and Programmatic
16th St
15th St
Critical Mass of Innovation Companies
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
Site-Readiness for Large Anchor Firms Reverand Abr aha
m Woods Jr B
Signature Green Space Anchor
7th Ave
Flexible Step-up Space for HighGrowth Firms
lvd
Linn Park
6th Ave
Experiential Retail
5th Ave
Key Redevelopment to Bridge Gap to Parkside
4th Ave 3rd Ave
Shared Parking Strategies and TDM to Unlock Small Parcels
2nd Ave
Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
12th
St
1st Ave 3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
Nature & Community Green
18th
St
17th St
Highway Commercial
16th St
15th St
14th Street Corridor
Cultural Innovation Community
Civic & Governmental Core
Reverand Abr aha
m Woods Jr B
7th Ave
Creative Campus
lvd
Linn Park
6th Ave
Historic Core
5th Ave 4th Ave 3rd Ave
Transit-Oriented Development
NORTH TITUSVILLE
2nd Ave
Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
12th
St
1st Ave 3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
Visit the night market on 4th Avenue to sample local cuisine and craftsmanship
Enjoy a bottomless mimosa at brunch in the 4th Avenue Business District
Summer Saturday
5:0 0 p
12:30 p
On Memorial Day weekend, close friends from out of town make their first visit to Birmingham for a summer holiday.
1 0:30 a Start the day with a jog along the Civil Rights Heritage Trail
2: 3 0 p Participate in a social justice summit at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
7: 0 0 p Cap off the evening with a poetry slam at the restored Carver Theater
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
First Day of Work
On a beautiful Spring day in May, a UAB graduate living in a Fountain Heights apartment is starting the first day of work at a fintech startup located in The Switch
8:0 0 a
Bike to work from Fountain Heights on the 16th Street Greenway
Grab a bite of lunch and sample tasty goods with co-workers at the Fire House Pop-up Market
1 2:0 0p
4 :3 0 p Attend a meeting at the A.G. Gaston Motel regarding plans for neighborhood development
Enjoy people-watching on the 7th Ave stoop of a friend’s townhouse overlooking Kelly Ingram Park
5:3 0 p
7:0 0 p Cap the first day of work with drinks and dinner at the brewery on the Frisco Switch!
Be Sure the Right Story is Told History & Culture
Emerging Talent
An entrepreneur aspiring to scaleup her young tech business works and networks on a crisp fall day in Northwest Downtown.
7:30 a Walk to work along the 14th St Greenway from Parkside
Take the laptop to the Ballast rooftop for fresh air and outdoor working
Join a TechTuesday session at Innovation Depot for professional inspiration
3 :3 0 p
11:00 a
1: 0 0 p Stroll down the Frisco Switch to get some midday exercise and grab a late lunch from a trail-side vendor
6: 0 0 p Relax with dinner at Roots and Revelry and a drink at Plum to wrap the day!
SEVEN THEMES 01
“Be Bold, Be Courageous“
02
“Fitting into the Whole City”
The NW Downtown Development Plan Public Realm & Connectivity
03
“Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline” Safety & Perception
04
“Be Sure the Right Story is Told” History & Culture
05
“Double-Down on Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Economic Opportunity and Growth
06
“It Needs to Feel Like Community” Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
07
“Create the Infrastructure for All to Grow” Investment & Development
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship Economic Opportunity and Growth
“How do we define entrepreneurship? More than just tech.”
“There is a tremendous legacy of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Civil Rights District.”
“Local biz needs to be active and engaged in neighborhood.”
“District development needs to build equity for the black community; where everyday citizens have the opportunity to be part of the economy.”
“Economic opportunity needs to the first tier: will provide return on financial capital as well as human and social capital.”
“Need to empower locals to open businesses and tell the story.”
“My dream for the district is a place where black-owned businesses thrive.”
“Double-down on innovation and entrepreneurship; social innovation.”
“Must take care with potentially exclusionary terms, i.e. “innovation” and “entrepreneurship.”
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship Economic Opportunity and Growth
“Want to create a district that will be filled with people who move up through learning; growing personally and as a business opportunity.”
“How can we bring innovation out of the Depot and into the community?”
“At Innovation Depot, we are building a community; a community of innovators.”
“Need to build a sense of community around small business.”
“It feels like a community more than most business districts.”
“Innovation Depot grads want to stay; see things happen; be part of a bigger community.”
“No one has told me ‘no’ for a meeting. Collaboration and sense of community is strong.”
“My dream for the district is a national destination for top talent and an incubator for many new businesses; so many that we can’t remember them all.”
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
am Woods J
r Blvd
m Woods Jr B
14th
7th Ave
lvd
Linn Park
6th Ave
“Need to build a sense of community around small business.”
5th Ave
- Quote from Community Engagement
St
4th Ave 3rd Ave
16th
NORTH TITUSVILLE
2nd Ave
St
1st Ave Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
ER Reverand Abr aha
4th Ave
12th
18th
ST
St
- Location & Agglomeration: The Distribution of Retail and Food Businesses in Dense Urban Environments, Journal of Planning Education and Research, 2014
St
17th St
Reverand A brah
U
“Businesses do not simply gravitate towards customers but also cluster with each other to form more attractive destinations.”
CL
15th St
Economic Opportunity and Growth
16th St
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
18th
St
17th St
15th St
Economic Opportunity and Growth
16th St
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
SMITHFIELD
Reverand Abr aha
m Woods Jr B
7th Ave
lvd
Linn Park
6th Ave 5th Ave 4th Ave 3rd Ave
NORTH TITUSVILLE
2nd Ave
Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
12th
St
1st Ave 3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
1 1 Reverand Abraham
Economic Opportunity and Growth
Woods Jr Blv d
75% of all Black-owned businesses in the Civil Rights District are located one block of the 16th St & 4th Ave corridors
1 1
Kelly Ingram Park 7th Ave
6th Ave
1 7
St
1
St
1 History Park
5th Ave
St
3
11 4
Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park 2
4th Ave
1 3th Ave
5
18th
8
17th
St
16th
15th
3
2
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship Economic Opportunity and Growth
Reverand Abr aha
m Woods Jr B
lvd
16th Street Baptist Church Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Kelly Ingram Park
St Paul United Methodist Church
7th Ave
A.G. Gaston Motel
5th Ave
St
History Park
4th Ave
3th Ave
18th
Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park
St
17th
16th
St
15th
St
6th Ave
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
18th
St
17th St
15th St
Economic Opportunity and Growth
16th St
FOUNTAIN HEIGHTS
SMITHFIELD
Reverand Abr aha
m Woods Jr B
7th Ave
lvd
Linn Park
6th Ave 5th Ave 4th Ave 3rd Ave
NORTH TITUSVILLE
2nd Ave
Railroad Park 14th
St
St 13th
12th
St
1st Ave 3th Ave
CITY CENTER
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
1,500+ Employees, 115 Companies
Economic Opportunity and Growth
St
Innovation Depot
1st Ave
16th
2nd Ave
St
14th
Biso Collective
3rd Ave
15th St
St 13th
Pack Health
12th St
4th Ave
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
St
3rd Ave
15th
Studio 104
1st Ave
16th
2nd Ave
St
Innovation Depot
St
Katie’s Plates
14th
Faith Skate Shop
Redemptive Cycle St
bDot Architecture
4th Ave
13th
12th St
Economic Opportunity and Growth
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship Economic Opportunity and Growth
NEIGHBORHOOD LIFE
DISTRICT AMENITIES
INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Develop a mixed-income neighborhood with a variety of residential products, prices, and amenities that will serve the needs of a dynamic, growing urban district.
Create the suite of experiences that will attract mobile talent, immerse global visitors in the Birmingham culture, and serve community needs for daily urban living
Develop the ecosystem of partners and programs that will shape the epicenter of highgrowth innovation companies in the region and heart of Black-owned business innovation in the country
17th St
16th St
15th St
Double-Down on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Reverand A brah
Economic Opportunity and Growth
am Woods J
INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
r Blvd
Potential development program:
Residential Commercial & Business Retail & Visitor Destination
St
C
14th
4th Ave
Kelly Ingram Park
G D
H
M
K I
F
I
14th
St
St
I
Railroad Park
M
St 16th
J
6th Ave 5th Ave
E
G
13th
A. Economic empowerment for youth and young adults through financial counseling and coaching by partner financial and credit institutions B. Business practice innovation through the consortium of Alabama HBCU business schools C. Social innovation led by the national and international leadership development and education programming of the BCRI D. Co-work space for solopreneurs, small and emerging businesses in the heart of the Civil Rights District E. Makerspace and culinary arts in the Masonic Temple I Redevelopment F. High-growth and tech business incubation and start-up support through Innovation Depot and Bronze Valley G. Retail incubation in public market and street market venues H. Job preparedness and job connection services at the Church of the Reconciler I. Anchor innovation companies in The Switch J. Landing space for outposts of in-migrating tech companies K. High-growth company step-up and accelerator space at the Ballast L. Education innovation in the local Birmingham school and adult learning network by Ed Farm M. Business support resources adjacent to Innovation Depot in the Switch N. Community Design & Health Innovation with UAB Minority Health and Health Disparties Research Center
7th Ave
SEVEN THEMES 01
“Be Bold, Be Courageous“
02
“Fitting into the Whole City”
The NW Downtown Development Plan Public Realm & Connectivity
03
“Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline” Safety & Perception
04
“Be Sure the Right Story is Told” History & Culture
05
“Double-Down on Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Economic Opportunity and Growth
06
“It Needs to Feel Like Community”
Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
07
“Create the Infrastructure for All to Grow” Investment & Development
It Needs to Feel Like Community
Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life “We need vibrancy and energy; a place where people live and work; as it was historically.”
“My dream for the district is a place with buzzing nightlife and a rich, interactive area for learning about Birmingham’s history and culture.”
“It needs to feel like community.”
“Residents need to feel valued; loved.” “We need to create a full-day experience.”
“Need a happening, bustling scene after 5; always something to do.”
“Sadly there’s not enough for families and teens.”
“Need convenient access to daily amenities.”
“The district needs to be a fun and safe place for children; more likely to learn stories through play.”
“There are no restaurants; no place to sit down and have a meal with your family.”
It Needs to Feel Like Community Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
NEIGHBORHOOD LIFE
DISTRICT AMENITIES
INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Develop a mixed-income neighborhood with a variety of residential products, prices, and amenities that will serve the needs of a dynamic, growing urban district.
Create the suite of experiences that will attract mobile talent, immerse global visitors in the Birmingham culture, and serve community needs for daily urban living
Develop the ecosystem of partners and programs that will shape the epicenter of highgrowth innovation companies in the region and heart of Black-owned business innovation in the country
17th St
Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
16th St
15th St
It Needs to Feel Like Community
Reverand A brah
am Woods J
r Blvd
NEIGHBORHOOD LIFE
14th
St
7th Ave
4th Ave
Potential development program:
Smart and energy-efficient homes serviced by advanced infrastructure and technology
Residential Commercial & Business Retail & Visitor Destination
St 16th St 14th
13th
St
Housing that serves: Local entrepreneurs and young professionals Downtown workforce Active retirees Young families
Dedicated housing for visiting fellows and scholars-inresidence
6th Ave 5th Ave
Residential units including a mix of housing type and prices: Affordable and market rate units For rent and for sale units Flats (single level) and townhome (multi-level) units
Housing sited in in the northern portion of the district with strong connections to Fountain Heights and Smithfield
Kelly Ingram Park
Railroad Park
It Needs to Feel Like Community Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
NEIGHBORHOOD LIFE
DISTRICT AMENITIES
INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Develop a mixed-income neighborhood with a variety of residential products, prices, and amenities that will serve the needs of a dynamic, growing urban district.
Create the suite of experiences that will attract mobile talent, immerse global visitors in the Birmingham culture, and serve community needs for daily urban living
Develop the ecosystem of partners and programs that will shape the epicenter of highgrowth innovation companies in the region and heart of Black-owned business innovation in the country
17th St
Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
16th St
15th St
It Needs to Feel Like Community
Reverand A brah DISTRICT AMENITIES
E
St 14th
4th Ave
F
Kelly Ingram Park
H
H
16th
H
St
D H
E I
14th
St
St
I
Railroad Park
7th Ave
B
C
13th Residential Commercial & Business Retail & Visitor Destination
H
r Blvd
A
E
Potential development program: A. Select service hotel on the 17th street corridor serving as a gateway and beacon to the district B. Event center with event garden and roof garden serving professional, civic, and local community needs C. Restored ballroom of the Masonic Temple D. Restored Carver Theater hosting internationally recognized artists and local community-based programming E. Adaptable shared parking reservoirs anchoring north and south ends of the district, with performance-based parking management F. Restaurant incorporated into the A.G. Gaston motel restoration G. Corner food & beverage establishments in mixed-use development facing Kelly Ingram Park H. Experience retail in signature historic buildings on the Frisco Switch I. Food and beverage merchants serving anchor innovation companies along 1st Ave
am Woods J
6th Ave E
5th Ave
SEVEN THEMES 01
“Be Bold, Be Courageous“
02
“Fitting into the Whole City”
The NW Downtown Development Plan Public Realm & Connectivity
03
“Welcome, Clean and Safe Must be the Baseline” Safety & Perception
04
“Be Sure the Right Story is Told” History & Culture
05
“Double-Down on Innovation and Entrepreneurship” Economic Opportunity and Growth
06
“It Needs to Feel Like Community” Neighborhood Character, Daily Needs & Community Life
07
“Create the Infrastructure for All to Grow” Investment & Development
Create the Infrastructure for All to Grow Investment & Development “Need to ‘paint picture’ of potential to property owners.”
“Create a clear pathway and the infrastructure for all to grow.”
“Barriers to investment include: unmotivated property owners, homelessness, cbd vacancy, lack of appealing/contributing historic structures.”
“Hesitancy to raise rents keeps improvements and development potential suppressed.”limitless potential.”
“District needs marketproving; need to reveal demand.”
“Need to create an environment that draws investment.”
“There is a wait and see mentality right now with businesses and property owners; some stagnation, but limitless potential.”
“There is the opportunity for meaningful, transformational use of city assets.”