By L.M. Ferguson
1.) The Opening of Birmingham’s Uptown Entertainment District- Over the past few years Birmingham’s nightlife and skyline have seen a slow resurgence, but 2013 was the best year yet. With the opening of the Westin Hotel and Todd English Pub Birmingham’s entertainment district is off to a wonderful start.
2.) No More Bankruptcy– The end of 2013 was also the end of the dark days of bankruptcy for Jefferson County. As the county exits bankruptcy it seems as if the clouds have parted of Jefferson County and the sun is beginning to shine. Now hopefully the county can move past the negative publicity bankruptcy brings and focus on continued growth and development.
3.) Miles College’s Record Breaking Expansion– Fall 2013 was not just the beginning of another school year at Miles College. This year the College completed its largest expansion to date with the renovation of several buildings and the addition of three new buildings to campus: The President George T. French Jr. Student Activity Center; the Bishop Teresa Snorton Residence Hall, and a Welcome and Admissions Center. Miles College President, Dr. George T. French, Jr. sees the success of the recent expansion project and capital campaign as the beginning and not the end. Look for there to be continued growth on the Miles College campus in the years to come.
4.) Birmingham, An All-America City – In 2013 Birmingham received the distinction of being named an All
America City. Every year the National Civic League Recognizes 10 cities that have had exceptional civic
accomplishments. Birmingham’s economic growth, quality of life and philanthropic efforts all played a role in securing the coveted national award.
5.) Birmingham Becomes a Destination – 2013 could be known as the year Birmingham took the national press spotlight by storm, in a positive way. Everyone from the Today Show to Fodor’s Magazine listed Birmingham as a top destination in 2013. Not many people would think that Birmingham would be on the same list as Miami and Croatia but in 2013 Birmingham proved it is no longer a city of the past, but instead a tourist destination poised for a great future.
6.) The Return of Downtown – We all know or have heard of the glory days of downtown Birmingham, but until recently they have only been a thing of the past. However, 2013 showed the world and some Birmingham residents that downtown is once again, the place to be. In August The New York Times featured an article entitled, “A Return to Downtown Birmingham.” The article which highlighted Birmingham’s Railroad Park, the new Regions Field and many other new developments showcased a new Birmingham that is proud of its history but is still searching for innovative ways to continue to develop and grow. Forbes Magazine also listed Birmingham on its “15 U.S. Cities’ Emerging Downtowns” list.
7.) The Birmingham City School System is headed in a the right direction – This may be more of a goal than an accomplishment but with the election of a new school board in 2013 the system’s leadership is moving toward stability. Although the system will face its challenges in 2014, and beyond, the state has relaxed its recent takeover of the system, and many schools have earned accolades in 2013. It is safe to say the best is yet to come for the Birmingham City School System but even through its challenges 2013 has been a welcome change and will surely lead to a brighter future for Birmingham City School students.
8.) Birmingham Crossplex Becomes an International Sports Venue– For the past few years The Birmingham Crossplex has been one of the City’s most understated treasures. However, in 2013 the facility was named Indoor Track and Field Facility of the Year by The American Sports Builders Association.
9.) Birmingham Moves Forward– As Birmingham and the nation celebrated 50 years since the civil rights demonstrations of 1963 area leaders used the commemoration as an opportunity to show how far Birmingham has come since the days of legalized segregation. Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell, Sr., his staff and other elected officials made 2013 a memorable year filled with reflections of the past and promises for the future. September 11- September 15, 2013 marked Empowerment Week in the City. The week, aimed to honor those who took part in, and who lost their lives in the civil rights demonstrations of 1963 but, it also showed the world just how far Birmingham has come.
10.) Baseball Returned to Birmingham – In 2013 Birmingham had the unique opportunity to say that it is home to the oldest and newest baseball stadiums in the country. America’s oldest baseball stadium, Rickwood Field draws sports enthusiasts from all over the world throughout the year but it has not been the home field for a baseball team in years. In 2013, Birmingham welcomed the Birmingham Barons back to Birmingham from Hoover where they had been based for over a decade. The new Regions Field is home to the Birmingham Barons and has also added a welcomed addition to Birmingham’s skyline. With a record setting season, including sold out crowds and a Southern League Championship win it looks like the Barons are exactly where they should be and where they should stay…in Birmingham!
