Mayor Woodfin says BJCC project will be ‘transformational’ for the city
Photos by Daniel Roth, City of Birmingham
Mayor Randall Woodfin hailed the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex expansion project as “a transformational experience for our community” during a groundbreaking ceremony at the corner of 11th Avenue and 23rd Street North.
Woodfin said that ultimately the $174 million project will help minority and women small-business owners thrive while also stimulating neighborhood revitalization.
“Through this project, we’re knocking down barriers, allowing minority and women-owned business owners to have the opportunity to find success,” he said.
Additional revenue from the BJCC expansion and new development of surrounding property will go directly into the city’s neighborhood revitalization fund, the mayor added.
“That’s extra millions into a fund that didn’t exist without us supporting this opportunity,” Woodfin said. “We believe with the investment of the expansion of the BJCC, we can make good on that promise” of revitalization.
Attendees at the ceremonial groundbreaking included Birmingham and Jefferson County elected officials, Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Authority board members, and members of the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation.
The 55,000 seat stadium aims to draw new sporting events and conferences to the city, as well as serving as the home of UAB football and the upcoming Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football.
Design and engineering fees for upcoming Legacy Arena upgrades will total $10.9 million; minority and women-owned businesses will make up $3.4 million, or 31 percent, of those fees, the BJCC has reported.
Construction is set to begin mid-2019 and will be completed in time to host the 2021 World Games.
