In the 1960s, a popular entertainment district made good use of the space below highways – Underground Atlanta. It was primarily used for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. It was popular, drew tourists and locals, and contributed to the local economy and jobs. It became a tourist destination. No trip to Atlanta was complete without a visit (or two) to Underground Atlanta.
Now, there is a below-the-highways district in Alabama – City Walk Birmingham. It is different than its Atlanta predecessor. It has more diverse uses rather than restaurants and bars.
Planning for City Walk Birmingham began in 2014 on the question – what could be done under the I59/20 bridge? It at first focused on the eight blocks of the bridge from 18th to 24th streets.
There are special areas within City Walk: Roller skating rink, amphitheater, City Walk Social, playground, lake park lawn, pickleball court, bridge lighting, civil rights story zone and food trucks.
Long-range plans for City Walk include additions for fitness classes, weekly and monthly activities, concerts, holiday celebrations and festivals.
City Walk is a work in progress. While it is open now, events change each month and new activities are added over time. City Walk walks forward.
Current events at City Walk are here: Events - City Walk BHAM
City Walk's operating hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Barkery, pickleball, skating park, and roller rink each have different operating hours, which change seasonally.
City Walk is in and close to an area of Birmingham that you would not want to venture into by yourself at night. Safety concerns appear to have been effectively addressed, as the entire area is monitored 24/7 by a closed-circuit TV security system. Also, security patrols circulate throughout City Walk.
You may be as safe and feel as safe in City Walk as anywhere.
Details about City Walk can be found here.
City Walk is on the north side of Birmingham close to Legacy Arena, The Birmingham/Jefferson Community Complex and Protective Stadium.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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