Design is essential for transforming Main Street districts into attractive and secure destinations for shoppers, workers, and visitors. It involves maximizing the visual potential of the commercial district, including public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, parking areas, street furniture, public art, landscaping, merchandising, window displays, and promotional materials. By paying attention to these visual elements, a welcoming ambiance is created, communicating a positive message about the district and its offerings. Design activities also encompass promoting proper maintenance, rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging suitable infill construction, implementing effective design management systems, educating business and property owners on design quality, and establishing long-term planning.
In the vibrant city of Birmingham,one business has rehabilitated a historic building. Mason Music brought the Woodlawn Theatre back to life.
Revitalization Of The Woodlawn Theatre
The Mason Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering students through music education, has become a catalyst for change in the community. Learn more about the remarkable work of the foundation and its impact on both students and the revitalization of the Woodlawn Theatre.
Giving Life To A Once Forgotten Building
The Mason Music Foundation took on an exciting endeavor in 2019: the revitalization of the Woodlawn Theatre. This historic landmark, once a centerpiece of the Woodlawn community, had fallen into disrepair over the years. Recognizing its potential as a hub for artistic expression and community engagement, the foundation embarked on a mission to restore the theater to its former glory.
To make their vision a reality, the Mason Music Foundation forged partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and passionate individuals. By working together, they sought to create a space that would not only serve as a venue for performances but also as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural revitalization in Woodlawn. This collaborative effort exemplifies the power of community engagement and the ability to create lasting change through shared passion and purpose.
Community Impact
With the restoration of the Woodlawn Theatre, a vibrant cultural hub was created. Mason Music uses the space for lessons and performances, but it also serves as a gathering place for the entire community. The theater now hosts a diverse range of performances, including concerts, plays, and community events, fostering a sense of pride and unity among Woodlawn residents.
Main Street At Work
This project stands as one of the pioneering Opportunity Zone ventures in our state. Curious about what an Opportunity Zone entails? Well, it's an innovative program designed to enable investors to mitigate capital gains taxes by redirecting their investments into areas that were previously overlooked or underdeveloped. Will Mason, owner of Mason Music, stated that this project would not have been possible without REV Birmingham and Opportunity Alabama.
