“Let’s meet under the clock at Loveman’s” (Now McWane Science Center) where people used to meet when downtown
By David Sher
I grew up in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s and the number of contemporaries I can share my memories with is shrinking.
I feel compelled to tell my story of growing up in Birmingham—specifically downtown—because it was a unique time that young people today will find difficult to comprehend. Continue reading Downtown Birmingham was really cool when I was growing up →
Ron Blatman
Today’s guest columnist is Ron Blatman.
I know cities.
I write about cities.
I produce documented series about making cities better places.
I’ve always been fascinated with Birmingham, Alabama and… Continue reading What a fragmented Birmingham can learn from a city that’s even more fragmented →
Old Mill in Mountain Brook
By David Sher
People ask, “Why do you write about Mountain Brook?”
The answer is simple. I’ve lived much of my life in Mountain Brook.
If I had grown up in Trussville, I would probably write about Trussville. Continue reading Mtn. Brook parents, don’t give up on your children’s future in Birmingham →
Mike Mouron
Today’s guest columnist is Mike Mouron.
I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1972 in Accounting and became a CPA.
Never did I dream when I moved back to Birmingham in 1985 that I would found Capstone Development in 1990 —and it would become a company that exceeded my wildest expectations. Continue reading Alabama Business Hall of Famer driven to build Birmingham →
Amazon
By David Sher
I’ve been active in our Birmingham business community most of my adult life and I’ve never seen Jeff Bezos, the third richest man in the world , and the founder of Amazon.
I’ve not seen him in downtown Birmingham, in Vestavia Hills, or in any of our suburbs. Continue reading Jeff Bezos is not going to save Birmingham →
Vision of Red Mountain Cut (Photo courtesy of Red Mountain Cut Foundation)
By David Sher
Two weeks ago Bryson Stephens grabbed Birmingham’s attention with a brilliant idea for a lighted bridge alongside the Red Mountain Cut–an idea that could change the face of Birmingham.
The response has been positive and overwhelming.
Called “Gateway to the City, Bridge to the future,” a new website and video have just been launched. Continue reading Red Mountain Cut idea goes viral (New video) →
Dontrelle Young Foster
Today’s guest columnist is Dontrelle Young Foster.
A once vibrant community, full of life and promise, now sits quietly in a forgotten area.
Located just a stone’s throw away from Legion Field and steps from A.H. Parker High School is the once bustling neighborhood known as Smithfield. Continue reading Unprecedented $50M grant huge boost for Birmingham →
Thomas Spencer
This week’s guest columnist is Tom Spencer.
This month, the Jefferson County Greenways Commission is launching a national search for a superintendent to lead the development of a system of large-acreage public parks, bringing together Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Continue reading New partnership marks stunning victory for our parks →
Bryson Stephens
Today’s guest columnist is Bryson Stephens.
(Illustrations below show what is possible for our Red Mountain Cut)
On a chilly winter day in 2015, my 11-year-old daughter and I climbed the eastern wall of the Cut in Red Mountain.
A few months prior, a businessperson had told me that the Cut “looked like crap.” The last time I had physically been there was on an elementary school field trip in the early ‘80s, so I wanted to see it for myself. And it seemed like a good father-daughter excursion. Continue reading A one-of-a-kind world-class asset could change the face of Birmingham →
Britling, photo courtesy of Tim Hollis
By David Sher
While in school in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s I worked in my dad’s retail store in downtown Birmingham summers and weekends.
We were a small family business so mom worked there also.
We couldn’t all go to lunch at the same time so I usually went with one of my parents. Continue reading My mama loved this Birmingham restaurant →
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