Editor’s note: PIease read entire column before jumping to conclusions–the proposed change may not be what you expect.
I was asked by al.com to write about the best thing that happened to Birmingham in 2025.
I’m still thinking.
Meanwhile, huge economic development announcements keep rolling in from across the South. Many come from Huntsville. If you’re tired of reading about their wins inComebackTown, I understand. But I’m writing about them because Birmingham isn’t making these headlines–not because I’m jealous of Huntsville.
If you look at an aerial photograph of downtown Birmingham, you’ll notice something peculiar: Interstate 59 and Interstate 20 make a sharp, inexplicable bend as they pass through the city center. That bend tells a story—one of the darkest chapters in American urban planning. Continue reading Birmingham: Ingenious idea in peril→
Sam Tenenbaum Jr., aka “The Great Kaiser” when he wrestled at Boutwell Auditorium and venues throughout the Southeast,. (Photo by Tamika Moore/AL.com)Tamika Moore
Bill Smith speaks on May 17, 2022 in Birmingham (William Thornton / wthornton@al.com)
By David Sher
I just finished listening to a podcaston how Chip and Joanna Gaines built a business empire and the extraordinary impact it had on Waco, Texas, their hometown.
Rodney Scott, left, and Nick Pihakis are pictured here at the opening of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ in Birmingham, Ala., on Feb. 20, 2019 (Joe Songer/jsonger@al.com)
Singing Santa at Brookwood Village (Photo–Brookwood Village)
By David Sher
I still remember the thrill of Brookwood Mall’s opening in the early 1970s.
My fondest memories include celebrating birthdays at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour with its famous drum roll and free ice cream, enjoying crepes at The Magic Pan, and sitting joyfully as the singing Santa performed during the holidays. Brookwood was where we lived, laughed, and created lasting memories. Continue reading Brookwood Mall vs. Riverchase Galleria—And the loser is…→
Frank Stitt, Owner & Executive Chef of Bottega Restaurant, Bottega Cafe, and Chez Fon Fon (al.com)Nick Saban, retired Head Football Coach at the University of Alabama (al.com)
By David Sher
Nick Saban likely never met Frank Stitt on a field or in a kitchen together, but they share something profound: both men fundamentally transformed their domains and elevated Birmingham and Alabama in the eyes of the nation. Continue reading Stitt and Saban fundamentally transformed Alabama→
