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Bush/Quayle Rally--Birmingham, Alabama 8/22/92 [OA 7578]
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323154192
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Bush/Quayle Rally--Birmingham, Alabama 8/22/92 [OA 7578]
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13827-004
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13827
Folder ID Number:
13827-004
Folder Title:
Bush/Quayle Rally--Birmingham, Alabama 8/22/92 [OA 7578]
Stack:
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Section:
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G
26
22
7
3
Gersbowtz
(Ferguson/Bunton)
August 19, 1992
BIRMINGHAM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CAMPAIGN RALLY
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 1992
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
Thank you for that warm 'Bama welcome. Let me tell you --
the "Magic City" is the perfect place to start a magic campaign -
- I've got a feeling this fall we're going to make some Democrats
disappear.
There is an important battle going on this fall -- two
fiercely determined rivals locked in combat. I'm just not sure
whether this thing will be won by the Tigers or the Crimson Tide.
I'm sorry I wasn't here last X weekend, when George Archer won
the Senior PGA tournament. I would have loved those big
headlines: "George Comes on Strong -- Pulls Off Big Win."
You're going to see another headline just like that one come
November -- because now we're coming on strong, taking our case
to the American people.
This afternoon D2:55 I want to talk to you about the sharp choice
I will offer every American this fall. It's a choice between
different agendas -- different directions for America. And yes,
it's a choice about the character of the man you want to lead our
nation.
They say this election is about change -- and they're right.
But let's not forget: The things that must guide change are the
things that never change: our belief in a strong defense, in
strong families, in leaving the world a better place for our
children.
Think for a minute about the world of change we've already
Birmingham Chamber of CoMMerce: 205-323-5461
ASH for DON Newton
2
seen these last four years. The Berlin wall came tumbling down.
Millions of people took their first breath of freedom. And
America -- her strength and ideals -- won the Cold War.
Now these changes didn't come about by accident -- the world
changed because America remained true to her unchanging
principles. My opponents say I spent too much time on foreign
policy these past four years. Well, let me tell you: When I took
office, I saw the chance to help finish off imperial Communism -
- and I did.
I saw the chance to help rid our children's dreams of the
nuclear nightmare, to help them live in a safer world -- and I
did.
So let my opponents understand this: I will never apologize
for one single minute I've spent making this world a place of
peace for all our children.
For X forty years, X this ANdy was Fithisis the change iN Americans reference to fought the Cold for war,
early
and died for -- and now it offers us the defining challenge of
fos,
the 90s: to take advantage of our victory around the world, to
build a more secure and prosperous nation here at home.
And so these next 73 days, I'm going to ask the American
X XXX
people: Who do you trust to bring it all home -- foreign policy,
security policy, and economic policy -- so that it can make a
205-985-3020
difference to you here in your own neighborhoods, right here in
central
Alábama.
DTOLD
to
My experience, my character, my ideas -- I am that man.
And we start right here, right now. I believe our
DON NEW ON
COMMERCE chamberof Birrington
- 205-323-5461-
3
government is too big and it spends too much of your money -- and
I believe the deficit is a dark cloud on our children's future.
You know it -- and I know it.
But the liberal Democrats don't. They think the deficit is
a big game of Wheel of Fortune. And they only want to buy three
vowels: I / O / U.
Well, I'm the man to solve the puzzle.
Here's how. In Houston two nights ago, XXX I announced YY a freeze
on government spending. If Congress sends me a bill spending one
penny more than I requested -- I will veto it faster than they
can say "Tax and Spend".
And if Congress needs more help curing its pork addiction, I
say let's give the people the power to dedicate 10 percent of
their tax dollars directly to the deficit. If Congress won't cut
spending, then the people will.
And we will do more: I say let's jumpstart this economy.
Let's give small business a shot in the arm. Small X businesses X
create two-thirds of the new X jobs X in XX America. Think about some
X
X
X
Zsmall
of the X businesses right XX here XXX in the mall -- McMillan's, or
Norton's Florists. If we're going to get this economy moving,
5-12-92
Administration
a
small business needs relief -- from taxation, litigation, and
speech
SP
regulation. And we're going to give it to them.
each
the actual figure is 219 billion;
Now, Governor Clinton wants a different kind of change. He
ANdYF
Said &
wants to raise government spending by $220 billion And raise
taxes -- the biggest tax hike in history -- $150 billion dollars.
Well, that's change all right. By the time he gets through
B/Q office
8-10-92
4
change is about all you'll have left in your pocket.
You see, when you get down to it, it's a question of trust.
Look at every big issue we face. You'll see a choice -- a choice
between people who put their faith in everyday Americans, and
those who put their faith in government.
I trust you -- families and parents -- to make the decisions
that matter in life.
I trust parents -- not the government -- to choose their
children's schools -- public, private, or religious.
I trust parents -- not the government -- to choose their
children's child care.
And I trust you -- not the government -- to decide how you
want to spend and save the money you earn.
These are my ideas -- and I think these are the American
people's ideas. Do you believe that the federal government is
already big enough -- and taxes too much?
Do you want fewer lawsuits, fewer regulations, and more
opportunity for small businesses?
Do you think that competition can help cure the ills that
plague our schools, and bring the cost of health care down?
If you believe in these ideas -- then you believe in my
ideas.
I wonder about Governor Clinton sometimes -- I wonder why it
is that whenever he's faced with any problem, his solution is
always to put government first.
But it's not really so surprising, I guess. When you've
5
spent your life in government like he has, government is pretty
much all you see.
I got my belief in trust -- in limited government -- from
working out in the oil fields of west Texas, building a business,
meeting a payroll.
I'd say that's a pretty good credential for being President.
That's where I learned how jobs are created. That's where I
learned that in this country the government works for the people,
not the other way around.
Governor Clinton isn't the only one who's forgotten that
lesson -- if he ever knew it. There's a whole party full of his
colleagues up there on Capitol Hill who've spent their lives on
the government payroll. And somehow I don't think Governor
Clinton is the guy to stand up to them.
The last thing this country needs is a rubber-check Congress
and a rubber-stamp President.
I know about those guys. At my first inauguration, I
extended my hand to the Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill -- and
they bit it off.
Now I know Americans are tired of the blame game, sick of
all the excuses, tired of your national leaders acting like they
are the candidates for the next episode of American Gladiators.
I'm tired of it, too. Every American knows the truth:
Congress has become corrupt, conceited, confused -- a body of
PACs, perks, privilege, partisanship and paralysis.
And no wonder: Congress's leadership has not changed in 38
years -- since Bill Clinton was eight years old, 7954 ((right about
6
the time he was campaigning for hall monitor)). Congress has a
lower rate of turnover than the old Soviet Politburo.
It's time to say enough is enough. If you really want to
get rid of the deadlock in Washington -- let's get rid of the
deadwood in Congress.
We have our work cut out for us. But Americans will never
settle for second best in anything. Not in our schools, not in
our workers, not in our values.
And not in this election.
I know this race is long, and we are behind. And yet I also
believe, deep in my heart, that we will win.
We will win because we trust the American people. We will
win because our ideas are stronger. We will win because we
understand the American way.
So tell the Democrats: If you can't run with the big dogs,
stay under the porch.
Thank you and God bless you.
# #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 20, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
STEVE PROVOST SP
FROM:
ANDY FERGUSON at
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED REMARKS FOR BUSH/QUAYLE RALLY IN
WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA
I. SUMMARY
On Saturday, August 22, 1992 you will deliver remarks at a
Bush-Quayle rally, to 2,000 community members of Woodstock,
Georgia in Cherokee County.
II. DISCUSSION
from your RNC acceptance speech. They are almost to than wwiel
Your remarks (approximately 10 minutes / cards) are derived
Please note: Dean's Store is deliver a Woodstock earlin landmark in the day where in W,O0
local old-timers meet daily to discuss current events. "Faster
than a Bass after a Hulapopper" refers to a lure used in Bass
fishing -- a popular Woodstock past-time.
)
& CC
BirMingham 205 250-7666
AUG-19-1992 11:27 FROM BIRMINGHAM STAFF OFFICE
TO
12024566218
P.01
202 456-6218 FAY
OFFICE OF
PRESIDENTIAL ADVANCE
COVER PAGE
TO: GARY GERSKOWITZ -SPEECH w RITER
FROM: NELDA ROWAN - BIRMINGHAM, AL
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES:
3
(including cover page)
DATE: 8-19-92
TIME:
MESSAGE:
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION PLEASE CALL.
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (205) 987-2071
AUG-19-1992 11:27 FROM BIRMINGHAM STAFF OFFICE
TO
12024566218
P.02
Dr. Larry DeLucas, astionant from U.A.B., craws the
Paylood Specialist on Columbia Flight USML-1 from
June 25- July 9, 1992 the longest shettle mission in
history. USML stands for United States Microgramity Laboratory
His special assignment was growing protein crystal - -they
grow faster of lorger in space. The implication of these
experiments is to help design Letter drugs. Larly holds
5 degrees from U.A.B. - B.S in Chemistry, M.S. in chemistry,
B.S. in Pysiological Optics, P.H.D. in Biological Chemistry and
a Doctor of Optometry.
The allison lacing family who lives here recently had
another tragedy. Chifford alliwa 27yro.old was hilled aug. 13
in an accident during a proctice session as Michigan
International speeding. Father Bobby was severly injured 2 years
ago and retired from NASCAR driving. Brother Davey, an
active NASCAR disner, suffered several Schen haves air a
race as Pocono 3 creeks ago.
Clifford Lawerance Allison, 27,
Hueytown, died Thursday. Funeral 10 a.m.
today, St. Aloysius Catholic Church, burial
Highland Memorial Gardens, Brown Serv-
ice West Chapel Funeral Home. Member
St. Aloysius Catholic Church, race car
driver ARCA and Busch Grand National
Racing Car Series. Survivors: wife, Mrs.
Elisa Allison, son, Brandon Allison, two
daughters, Misses Leslie and Tanya Allison,
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Allison,
brother, Davey Allison, all Hueytown; two
sisters, Mrs. Carrie Smith, Abernant, Miss
Bonnie Allison, Hueytown; grandmother,
Mrs. Katherine Allison, Hueytown.
FYI..
UAB's Critical Care Transport Service has the only
new drugs to fightcancer, diabetes, birth defects and 01
dedicated jer aircraft in the Southeast permanently
medical problems.
modified and equipped to transport intensive-care
P.03
AUG 18, 1992 4:29PM #180 P.02
UAB
patients. The jet's permanently installed liquid oxygen
UAB's Comprehensive Cancer Center one of
is ranked among the nation's top 35 universities in
the amount of federal funds supporting its research and
system is the only such system approved by the Federal
eightoriginal of the current 28" "comprehensive" center
service programs. Annual extramural support to UAB
Aviation Administration for patient use in general aviation
the nation is working to combat cancer by provic
in the United States. The service also includes three
the most effective care available while researching
exceeds $110 million.
12024566218
similarly equipped mobile ground unics.
cause and possible cures of the disease.
The Best in Medicine, 1990 edition, ranked University
UAB hosts many international conferences, attracting
UAB's Spinal Cord Injury System was designated by
Hospital third among the best 25 hospitals in the nation.
scholars from around the world to Birmingham. On such
National Institute of Handicapped Research as the <
Dised were treatments for cancer, plastic surgery,
collection coordination and analysis point for the nat
ophthalmology. diabetes and arthritis, as well as UAB's
conference on differential equations, sponsored by the
heart surger program and Critical Care Transport Service.
UAB Department of Mathematics, was attracted to the
Such data is invaluable to health-care professio:
University primarily because of the outsranding
working with spinal cord injured patients.
University Hospital is Alabama's major terriary-care
international reputation of former department chairman
Roger T. Lewis and three of his colleagues.
The UAB School of Optometry has been acclaimes
facility, treating more than 300,000 outparients and 32,000
nparients each year from almost every county in Alabama,
Change magazine as "the number one school of optom
TO
An international center for the diagnosis and treatment
in the world."
13 states and several countries.
of heart disease, UAB has a number of cardiovascular
1 205 987 7403
W
ith more than 14,000 employees, UAB is Alabama's
programs, many of which focus on new treatment
The Department of Materials and Science Enginee
argest employer. The multiplier effect of the more than
modalities. Hospital physicians also use lasers and
houses research programs in welding merallurgy
350 million paid to employees annually and other
angioplasty techniques in surgical treatment of heart
ceramics. A major topic of study has been como
BIRMINGHAM OFFICE
university expenditures results in at least 32,000 off-
disease, as well as drugs that lessen the severity of damage
engineering with applica tions boiler conde
:ampus jobs. The overall economic impact of UAB's $750
to the heart if administered immediarely followinga heart
tubes to surgical implant materials in the human box
nillion budget is $1 billion annually.
attack.
UAB has the only programs in dearisiry, optometry
UAB's Kemer-Quarterback Sports Medicine Institute
The World Health Organization has charged UAB's
public health in Alabama and also trains most of
TO:
of Alabama is the only orthopedic clinic in the state that
Department of Medicine's Division of Clinical Immunology
physicians and numes in the state. Through its School
pecializes in the treatment of high school athletes.
and Rheumatology with the development and
Health Related Professions, UAB provides maining
standardization of bio-chemical immunological methods
allied health and serves the state through its unique ju
UAB serves the people of Alabama and the nation in
for classifying and diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis and
college linkage program.
heir own communities through an original coll-free
allied diseases.
UAB has one of only seven federally designated cen
FROM
ystem of consultation between health professionals
hroughout thestate and medical center specialists. MIST
To learn more about the origins of the earth and life as
for AIDS research funded by the National Institut
FROM:UAB UNIVERSITY REL
Medical Information Service via Telephone) was
we know it, physical scientists at UAB have built a device
Allergy and Infectious Disease. The center is respons
leveloped at the UAB Medical Center and serves as a
to simulate conditions believed to have existed in space
for vestigating the virus and conducting clinical mial
11:28
nodel for other states.
when the solar system was formed. It's one of only three
promising therapies.
known to exist.
UAB has one of the nation's pre-eminent organ
UAB's Office for the Advancement of Develop
Industries is a business incubation facility where n
AUG-19-1992
ransplantation programs and organ banks. Surgeons
Biochemists in UAB's Center for Macromolecular
erform transplants of the heart, liver, pancreas, lungs,
Crystallography are directing the development of
than 25 entrepreneurs have rented office or labora
one marrow and kidney at the University. The kidney
procedures and equipment to grow protein crystals on
space while receiving assistance in developing
rogram is the largestin the United States. Bones, sendons
sspace flights. Using ray crystallography
markering their products. Intellectual property develo
nd other tissue also are "banked" for use in surgical
techniques to study the high-quality crystals that can
at UAB is made available to the private sector through
gocedures.
grow in space may ultimately lead to the development of
UAB Research Foundation.
AUG-17-92 MON 9:20
BUSH-QUAYLE ' 92
FAX NO. 2058712764
P.01
FAX-TO: ; GARY GERSHOWITZ, SPEECH WRITER
FROM: NELDA ROWAN, BIRMINGHAM, AL.
INFORMATION REQUESTED8-14-92
RESTURANT IN MALL I nice place for couple dinnes
Winstons at Wynfrey Hotel
TOY STORE IN GALLERIA- Kay Bee Toys
LARGEST HIGH SCHOOL 1 Belly H.S.A- Buccaneed
no great teams - footback practice going on now,
BIG H.S. hid not lorgest Vestania Hills H.S. - Rebels
won State Championship this year in Baseboll & Bojchethall
estavialtills
STATUE OF VULCAN on top of Red mountain is the largest
cast iron figure in the world Vulcan, the mythical
god in of the forge, commemorates the Steel Industry
Birmingham.
over 50
SENIOR PGA Tournament was held aug 14-16 at
205980-5207 Greystone GolFcourse
Greystone Golf course in Birmingham. Boh Hope
and formed flind golfer Charlie Boomall opened
the torrement. Top golfers
George
sene
Littler, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Milleo Barfer, Dary Player,
Non family, Ornille Moody, Lee Trevins, Doug Ford,
Larry Laoretti, July Barker, Billy Casper and
Bruce Devlin BarBruno competed Dong Gamble: 310-546-6409
LOAN 985-3020 charities
Food store chain-Proceeds goto
spore to: 401ANKA
"Galleria", SUPANA Cary. special EVENTS coordinator
MEMORANDUM
9Loh
OF CALL
Previous editions usable
TO:
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY--
OF (Organization)
PLEASE PHONE
FTS
AUTOVON
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
Birmingham-
I
Bob Athey Advance,
B/Q Maily
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
63-110 NSN 7540-00-634-4018 STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev. 8-81)
Prescribed by GSA
* U.S. GPO: 1990 - 262-080
FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
TEL:
Aug 10'92 12:15 No 009 P.12
August 10, 1992
MEMORANDUM TO:
GARY FOSTER
AM/203 ZAdvaNce
FROM:
DOUG DUVALL
1/2055 OFFICE
RE:
THE PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 1992
WiNfy
Hotel
event SCENARIO:
205-323-5461 Echamber of COMM.
The President will travel from Atlanta, Georgia to Birmingham
Municipal Airport and motorcade (20-25 minutes) to an outdoor
campaign rally in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to his
announcement on stage he could attend a Victory '92 fundraiser at
a nearby hotel. After the rally the President will motorcade to
the airport and fly to Dallas, Texas for an overnight.
PROPOSED EVENT SITH
For the rally site I propose a field at the Galleria
Riverchase, a large shopping mall. The Galleria is actually
located in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham. It is also conductive
to crowd raising because of its proximity to the highway. This
would make access to out-of-towners quite easy. Hoover is located
in Shelby County, the fastest growing county in the state and 50-
60% Republican. JeFFersoN,
Since the event will be on a Saturday afternoon it is best to
keep it in the suburbs where the people reside. The Galleria is
not only familiar to locals, but it offers a built-in crowd,
especially on a Saturday. The owner of the Galleria is a supporter
of the President and will cooperate with us to reserve parking and
provide storefront advertising for the event.
The field itself is quite large and could hold a crowd of
almost any size. The site could be "collapsed" or expanded by
using the existing trees, portable bleachers, refreshment trucks,
bands and tents as the crowd estimate becomes more accurate.
I recommend the dais be placed on the south end of the field
near the entrance to the Galleria off Hwy. 150. Due to the time of
the event and position of the sun, the press platform should
probably be placed at a 45 degree angle to the west. This also
puts the media closer to the filing center. On the east side of
the field there is a gap in the trees that line Hwy. 150. A large
banner hanging above a band on bleachers would be a nice cut away
shot as well as block the view from highway traffic.
The motorcade could arrive backstage to an enclosed tented
area. A plywood backdrop would probably have to be constructed
behind the dais. It may also need to be angled on the sides to
block the open view behind stage. There are high ground concerns
which I fuel could be diminished with creative placement of
banners, bleachers, etc. With proper placement of the stage, the
view of the nearby hotel and office building can be virtually
eliminated by the existing trees.
This site was also used in 1990 when former President Reagan
attended a campaign rally for Guy Hunt.
The press filing center could be located at the Winfry Hotel
or possibly in a car dealer showroom just inside the closest
entrance to the mall.
The fundraiser would be held prior to the rally speech inside
the Winfry Hotel. There are a number of ballrooms and meeting
rooms which would be suitable and would provide secure access.
CONTACT LIST:
Emery Folmar, Mayor of Montgomery, Alabama (event chairman)
(205) 241-2000 - office
(205) 262-4635 - home
Larry Hollingsworth, General Manager, the Winfry Hotel
(205) 987-1600
Steve French, Bush-Quayle
Keven E.D. Hart, Pres Advance, AM +1205
(205) 871-2844 - office (205) 871-3882 - home
08/14/92
13:55
205 250 7669
BACC
001
BIRMINGHAM AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2027 First Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 323-5461
FAX (205) 250-7669
BIRMINGHAM
A -R.E.A
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DATE: 8/11/92
TIME:
A.M.
P.M.
#of Pages including front sheet: 35
If you did not receive all pages, please telephone (205) 323-5461.
TO:
The White House, Presidential Speech Writing Office
FAX #:
(202) 456-6218
ATTN:
Gary Gershowitz
FROM: Helen Drake
MESSAGE:
Don Newton, President, Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce,
was advised about your recent request for information on the Birmingham area.
He suggested that we provide you with the "Projected Fiscal 1992 City Revenues",
"An Economic Overview of the Birmingham, Alabama, Metropolitan Area", several sections
from our newcomer section; 'Guide to Birmingham" and the "Calendar of Events" section
from our BIRMINGHAM Magazine. Should you have any questions, or need additional
information, please direct your inquiries to Don Newton, or Patricia Tucker Fox
Vice President, Business Development & Research Division, 323-5461.
Thank you.
Helen Drake
GHoMe >HoMe 205-879-9688
08/14/92
13:55
205 250 7669
BACC
002
PROJECTED FISCAL 1992 CITY REVENUES
TAXES
Property
$11,563,000.00
Sales & Use
70,300,000.00
Occupational
39,975,000.00
Total Taxes
$121.838,000.00
LICENSES, PERMITS & FINES
Business Licenses & Permits
$35,510,000.00
Non-Business Permits
1,824,700.00
Fines
4,205,000.00
Total Licenses, Permits & Fines
$41,539,700.00
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE
Federal
$ 480,000.00
State
2,618,000.00
County
6,655,000.00
Total Intergovernmental Revenues
$ 9,753,000.00
CHARGES FOR SERVICE
$12,197,625.00
MISCELLENEOUS
$ 6,322,700.00
TOTAL PROJECTED REVENUE
$191,651,025.00
8-12-92
08/14/92
13:56
205 250 7669
BACC
003
An Economic Overview of the
Birmingham, Alabama, Metropolitan Area
Southeast's major centers for finance, education,
INTRODUCTION
manufacturing, health care, research, engineering,
transportation and distribution.
The five-county Birmingham Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA) anchors the business and
The hard-hitting recession of 1980-82 caused the net
cultural life of the State of Alabama. At the heart of
loss of 15,700 jobs, most of which were in manu-
the area is Alabama's most populous city,
facturing. The recovery from 1982 to 1990 saw a
Birmingham, and county, Jefferson. With a 1990
rebound of 78,000 new jobs in non-manufacturing
census population of 907,810, the Birmingham MSA
and 7,400 jobs in manufacturing. This recovery was
ranks as the 46th largest metropolitan area in the
slowed in the recession of 1991, in which 2,400
nation. The City of Birmingham has 265,968 people
manufacturing jobs were idled and
(60th in size nationally).
non-manufacturing gained only 2,100 jobs.
Snapshot:
Snapshot:
MSA Counties and 1990 Populations
Wage and Salary Employment
1980
1991
Blount County
39,248
Total
357,000
420,000
Jefferson County
651,525
Manufacturing
66,200
55,400
Saint Clair County
50,009
Non-manufacturing
290,800
364,600
Shelby County
99,358
Walker County
67,670
Non-manufacturing employs 86.8% of the work
force and 8.8% of all Birmingham workers are
The area population is 72.2% white, 27.1% black,
employed in healthcare. Trade and Services
0.7% all other races, and 0.0035% Hispanic.
represents more than 50% of non-manufacturing
Children under the age of 18 make up 25.4% of the
employment, while manufacturing employment is
population. The population enjoys a cost of living
concentrated in Durable Goods, especially Primary
that is at or below the national average, with the
Metals Industries.
costs of health care and housing substantially below
average.
Snapshot:
Birmingham Employment, 1981 to 1991
Snapshot:
Birmingham MSA VS Alabama
Total Wage and Salary Employment up 70,900,
20% increase
23% of Alabama population
23% of the state households
Manufacturing employment down 6,500,
25% of the business establishments
11% decrease
26% of retail sales
Printing & publishing up 84.6%
25% of total effective buying income
32% of the payroll dollars
Non-manufacturing employment up 77,400,
27% increase
Services up 52.8%
Finance, insurance and real estate up 26.9%
Government up 22.7%
ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
Construction up 21.8%
Retail and wholesale trade up 21.6%
The Birmingham area is a leading retail and
Transportation and utilities up 9.1%
wholesale trade center as well as one of the
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trials. Outgrowing its current 372,000 sq. ft. of
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
space, SRI is building a 31,000 sq. ft., $3 million
facility to house its new for-profit subsidiary,
Birmingham's major employers confirm the
Southern Research Technologies, Inc., and is
economic diversification of the area. The University
building the SRI Engineering Research Center
of Alabama at Birmingham, a world-renowned
(72,000 sq. ft., $14 million), both in Oxmoor.
leader in medical research, became the top employer
in the five-county area during the 1980s. UAB now
Catering to Birmingham's growing biotechnology
employs more than 14,400 and its payroll pumps
base, the University of Alabama at Birmingham
more than $350 million annually into the area's
built a $3 million incubator facility to house the
economy. UAB is also the largest employer in the
University's Office for the Advancement of
state.
Developing Industries (OADI). Opened in late
1986, OADI has housed 29 advanced technology
Various government entities are the next largest area
firms, providing office space, research assistance and
employers. The City of Birmingham and
administrative services. Eight tenants have
Birmingham Board of Education employ 7,738,
graduated and only four have failed. OADI
Jefferson County and Jefferson County School
companies have created more than 200 jobs and
Board employ 7,742, the State of Alabama employs
attracted more than $15 million in capital
6,558, and the United States government with its
investments. A. new facility in the Oxmoor area is
Post Office, Department of Health and Human
planned.
Services and Veterans Administration Hospital
facilities employs 9,500.
Snapshot:
SERVICES
Largest private employers
South Central Bell (7,570 employees)
The service sector is the area's fastest growing
Alabama Power Company (4,613)
employment category, increasing more than 53%
since 1981. This broad grouping includes health
Baptist Medical Centers (4,362)
care, medical research, engineering, data processing
Bruno's (2,663)
and telecommunications.
ACIPCO (2,600)
AmSouth Bank (2,295)
Health Care
Nearly 9% of Birmingham's work force is now
employed in health care, exceeding not only the 8%
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
national average but also the health services
concentrations of other large Southeastern metro
Birmingham is Alabama's center for advanced
areas, including Atlanta, Miami, Jacksonville and
technology. The area's major advanced technology
Orlando.
industries are health care, telecommunications,
engineering, aerospace design, computer services,
The area's 22 hospitals, with more than 6,400
electronics, chemicals, medical and dental labs, and
hospital beds, and other highly specialized health
research and development laboratories.
care facilities reflect Birmingham's new status as a
major international medical center. A study of
Southern Research Institute (SRI) is the largest
physicians published in 1986 ranked the UAB
nonprofit independent research laboratory in the
medical center as the third-best in the nation.
Southeast, employing 700 350 of whom are
UAB's Comprehensive Cancer Center one of only
scientists in medical research, metallurgy and
24 in the U.S. is ranked tenth nationally as a
electronics. SRI has received national recognition
treatment center and is one of the top National
for its cancer research programs and virus studies.
Cancer Institute-designated centers in terms of
Of the 40 anticancer drugs used in the world today,
research funding. UAB's organ transplant program
four were developed at SRI, more than any other
is one of the most extensive in the Southeast and
institution in the world, and five more are in clinical
consistently ranks among the top three in the
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Economic Overview of Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama
country in the number of kidney transplants. UAB
the engineering and technical services support
also ranks in the top three for arthritis/lupus
company for the Southern Company (Alabama
treatment and its dental school is one of the six best
Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power and Mississippi
places in the United States for the treatment of gum
Power) is also headquartered here, as are Alabama
disease. In 1991, U.S. News and World Report
Power Company and Alabama Gas Corporation,
chose UAB as the top up-and-coming medical
along with its parent company, ENERGEN.
school in the nation for the second year in a row.
Birmingham is also the headquarters of SONAT and
Other health care programs are also world-class.
its Southern Natural Gas subsidiary.
The American Sports Medicine Institute, a part of
HealthSouth Medical Center, attracts sports
Birmingham is the South's publishing center for
celebrities and royalty to Birmingham for highly
commercial books and magazines. The largest
specialized treatment. HealthSouth Rehabilitation
publishing company headquartered here, Southern
Corporation has 113 rehabilitation centers in 25
Progress Corporation, is owned by Time Inc. It
states. Baxter Healthcare is one of the country's
publishes Southern Living, Travel South,
leading manufacturers, distributors and marketers
Progressive Farmer, Cooking Light, and Southern
of health care products, systems and services and
Accentsmagazines and Oxmoor House books and
built a 110,000 sq. ft. office/distribution facility in
moved into a new 149,000 sq. ft. headquarters
building in 1989. The up-and-coming Vulcan
Birmingham.
Publishing offers more than 11 magazines, including
Opened in 1992 is The Medical Forum, the world's
Computer Monthly.
first mart fer medical products and services. This
one-of-a-kind project hosts all types of medical
continuing education to provide medical product
and service companies with a steady influx of
potential customers. The state-of-the-art facility
TRANSPORTATION AND
includes a 3,000-seat auditorium, wet-lab with 30
DISTRIBUTION
workstations and audio-visual support, including
teleconferencing. The Medical Forum is a 364,000
Birmingham was founded at the crossing of two
sq. ft. adjunct to the $140 million expansion of the
railroads and has been an important transportation
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center.
hub ever since. Centrally located in the Southeast,
the area is currently served by four major railroads,
Other Services
more than 100 truck lines, five air cargo companies,
and a dozen barge lines. The excellent highway
An estimated 10,000 engineers are employed in the
system includes Interstates 20, 59, 65 and 459 and
MSA more than any other Southeastern city
U.S. Highways 11, 31, 78 and 280.
working for major companies such as Rust
International Corporation, Harbert International,
Nine airlines offer direct service to and from
BE&K, Southern Company Services, Alabama
approximately 60 cities on 140 daily flights. The
Power Company, and BellSouth Services, as well as
diversity of airline service has also paid off in lower
for a number of smaller companies. Many
fares than are available at larger Southern airports.
Birmingham firms are active worldwide in design
The independent airport authority has initiated
and construction.
plans for more than $125 million in airport
improvements $47 million of which is in the first
The growing telecommunications industry is
stage now more than halfway complete. The
anchored here by the five-state South Central Bell
increased parking facilities and two-level access
Telephone Company corporate headquarters and
roadway are complete, the terminal modernization is
the headquarters of BellSouth Services Company,
two-thirds complete, and plans include land
which provides engineering, data processing,
acquisition and the extension and instrumentation of
marketing and human resources support for
the north-south alternate runway. Two million
telephone operations throughout a nine-state area.
passengers flew in and out of Birmingham during
In addition, Contel Telephone brought its division
1990 and 1991, an increase of 45% over 1985. With
headquarters from Atlanta to a new, $4 million
air cargo tonnage increasing by 105% since 1985, a
building in Pell City. Southern Company Services,
$5.4 million air cargo transient development will be
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Economic Overview of Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama
completed in 1993 and another $7 million is
$200 million continuous slab caster, which opened in
estimated for a new air cargo facility.
1989. The strong commitment of USX Corporation
to the area is evidenced in its total capital investment
According to The Graham Report, published by
of well more than $1 billion in Birmingham since
Graham & Company, during the last ten years
1980. USX has razed its outdated facilities and is
Birmingham has emerged as a major distribution
actively marketing the site as an industrial park for
center, with the potential to be a principal
industries using its products.
distribution hub in the 1990s. There are nearly 8
million square feet of multi-tenant warehouse,
Cast iron pipe and other foundry operations
distribution and service center space in the area, and
continue to flourish in the area, led by American
77.9 million square feet of freestanding industrial
Cast Iron Pipe Company, the largest plant of its type
buildings. In 1991, 474,000 sq. ft. of industrial space
under one roof in the world, and U.S. Pipe (Jim
was absorbed, but the multi-tenant warehouse
Walter Corporation). According to the Federal
market saw a net gain of 92,000 sq. ft. of space.
Reserve Bank of Atlanta, 55% of the cast iron pipe
Service centers, formerly in over supply, had 35,000
manufactured in the U.S. is produced in
sq. ft. of space absorbed. While the Birmingham
Birmingham. Other items manufactured in
industrial market has weathered the 1991 recession
Birmingham include fabricated metal products,
well, speculative construction has ceased. Rental
paint, apparel, electronics, chemicals, office
rates range from $2.36/sq. ft. for existing bulk
furniture, containers, paper products, truck bodies,
warehouse space to $9.00/sq. ft. for new service
plastics, processed food products, aircraft
components, machinery, aerial lift equipment, pet
center space.
food, building products and fire extinguishers.
Birmingham is a major shipper of general
commodities on the Warrior-Tombigbee River
Oxmoor
System, which is linked with the
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, providing access
The Birmingham five-county area is home to 30
north to mid-America through nearly 16,000 miles
industrial parks, including one designated as a
of inland waterways and south to the rest of the
Foreign Trade Zone. The completion of a new I-65
world through the Port of Mobile.
interchange at Lakeshore Drive has opened up
Oxmoor, a new 7,600-acre park.
Oxmoor has become the focus for a number of
projects, including the new campus for Southern
MANUFACTURING AND
Research Technologies and the Southern Research
Institute Engineering Research Center. At the
INDUSTRIAL PARKS
interchange is the Wildwood development, which
includes a major shopping center as well as State
The Birmingham area, with more than 55,000
Farm's new regional headquarters and South Trust
manufacturing jobs, continues to be one of the
Bank's new Operations Center. In Oxmoor proper,
Sunbelt's major manufacturing centers. In 1991, the
John Carroll High School has a new campus and
five-county MSA enjoyed 150 new and expanding
UAB and the City of Birmingham have plans for
industries providing 1,916 new jobs and a capital
Oxmoor Educational Development Center, an
investment of $191.8 million. In fact, the area
experimental school for grades K-4. Opening in
gained 18% of all new and expanding industries in
1992 are two of the three courses of the Robert
Alabama during 1990 as well as 11% of new jobs in
Trent Jones-designed, 54-hole public golf course,
the state. Last year the area absorbed 474,000 sq. ft.
Sunbelt Golf at Oxmoor.
of industrial building space and its 77.8 million sq.
ft. of free standing industrial buildings were 96%
Current construction includes a three-mile extension
occupied.
of Lakeshore Parkway through Oxmoor and a
36,000 sq. ft. industrial medicine clinic by Carraway
The single largest industrial investment in the area
Hospitals. Plans call for future residential, retail,
during the 1980s has come from USX Corporation's
light industrial, and distribution development.
$750 million seamless pipe mill --- a "world class"
example of state-of-the-art technology and new
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Economic Overview of Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama
have two enclosed malls, a motel and three super
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
sized stores, and has a 14-screen movie theater, one
of the largest in the South.
Exporting is an important contributor to the
Birmingham economy. More than 300 companies
Birmingham's 16-county trading area, the largest in
are involved in international trade in the
the State, was expanded with the opening of the
Birmingham MSA, while international investment in
Riverchase Galleria, a $300 million, 3.3 million sq.
the Birmingham area has grown dramatically,
ft., mixed-use retail, hotel and office project. The
stimulated by the state's new tort reform package.
largest enclosed shopping mall in the South -
International firms operating in the five-county
approaching 2 million sq. ft. of retail space the
metropolitan area are based in the U.K., Sweden,
Riverchase Galleria will incorporate seven anchor
Germany, Australia, France, Japan, Canada,
stores. Five of the anchor stores are open, including
Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Brazil, and
Alabama's first Macy's department store as well as
Venezuela. Products manufactured by these firms
McRae's, Parisian, J.C. Penney, and Rich's. Close
range from office furniture and magnetic tape
to 200 specialty stores, a large number of which are
machines to concrete and waste treatment
exclusive to the Galleria in Alabama, round out the
equipment.
retail space.
The Chamber processed more than 300 certificates
A "world-class" 330-room hotel and 240,000 sq. ft.
of origin covering more than $20 million in
office tower complete the Galleria complex
Birmingham-manufactured products exported in
presently. Three free-standing restaurants and a
1991; however, this represents only a fraction of the
10-plex theater have opened and additional
value of goods and services exported by Birmingham
buildings are planned. Eight stores in the mall lead
area firms. Also, The Chamber sponsored trade
their organizations in sales. Average square foot
missions to Australia in 1990, Great Britain in 1991
sales exceed $300, making the Galleria one of the
and is cosponsoring a mission to Latin America in
most successful retail complexes in the Southeast. It
1992.
averages 300,000 shoppers per week drawing from
throughout Alabama, Eastern Mississippi, Western
The Birmingham Airport Industrial Park is a
Georgia, Southern Tennessee and the Florida
designated Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ), which
panhandle.
creates a major attraction for foreign investment in
the Birmingham marketplace. The FTZ has been
Snapshot:
expanded into a warehouse complex in the Central
December Year-to-Date Sales Over Previous Year
Business District and will be expanded to Port
MSA Store Composite
Birmingham on the Warrior River when required.
Birmingham is also a Port of Entry and has its own
1985 7.2% increase
U.S. Customs Office and a regional office of the
1986 18.7% increase
International Trade Administration's U.S. Foreign
1987 19.2% increase
and Commercial Service.
1988 1.3% decrease
1989 8.7% increase
1990 19.1% increase
1991 3.5% increase
RETAIL AND WHOLESALE
As a percentage of total employment, Birmingham's
Retailing is a major economic force in the area.
concentration of jobs in wholesale trade is third only
Birmingham's Central Business District is
to Atlanta and Miami among major Southeastern
surrounded by more than 48 shopping centers of
metro areas. Birmingham serves as the wholesale
100,000 square feet or larger, totaling more than 11
trade center for retailers throughout Alabama and
million sq. ft. of space. Nine major centers have
parts of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and
opened since 1986, including those opened in 1990:
Mississippi. Special trade shows held at the
Inverness Corners Shopping Center (230,000 sq. ft.),
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center bring in
Flintridge Centre (435,000 sq. ft.) and the Wildwood
thousands of visitors. The Civic Center completed
a
development at the entrance to Oxmoor. The
1 million sq. ft. expansion in 1992.
377-acre Wildwood development is projected to
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Economic Overview of Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama
OFFICE DEVELOPMENT
hotels came to Birmingham with the Rime Garden
Inn in mid-1985, followed by the Residence Inn and
the Sterling Suites. The Wynfrey Hotel, flagship
Between 1985 and 1988 four million square feet of
hotel of the new Wynfrey hotel chain, opened in
space was added to the MSA's office space
January 1986 as part of the $300 million Riverchase
inventory, which currently totals more than 13
Galleria office-mall-hotel complex. Both the
million square feet. With first quarter 1992
Wynfrey and the Tutwiler are Mobil Travel Guide
occupancy rates at 76% downtown and 82% in the
Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond Award
suburbs (80.3% overall), construction of new office
winners.
buildings has slowed. First-class downtown office
space tends to be occupied fairly rapidly. This holds
The just-completed $140 million expansion of the
true even for older buildings that are renovated to
first-class standards. Rental rates range from $5.50
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center complex now
includes a 771 room Sheraton Hotel, by far the
to $18.00/sq.ft. area wide, with first class downtown
largest in the state, which will serve as the
office space renting for $14.00 to $18.00/sq. ft.
cornerstone for attracting larger conventions and
A booming area is midtown, where the first phase of
meetings. The expansion of the complex also
includes the world's first Medical Forum, a new
the $104 million Kirklin Clinic has just been
completed, along with an 1,450-car parking deck
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, new meeting rooms
and 364,000 sq. ft. of space in the Exhibition Hall.
above 18,000 sq. ft. of retail space. Central Bank
has purchased the nearby 20-story Daniel Building
A new parking deck holds 1,150 cars. This
construction is in addition to the existing 19,000-seat
for its new headquarters, having sold its old building
coliseum, 3,000-seat concert hall and 1,000-seat
to UAB for use as administrative offices.
theater.
In the suburbs, a small amount of just-completed
The construction of a 54-hole public golf course
construction includes the Urban Center at Liberty
designed by Robert Trent Jones in the Oxmoor
Park, RiverPoint Corporate Center, a second
building for the Concourse at Riverchase, and the
Valley should prove a magnet for golfing
enthusiasts, as well as an additional amenity for
first building for Grandview Office Park.
retirees. Scheduled to open in 1992, Sunbelt Golf at
Oxmoor is just off I-65 on Lakeshore Parkway.
The Birmingham area is the home of the "office
park" concept. Mountain Brook Office Park began
this nation-wide trend in the late 1950's. Today
more than ten office parks are located here, and the
original park still enjoys near-full occupancy.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
An increase in multi-family housing --- especially
rental apartments started in 1986. Most of the
large multi-family rental development were
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
concentrated south of Birmingham along the U.S.
Highway 280 and U.S. Highway 31 corridors.
The Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors
Major hirings by employers headquartered in these
areas have helped speed absorption of the units.
Bureau reports 9,813 hotel rooms in the metro area,
Rental rates for a two-bedroom, two-bath
with a 63% average occupancy rate and average
double room rate of $51.36. Tourism employs
apartment range from $450 to $550 a month.
21,712 people, up 2.3% from 1990, and tourists
spend an estimated $710.75 million, up 6.6% from
Snapshot:
Multi-Family Unit Construction by Year
1990.
1986
1,522
1987
1,754
Hotel construction in the 1980s saw the revival of
1988...2,282
the elegant, intimate downtown hotel with the
openings of the 150-room Tutwiler Hotel, renovated
1989...1,109
for $15 million, and 63-room Pickwick Place, $5
1990 1,036
1991
562
million; both opened in December 1986. All-suite
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Economic Overview of Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama
The single-family housing market has remained very
the top 35 public institutions of higher education in
healthy, ignoring the problems plaguing other
the nation for the amount of federal research funds
regions. At $110,436, the average sales price of a
it receives, topping $110 million annually in current
home for December 1991 was 14% above December
grants and contracts for 1991. UAB is one of seven
1990. The April 6, 1992, edition of U.S. New 5 and
federally designated Centers for AIDS Research.
World Report ranked Birmingham as one of the top
More than $120 million in new construction -- not
25 cities where homeowners will fare best, projecting
including the next phase of the Kirklin Clinic -- is
a 5.2% increase in the value of an existing home
underway or planned on UAB's 70-block campus.
during 1992. The article also ranked Birmingham as
the fifteenth most affordable real estate market.
Birmingham-Southern College, a small liberal arts
institution, has been cited by numerous publications
In addition, an active program to recruit retirees has
(U.S. News and World Report, Changing Times and
begun to capitalize on Birmingham's attractiveness
The New York Times among them) as the best
as an alternative to retirement in Florida. A number
among southern liberal arts colleges and as one of
of retirement communities have been built in the last
the "best buys" in higher education. Samford
decade, including the newest, Galleria Woods, which
University, Alabama's largest independent college,
was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of
open in 1992.
32 "rising stars of American higher education."
USA Today tapped Samford as one of 182 most
selective universities in America.
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The five-county Birmingham area contains 18 public
school systems incorporating 307 public schools
CONSTRUCTION
along with 54 private and denominational schools
with a combined enrollment of more than 150,000.
Construction is concentrated in several pockets:
Additionally there are six universities and colleges,
downtown, UAB, US Highway 280 corridor, US
seven junior colleges and eight degree granting
Highway 31 corridor and I-459. Construction has
technical schools. Two law schools and the UAB
included massive interstate widening projects,
medical, dental, nursing and other specialized
multiple mixed-use developments, both downtown
training schools round out the area's educational
and in the suburbs, and health care projects.
opportunities. The Birmingham Public Library
System is the largest in the Southeast, with more
Snapshot:
than 3 million volumes and 38 branches.
Completed Construction by Year
Located in downtown Birmingham is the Alabama
1984 $374.5 million
School of Fine Arts, the nation's only
1985 $304.9 million
state-supported secondary school for students with
1986 $657.1 million
special artistic gifts. The School supplies more ballet
1987 $475.1 million
dancers to the American Ballet Theatre than any
1988 $521.0 million
other school in the world. Construction of a new,
1989 $919.8 million
$17 million, downtown campus is underway. The
1990 $787.8 million
school has expanded to include a math and science
1991
$699.7 million
component for the state's outstanding high school
students. The Shades Valley Learning Center high
Currently underway is the $125 million expansion of
school began offering the International
the Birmingham Airport. Just completed is the $140
Baccalaureate Diploma in the 1991-92 school year.
million expansion of the Birmingham-Jefferson
Civic Center and the $50 million first phase of the
With a total annual budget of $750 million and
planned $104 million Kirklin Clinic, which was
16,784 students, the University of Alabama at
designed by I. M. Pei. UAB has $120 million in
Birmingham (UAB) offers 167 undergraduate and
current construction projects.
graduate degree programs. It ranks consistently in
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Economic Overview of Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama
QUALITY OF LIFE
and is just minutes from downtown. A morning's
drive reaches sugar-white Gulf beaches or mountain
skiing.
The Robert Trent Jones 54-hole public golf course
nearing completion is but one of many elements
making the Birmingham metropolitan area an
outstanding place to call home. Contributing to
SUMMARY
both the economy and area's lifestyle are the
pari-mutual wagering at the Birmingham Race
Since 1970, Birmingham's economic base has
Course, the Birmingham Barons AA Southern
League baseball club, the WLAF Birmingham Fire,
broadly diversified to embrace health care, research,
and outstanding collegiate sports including the
engineering, construction, distribution, data
Southeastern Conference's championship football
processing, finance, retail and wholesale trade, and
communications companies which have greatly
game.
strengthened the economy. At the same time, the
area continues to be one of the Sunbelt's leading
A 1992 study revealed that the arts contribute $30.2
million to the economy and provide 1,060 jobs. This
manufacturing centers. Airport improvements and
study did not include Birmingham's latest hit event,
increasing airline service make the area more easily
accessible, resulting in much lower air fares than
City Stages, which brings more than 100,000 people
found at many major cities. The Birmingham area
downtown to enjoy three days of nonstop music
has enjoyed consistent growth since 1984 and fared
each June.
much better than most of the nation during the 1991
recession. With the completion of the $125 million
Excellent museums, live theater, the Alabama
Symphony and Ballet, and numerous lakes for water
airport expansion, the $140 million Civic Center
sports further enhance entertainment opportunities.
expansion, and the $104 million Kirklin Clinic,
The largest state park, Oak Mountain, contains a
metropolitan Birmingham will move to the nation's
forefront in health care, medical education and as an
public golf course, beach and elevated nature trail
affordable and desirable place to live.
June 1992
For More Information Please Contact:
Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 10127
Birmingham, Alabama 35202
(205) 323-5461
Copyright 1992 Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce
No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the Birmingham Area
Chamber of Commerce.
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AN INTRODUCTION To
THE MAGIC CITY
The magic of Metropolitan
Birmingham. It's a sunset that turns
our glass skyscrapers burnt orange.
It's taking a winding car ride up the
slope of Red Mountain and watching
the city lights twinkle like stars
fallen to earth.
he magic of Metropolitan
Birmingham. It's a sunset
T
that turns our glass
skyscrapers burnt orange.
It's taking a winding car
ride up the slope of Red
Mountain and watching
the city lights twinkle like
stars fallen to earth. It's our downtown
office workers, sneaker-shod on their
lunch hour and walking past the
government buildings, magnolia trees, and
fountain in Linn Park. It's a bicycle
resting on a green, suburban lawn or a
child's chalk drawing washed from the
pavement by one of the late-afternoon
thundershowers that bring relief from
summer heat and a jewel-like sheen to our
city streets.
Birmingham is full of such magical
moments.
Birmingham and magic - to those who
Birmingham's diversified, progressive business
have come to know our metropolitan area,
environment is evident in the city's booming
the two words go hand in hand. This word
skyline.
association dates from the city's earliest
days, when Birmingham became known as
the Magic City - because it grew
Most Livable City Award program for the
culture and the arts.
city's promotion of minority business
The arts are indeed vibrant here.
overnight, like magic.
growth. In the past six years, Birmingham
Theatre. Ballet. The Alabama Symphony.
We've gained plenty of other proud
has been recognized four times for city
Concerts of all descriptions. Art galleries.
nicknames over the years. Again in 1991
programs. In 1989, the city was voted the
A first-class art museum undergoing a $17
the U.S. Conference of Mayors named
Most Livable based on its commitment to
million expansion. Architecture, including
Birmingham one of the finalists in its
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a new health care clinic designed by the
Research and Development Park); a
world-renowned I.M. Pei. A yearly
transportation hub (a $125 million
festival, City Stages, brings 150,000
expansion is underway at the Birmingham
people downtown for a three-day
Airport); retail that is upscale, downscale,
celebration of music, heritage, and culture.
and all around the scale; a hospitality
And that just scratches the surface. This
industry that is the epitome of Southern
belief that the good life includes making
graciousness and modern business
time and space for arts and culture is a big
convenience (the newly-expanded Bir-
part of what makes Birmingham a
mingham-Jefferson Civic Center includes
wonderful place to live and work.
the 10-story Medical Forum, a medical
Our diversified, progressive business
product mart, and a 771-room convention
environment makes the magic possible. In
hotel); and a banking/financial sector that
Birmingham you'll find technologically-
is home to Alabama's largest financial
advanced manufacturing (USX operates its
institutions and several nationally-known
only fully-integrated steel mill at Fairfield
insurance companies.
Works); some of the nation's finest health
Easily as exciting is the roar of the
care facilities (employing 11 percent of
crowd at one of our many top-flight
the area's total workers); a profitable
athletic contests. Birmingham is a
home for high tech (a public/private
sports-mad town: college athletics,
initiative is developing the Oxmoor Valley
professional sports - we follow our
teams with an almost-religious fervor.
who are going to grow into productive
Birmingham offers its residents surprising
That's the sort of roster of economic
members of our work force of the future.
diversity, from the urban bustle of downtown
strength you might expect in a major
Because of such initiative, the future is
to peaceful, wooded suburbs.
The city's
metropolitan area, the 46th largest MSA
full of promise in the Birmingham
architecture is equally diverse, including
in the nation. But the Birmingham area
metropolitan area. And the present is
carefully preserved historic facades with
has more than numbers going for it. There
particularly pleasing.
ornate detail.
is a can-do spirit of entrepreneurship alive
Come with us as we tour metro
in the green hills and valleys we call
Birmingham in the following pages; as we
home. And it's infectious.
view a city with exciting nightlife and
It's easy to catch the spirit. Even before
great restaurants, wonderful neighbor-
the nation's policy makers and business
hoods for raising children, and an easy
leaders began focusing their attention on
pace of life that lets you know the joys of
the state of the U.S. education system,
family. There are places to picnic in a
Birmingham's leaders were developing
green city park or cheer on college or
programs to make the business community
professional sports teams in a stadium full
a partner in progress with area teachers
of people. There are places to fish in a
and students. There are exciting things
blue lake or see the sun rise over a
happening: Adopt-A-School programs,
mountain top. There's a place for you.
Business/Education Partnerships, parents
who care, teachers who care, and students
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ere, in Birmingham,
leader in finance, medicine,
are all the ingredi-
biomedical research, insurance,
H
ents necessary to
engineering, and transportation.
produce steel: iron
Birmingham is also a leading
ore (the "red" in
wholesale and retail trade center,
Red Mountain),
attracting customers from a
coal, limestone, and
multi-state area.
water, all in abun-
Just as Birmingham has had to
dance. When crews discovered the
slowly shake off its image as a
profusion of these elements at the
one-industry town, so has it had to
intersection of two rail lines just
outgrow its image as a racially
after the Civil War, the formation of
divided city. Once the scene of
the city of Birmingham was
major conflicts during the civil
inevitable. A happy accident of
rights movement, the city is now
nature and com-
seen as a model
merce.
The
of racial coopera-
Named for
tion. A Civil
Great Britain's
HISTORY
Rights Museum,
steel making cen-
to be located
ter, Birmingham
near the city's
was officially in-
downtown statue
Of Birmingham
corporated on De-
of Dr. Martin
cember 19, 1871.
Luther King, Jr.,
Despite some rocky early years -
will help future generations learn
due to both disease and economics
from the turmoil of the past.
- work proceeded on the foundries,
houses, and businesses of early
Birmingham.
Steel was first produced in 1895,
leading the way for Birmingham to
become the manufacturing center of
the South. Within a decade and a
half, the population soared (like
magic) from about 30,000 to more
than 120,000, with steelmaking
forming the backbone of the city's
economy.
Birmingham's prosperity contin-
ued unabated until the Great
Depression, which sent the
manufacturing economy into a
dramatic tailspin. Despite a strong
recovery during the Second World
War, city leaders realized that
placing the city's fortunes on a
single industry was a dangerous
practice. They instituted a campaign
to diversify the Birmingham
economy. An energetic drive was
launched to recruit varied busi-
nesses and industries. This strategy
Once a thriving mill at the edge of
has been a tremendous success.
downtown, Sloss Furnaces has been
Although steel continues to be an
important part of Birmingham's
transformed into a lively Birmingham
economic mix, today the city is a
landmark which hosts a variety of special
events.
7
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BUSINESS
BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN
AREA LARGEST EMPLOYERS
1. University of Alabama at Birmingham
2. U.S. Government
3. City of Birmingham
4. State of Alabama
et's dispense with the
- one of the South's leading publishing
5. Alabama Power Company
steeltown stereotypes
centers;
6. Baptist Medical Centers
L
right off the bat. In
- a national and international
7. South Central Bell
distribution center;
8. BellSouth Services
Birmingham you'll find a
- a major destination for conventions
9. Jefferson County Board of Education
New Economy for the
10. Jefferson County Government
New South - manufac-
and meetings.
11. AmSouth Bank
turing, high-tech, health
If that's not enough diversity for you,
12. American Cast Iron Pipe Company
care, and service indus-
consider this: Birmingham has assumed a
13. USX
tries - that makes the Birmingham
role as a major cultural center, with the
14. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama
15. SouthTrust Bank
metropolitan area a profitable place to do
arts pouring some $9.2 million annually
16. Drummond Company
business.
into the area economy. Tourism also is
17. Carraway Methodist Medical Center
Birmingham is:
big business in Birmingham.
18. Bruno's
- one of the country's leading medical
Just as the blending of minerals
19. Rust International
produces tempered steel, so does the
20. Stockham Valves & Fittings
treatment and research centers;
- home to more high tech companies
blending of Birmingham's assortment of
21. Pemco Aeroplex
22. St. Vincent's Hospital
than any other Alabama city, and more
businesses produce a community stronger
23. Southern Company Services
engineers than any other Southeastern
than its many elements, an alloy for
24. AMI Brookwood Medical Center
city;
success.
25. Wal-Mart
- Alabama's largest retail trade center;
MANUFACTURING AND
INDUSTRY
LEADING MANUFACTURING EMPLOYERS IN THE BIRMINGHAM AREA
USX (formerly U. S. Steel), operates a $750 million seamless pipe mill, and has just
Ithough Birmingham is
completed a $200 million continuous slab caster. The company employs 2,200 people
here. Its Fairfield Works is the only fully integrated steel mill that USX operates in the
A
quickly gaining a
reputation as a major
nation.
service-sector city,
The American Cast Iron Pipe Company, U.S. Pipe and Foundry Company (a
manufacturing remains
division of the Jim Walter Corporation), and McWane Cast Iron Pipe Company
a vital component in
produce about 55 percent of the cast iron pipe manufactured in the United States each
the city's overall
year. Vulcan Materials Company is one of the world's largest chemical and aggregate
success formula. Today
in Birmingham more than 1,700
producers, with net earnings in excess of $130 million per year.
Pernco Aeroplex is the largest independently owned aircraft maintenance and
manufacturing firms provide jobs for
modification center in the U.S.
57,000 people. With nearly half of the
Amerex is the world's largest manufacturer of fire extinguishers.
Fortune 500's leading industrial
corporations having area operations,
Birmingham continues its role as the
primary industrial center of the Southeast
- now and in the future.
Here are a few reasons why:
Diversity: items manufactured in the area
include steel, iron, finished metal
products, paint, apparel, electronics,
chemicals, office furniture, containers,
paper products, truck bodies, plastics,
processed food, aircraft components,
machinery, aerial lift equipment, building
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products, and fire extinguishers;
Labor Availability: the Birmingham MSA
contains 23 percent of the state's
population;
Raw Materials: from metals to fabrics to
foods, the necessary bulk goods and
commodities are readily available;
Training and Educational Development:
HEALTH CARE AND
the area's schools, colleges, and
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
universities provide complete training
programs - - vocational/technical to
ealth care, medicine,
professional;
Transportation and Distribution: located in
the heart of the Southeast, Birmingham
H
and medical research
play a major role in
Birmingham's econ-
features a complete transportation and
omy. No matter where
distribution network utilizing air, rail,
you are in the Greater
highway, and water to create a hub;
Birmingham area, you
International Trade: more than 300
are just minutes away
companies are currently involved in
from a quality hospital or clinic.
international trade. The area offers a
Home to 21 hospitals with a combined
Foreign-Trade Zone, a U.S. Customs
total of 6,726 beds - to say nothing of
Office and Port of Entry, and a regional
research and development firms -
U.S. Foreign and Commercial Service
Birmingham has become an internation-
office.
ally renowned medical center, providing
both comprehensive treatment and
innovative research in everything from
cardiac surgery to kidney transplants, from
cancer care to pediatric burn trauma
treatment. Some 11.6 percent of
Birmingham workers. have jobs related to
medicine and health care.
Throughout Birmingham the
commitment to excellence in medical
treatment and research has brought
physicians and scientists from around the
world to study and to teach, making
Birmingham a "world class" medical city.
USX contributes to Birmingham's role as
the primary industrial center of the Southeast.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
provides a comprehensive liberal arts,
sciences, and pre-professional curriculum for
its 15,500 students.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
As the area's largest employer, UAB provides jobs for some 13,765 faculty and staff members, and has a total budget of of $633
million. UAB, located on 64 blocks of the city's Southside, is one of the country's leading medical schools. It is, also, one
America's foremost biomedical research centers: In 1989, UAB ranked 34th in the nation in federal grants and contracts awarded (the
dollar amount topped $105 million) for advanced research on everything from cancer to nutrition to vision sciences. UAB's
Comprehensive Cancer Center has been ranked first in the nation in research and education by the National Institutes of Health.
Currently under construction is the $103.5 million Kirklin Clinic, designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei. The building
will house UAB doctors in a superclinic that will be a stunning addition to the cityscape.
11
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RESEARCH
omplementing the ef-
C
forts of Birmingham's
health care institutions
is Southern Research
Institute, the largest
nonprofit independent
research laboratory in
the Southeast. With 605
total employees, SRI's research staff has
received national recognition for AIDS and
OTHER SERVICE
Other major insurers, service
cancer research. In fact, four of the 30
companies, and utilities in the
INDUSTRIES
Birmingham area include Energen,
most common cancer-fighting drugs used
Alagasco, Sonat, Torchmark, and
today were developed at SRI, more than at
uring the past decade,
Protective Life.
any other research facility in the world.
Advancement of Developing Industries
D
employment in fields
Some 34 magazines, as well as
Birmingham is also strong in other high
such as engineering,
company and trade publications, are
tech fields. The Office for the
data processing, pub-
produced in Birmingham. Southern
lishing, and telecommu-
Progress Corporation is the largest of
(OADI) at UAB is a high-tech business
nications has grown by
the area's publishing companies,
incubator facility. To help foster the
nearly 50 percent,
(Southern Living, Cooking Light, Oxmoor
creation of even more such firms,
making the service-
House books), and is a subsidiary of
Birmingham is currently developing the
sector the fastest growing of any in the
Time-Warner Inc. Vulcan Publications
7,500-acre Oxmoor research park. A new
area.
is a major trade publisher, and one aspect
Southern Research Institute Engineering
An estimated 10,000 engineers work in
of the diversified Ebsco Industries is a
Research Center at the park is expected to
the Birmingham MSA, - more than in
serve as the anchor in this R&D corridor.
large subscription fulfillment operation.
any city this side of Houston - at such
Stevens Graphics/ Oxmoor, a subsidiary
Finally, the Magic City has gained an
major firms as Rust International
of BellSouth Corporation, is the second
international reputation in ground breaking
Corporation, Harbert International,
largest publisher of Yellow Pages in the
medical research. Among the 25
BE&K, Southern Company Services,
U.S. And the afternoon daily newspaper,
designated research centers at UAB are the
and Alabama Power.
The Birmingham News, won a Pulitzer
Center for Geographic Medicine, Lister
Birmingham is home to South Central
Prize last year for editorial writing.
Hill Center for Health Policy, and the
Bell's corporate headquarters, as well as
Center for AIDS Research. Aside from
BellSouth Services, which provides
UAB, other area hospitals also are active
engineering, data processing, marketing,
in medical research.
human resources, and engineering support
in BellSouth Corporation's nine-state
service area.
TOP DISCOVERIES AT SRI
- The development of nine clinically evaluated cancer fighting drugs, including four commercial drugs.
- The identification of carbovir, developed by Dr. Robert Vance at the University of Minnesota, that is active against the AIDS virus.
- An Intraoral Fluoride Releasing Device (IFRD), a pea-sized device implanted in the mouth which releases cavity-fighting fluoride
on a continuous basis.
- A corn-based pesticide that is proving effective in combating fire ants.
- A fiber optic guided missile (FOG-M) system.
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RETAIL
n and around Birmingham are 48
I
malls and shopping centers of
100,000 square feet or more,
totalling 11.5 million square feet
of retail space and registering 25
percent of Alabama's retail sales.
The crown jewel is the
Riverchase Galleria, a 140-acre
retail/hotel/office complex featuring 3.3
million square feet of total space. The
Galleria, which attracts some 300,000
shoppers per week, is the largest enclosed
mall in the South and boasts the longest
skylight in the Western Hemisphere. Other
malls in the Birmingham area have been
renovated, including Eastwood, Western
Hills, Brookwood Village, and Century
Plaza. In addition, strip shopping centers
have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in
the area.
The Riverchase Galleria is the largest enclosed mall in the South and boasts the
longest skylight in the Western Hemisphere.
HOUSING
he Birmingham metro-
HOUSING COSTS -
II
politan area combines
the luxuries and advan-
PERCENT OF THE
tages of a major urban
NATIONAL AVERAGE
setting with the values
and pleasures of small
Birmingham
97.7
town life. From new
Charlotte
101
homes to renovated
Atlanta
101.4
bungalows, from apartments to
Orlando
107.5
condominiums, Birmingham offers a wide
range of options when choosing a place to
Richmond
117
call home.
Miami
120.7
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CONSTRUCTION
Completed Construction
BIRMINGHAM AS A
1984 $374.5 million
1985 $304.9 million
HAVEN FOR RETIREES
1986 $675.1 million
1987 $475.1 million
With its many lifestyle advantages and
1988 $521.0 million
amenities, Birmingham has recently come to
1989 $919.8 million
be recognized as an outstanding senior's and
retiree's community.
1990 $273.1 million
- The city is home to more than 20
retirement communities.
TRANSPORTATION
- More than 200,000 Birmingham
residents are age 55 and over.
ounded at the intersection
- Birmingham is home to 65 agencies
providing special services to seniors.
H
of two rail lines,
Birmingham has, since its
- The year-round climate is more
earliest days, served as an
moderate than Florida and Arizona.
important national and
- The surrounding countryside is not
only beautiful, but offers a host of
international distribution
recreational opportunities, including parks,
center.
lakes, museums, golf courses, gardens, and
historic sites.
Air
- Health care is superb at the area's 21
The Birmingham Airport is Alabama's
hospitals. What's more, the cost of health
primary airport, accounting for
care is 6.2 percent below the national
approximately 52 percent - more than
average.
two million passengers per year - of the
- The cost of living is low, housing costs
state's total air passenger service.
are well below the national average, the
Commercial service is provided by 10
crime rate is low, and the pace of life is
relaxed.
airlines (American, Comair, Delta,
- Shopping is convenient and abundant.
L'Express, Northwest, Southwest, TW
- Area churches serve all denominations.
Express, United Express, United, USAir),
- The area's outstanding schools and
and direct service is available to more
colleges provide a number of educational
than 50 cities with 70 daily departures.
opportunities for seniors.
Daily air freight service is offered to most
major American cities. The $125 million
expansion underway at the airport includes
additional gates, parking, a new two-level
access road, a 32-acre site for an air cargo
facility featuring a 67,500-square-foot
building, and runway additions, among
other improvements.
companies operate terminals here.
service is provided by the Birmingham-
Water
Rail
Jefferson Transit Authority's Metro Area
Located on the Warrior-Tombigbee River
Three major railroads serve the
Express (MAX). Downtown shuttle
System - which feeds into the
Birmingham metropolitan area: CSX,
service is provided by a minibus system
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway linking
Norfolk Southern, and Burlington
(DART), which operates trolley-like
the Gulf of Mexico with the nation's
Northern. The area is also served by one
vehicles between the Civic Center and
mid-section Metropolitan Birmingham
of the largest local rail lines in the nation
Southside.
has access to more than 16,000 miles of
- the Birmingham Southern Railroad -
inland waterways. Birmingham is linked
which has led to the creation of a "rail
with the International Port of Mobile,
district" in which any industrial site can
through which international markets can
be served by any or all major rail lines
easily be reached.
Birmingham has, since its very inception,
without extra charge to the shipper. In
addition, daily passenger service to New
served as an important regional
Road
Orleans and New York is provided by
transportation hub.
Birmingham lies at the intersection of
Interstates 65, 20, 59, and 459, and a
Amtrak, with new daily service to Mobile.
number of major U.S. highways, offering
Bus
easy access to major cities throughout the
The Birmingham area is served by
South and the nation. Some 100 trucking
Greyhound, a national carrier. Local bus
25
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EDUCATION
rom kindergarten through
For those parents desiring a private,
arts and sciences, nursing, and music, and
F
post-graduate and profes-
parochial, or denominational school,
has recently been included on lists of the
sional school, educational
Birmingham offers a number of excellent
nation's top liberal arts colleges compiled
opportunities abound in
options. More than 54 private and
by The New York Times, Changing Times,
the Birmingham area.
denominational schools operate in the
U.S. News and World Report, and the
Along with 307 public
Birmingham area.
National Review College Guide. The
schools, institutions of
Colleges and Universities:
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement
higher education provide
The Birmingham Metropolitan Area is
of Education ranked the school as a
a wide range of educational opportunities
home to a number of institutions of higher
liberal arts college of the highest caliber.
for residents of the Birmingham MSA.
education. They include:
(226-4600)
The five-county metropolitan area
Birmingham School of Law, now in
Miles College is a C.M.E. liberal arts
contains 17 major school systems (K-12)
its 76th year, holds night classes leading
college with approximately 500 students,
with a combined enrollment in excess of
to the Juris Doctor degree. Classes meet
offering many courses of study including
150,000 students. The Alabama School of
in the Jefferson County courthouse.
business administration, communications,
Fine Arts, the nation's only
Enrollment is about 300. (322-6122)
and the Black Living Artist Series.
state-supported secondary school for
Birmingham-Southern College, a
(923-2771)
students with special artistic talents, is
Methodist liberal arts college with an
Samford University, Alabama's
also located here.
enrollment of 1,900, offers degrees in the
largest private university with an
29
It's no surprise that Birmingham is known
by many as "The Football Capital of the
South."
SPORTS
8-23-92 Jacksonville SCINS
irmingham's nickname,
Field also hosts the collegiate gridiron
B
"The Football Capital of
action of the University of Alabama's
the South," doesn't go
Crimson Tide and the Magic City Classic,
far enough. For even
the annual clash between Alabama State
though/football is widely
and Alabama A&M. Samford University
loved in Birmingham, so
hosts Division I AA football at Siebert
are baseball, basketball,
Stadium, while UAB plays Division III
and other sports in this
collegiate football at Legion Field.
athletics-mad city. Headquarters for the
Professional baseball is played at
/game
Southeastern Conference, as well as the
Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, home of
Gulf South Conference, Birmingham will
the Birmingham Barons, the AA Southern
off
host the SEC's new football
sunt
League affiliate of the Chicago White
championship game at Legion Field
Sox. Through 79 seasons of play, the
the
beginning this year.
Jap
Barons have provided a wealth of talent
lead
Legion Field, an 84,000-seat stadium, is
- including Willie Mays - to the big
also home to the World League of
leagues, and are seeking AAA status.
American Football's Birmingham Fire.
In Birmingham, bas ketball has become
behind
The Fire meets teams from cities such as
one of the more popular spectator sports.
Birmingham residents reveal a true spirit
Montreal, Barcelona, and London each
The city has a pro team the Bendits of
chattan
of competition.
spring in this international league. Legion
the Continental Basketball Association,
ootA
100/60ts
33
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the official developmental league for the
NBA, playing their games in Bill Harris
Arena. The University of Alabama at
Birmingham Blazers, led by Coach Gene
Bartow, play at UAB Arena and the
BJCC. Other college basketball teams in
the area include Samford University,
Birmingham-Southern College (1989
NAIA champs), Walker State Junior
College, The University of Montevallo,
Jefferson State Junior College, and Miles
College. These schools also feature
several of the best collegiate baseball
teams in the region.
And finally, the Diehard 500 and
Winston 500 are held at the nearby
Talladega Motor Speedway.
Whether its WLAF football or PGA golf
action (above), Birmingham's sports-mad
citizens have plenty of events to keep them
occupied - as spectators or players - all
year long.
POINTS OF INTEREST
PLACES To SEE
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
The Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham Botanical
Museum
The Birmingham Zoo is home to nearly
Gardens
ith a new home in the
1,000 mammals, birds, and reptiles
occupying 100 shady acres. The Predator
Flowers and foliage from around the
W
expanded Civic Center,
House shelters the big cats.
world fill the 67 acres of the Birmingham
the Alabama Sports Hall
Monkey Island features a collection of
Botanical Gardens. The grounds include 22
of Fame is a great place
Spider Monkeys. The newly-opened Social
garden areas, the Camellia House, Desert
to stand in awe of the
Animals Building is the latest example of a
House, and the climate-controlled glass
state's sports heroes,
leading-edge ZOO concept that groups
"clear-span" conservatory, the largest of its
from Bear Bryant and Willie Mays to Joe
animals in exhibits according to lifestyle
kind in the Southeast, which houses rare and
characteristics rather than species.
delicate plants from every climate. The
Lewis. (323-6665)
There's even a miniature train - the
Garden Center features a restaurant and
"Magic City Express." The Birmingham Zoo
pedestrian bridge from which to view the
is open daily. (879-0408)
splendors of the gardens.
Tranquil Japanese Gardens, modeled after
Old World Japan, cover 7-1/2 acres of the
site. The Gardens' Bonsai tree collection is
of national repute.
The Botanical Gardens are open every day
of the year, from dawn until dusk.
(879-1227)
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Birmingham Museum of Art
The exhibit building is the home of one of
to regard Sloss as another place to enjoy
the largest fossil collections in the Southeast,
Birmingham's performing arts.
From its inauspicious beginnings 38 years
and live pictures of the sun can be seen daily
Sloss is alive not making iron
ago as a small gallery in City Hall, the
(weather permitting, of course) via the
anymore, but still making magic. (324-1911)
Birmingham Museum of Art has grown into
museum's solar telescope, the only such
the largest municipally supported museum in
public telescope in the country. (933-4124)
Vulcan
the South, with the most comprehensive
permanent collection in the region. The
Sloss Furnaces National
Overlooking the city of Birmingham from
BMA is undergoing a $17 million,
his pedestal atop ore-laden Red Mountain,
50,000-square-foot addition/renovation.
Historic Landmark
Vulcan - mythological god of
Included in the permanent collections are
More than a century old, Sloss Furnaces
metal-working - is the tallest iron statue
examples of Italian Renaissance art from the
once produced millions of tons of pig iron
ever cast. Designed by the famed Italian
Kress Collection. The European collection is
during its 89 years of operation. Although
sculptor Guiseppe Moretti as the city's
especially strong in 17th century Dutch and
the blast furnaces were closed down in 1971,
exhibit at the St. Louis 1904 World's Fair,
Flemish, 18th century British, and 19th
the city continues to celebrate its
century French paintings, and the American
iron-making heritage at Sloss Furnaces
collection is particularly impressive. A new
National Historic Landmark, both a museum
wing will house the $50 million Eugenia
Overlooking the city from his pedestal atop
of industry and labor, and Birmingham's
Woodward Hitt collection of 18th-century
most unique community center.
Red Mountain, Vulcan mythological god of
French art.
Since Sloss reopened its gates in 1983, the
metal-working is the tallest iron statue ever
The Museum's collection of decorative
enormous smokestacks and furnaces have
cast. The Greater Vulcan Society, a citizens'
arts has its special strength in English
become the heart of a nationally-acclaimed
ceramics. The Beeson Collection of
community gathering place. Tours,
support group, pursues a number of projects
Wedgwood porcelain contains more than
blacksmithing, and art are playing a major
on behalf of the statue and the park in which
1,400 objects and is considered to be the
role in Sloss' transformation, causing people
it is locared.
world's finest.
The Birmingham Museum of Art also
boasts the largest and most comprehensive
Oriental Art collection in the Southeast, and
its most recently formed collection is of
ritual masks and sculptures from West and
Central Africa. (254-2565)
The Discovery Place
The Discovery Place, a one-of-a-kind
museum for children, is dedicated to the
proposition that learning doesn't have to be
dull.
Exhibits combine science and technology
with the arts and humanities, allowing
visitors to explore such subjects as: anatomy
(by watching a skeleton ride a bicycle); the
mechanics of building a city (by climbing
beneath street level); occupations (by "trying
on" the career of a fireman, doctor, or
policeman); and communications (by
transmitting information with computers or
operating a television studio). The Discovery
Place is a unique hands-on learning
experience for children, teachers, parents -
everyone. Best of all, it's also a lot of fun.
(939-1176)
Red Mountain Museum
There are many good places to take a hike,
but there aren't. many where you can take a
hike that's 150 million years long.
The Geologic Walkway - or, "The Cut"
- at Red Mountain Museum is a walk back
in time, and is one of the largest such
museum exhibits in the world. A half-mile
path along the elevated walkway lets visitors
view 150 million years of Earth history.
38
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022
Vulcan was cast entirely from Birmingham
Magic City Classic, and is the home field for the
iron ore. Total weight: 60 tons.
Birmingham Fire of the World League of
At 55 feet, Vulcan is the second tallest
American Football. (251-0537.)
statue in the United States, surpassed only
HOOVER METROPOLITAN STADIUM -
by the Statue of Liberty. An observation
deck offers a spectacular view of
This new multipurpose stadium is home to the
Birmingham Barons, the Southern League
Birmingham's skyline, and the hills and
Champion Class AA farm club of the Chicago
valleys surrounding the city.
White Sox. With a total permanent seating
The torch in Vulcan's outstretched hand
capacity of 10,000 (expandable to 16,000), the
burns green unless an automobile fatality
stadium is also used for concerts, as well as
has occurred in the city that day, in which
sporting and civic events. (988-3200.)
case the torchlight burns red. In this way,
the god who made thunderbolts for Zeus
MEYER PLANETARIUM - Located on the
also serves as the world's largest traffic
Birmingham-Southern College campus, Meyer
safety reminder. (328-2863)
Planetarium is a great place to view the heavens.
(226-4770.)
ALABAMA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR
SPEEDWAY - Located 40 miles east of
OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK - Fifteen
Birmingham, the speedway is the annual home
miles south of Birmingham lies Oak Mountain
of two of NASCAR's premier stock car racing
State Park, the largest park in the Alabama park
events: the Winston 500 and the Diehard 500.
system. With 9,940 acres, Oak Mountain offers
Also nearby is the International Motor Sports
golf, tennis, skating, swimming, boating, fishing,
Hall of Fame and Museum, with racing vehicles
and hiking. A demonstration farm is a special
from 1912 to the present. (1-362-2261.)
attraction. (663-6771.)
ALABAMA STATE FAIRGROUNDS - The
OAK MOUNTAIN AMPHITHEATRE -
site of the annual State Fair held each October,
Located at Oak Mountain State Park, the
the Fairgrounds remain in use throughout the
Amphitheatre is a privately operated 5,000-seat
year. The State Fair Arena seats about 5,500 for
venue for performances by both local and
sports events and concerts, while Kiddieland
national performers. (985- 9797.0
features rides for the young and the old.
(787-2641.)
RICKWOOD CAVERNS STATE PARK - Just
north of Birmingham, explore the depths of the
ALABAMA THEATRE - A restored movie
earth in one of the area's largest caverns.
palace of the roaring '20s, its mighty Wurlitzer
(647-9692.)
organ once again provides the musical
accompaniment to nights spent enjoying vintage
RUFFNER MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER
movies, concerts, plays, and recitals in this
- Nature trails abound in this urban natural
glittering palace. (252-2262.)
area, which covers 538 acres, making it the
nation's largest "urban wilderness." (833- 8112.)
ARLINGTON ANTEBELLUM HOME AND
GARDENS - Located a few minutes from
SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT - East of
downtown, this 1850 mansion contains antique
the Birmingham Airport is a museum dedicated
furniture and period memorabilia, and is
to preserving the history of flight, complete with
surrounded by acres of fastidiously-preserved
artifacts, full-scale airplanes, World War II
period gardens. The annual Arlington Country
memorabilia, and Delta Airlines' first plane.
Fair in September attracts arts and crafts and
(833-8226.)
antique dealers as well as thousands of visitors,
while Christmas at Arlington brings the color
TANNEHILL HISTORICAL STATE PARK -
and joy of the holiday season to life. (780-5656.)
Southwest of Birmingham lies a park dedicated
to the old Tannehill Iron Works, birthplace of
DE SOTO CAVERNS - Located in nearby
Birmingham's steel industry. Boasting
Childersburg, this is the first officially recorded
America's largest collection of 19th century
cave in the United States. (378-7252.)
cabins, Tannehill Historical State Park offers a
reflection of life in Alabama during the
FIVE POINTS SOUTH - A restored dining,
mid-1800s. Open year-round. (477-5711.)
shopping, and entertainment area on
Birmingham's south side, Five Points South
offers unique restaurants, bars, a hotel, and
specialty shops. In addition, the popular
entertainment district is the site of exciting
festivals, as well as a number of other special
TOP TO BOTTOM: The beauty of the Old
events.
South lives on at Arlington Antebellum Home
LEGION FIELD - With more than 84,000
and Gardens. The glamour of the roaring '20s
seats, Legion Field is the scene of the state's
survives in the restored Alabama Theatre.
most ferocious football action. The field is the
home of University of Alabama football games,
Five Points South offers entertainment and
the annual SEC Championship Game, and the
shopping for a variety of tastes.
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CULTURE:
Making Life Worthwhile
rt, music, sports,
Preservation Week, and numerous other
A
recreation - no matter
cultural and neighborhood celebrations
what else the city may
round out the calendar, making
have to offer, without
Birmingham an ideal place to enjoy
these, life would be
diverse cultural, educational, and artistic
pretty dull. In Birming-
experiences.
ham, the arts are alive
with an energy that
FINE ARTS
inspires spectacular exhibits and great
performances in theater, dance, and music.
T
he focal point for the fine arts in
Birmingham is the outstanding
FESTIVALS
Birmingham Museum of Art,
home to many important
ach spring, the annual Festival of
permanent collections and traveling
Arts, the world's oldest
exhibitions. There are also numerous art
continuing cultural event of its
galleries in the city and many vibrant
kind, salutes a different country
traditional and avant garde groups of
- Spain in 1992 - with a complete
artists.
program of arts and educational events.
During the year-long tribute, the honored
country's culture is explored through a
DANCE
wide variety of concerts, plays, art
exhibits, lectures, and, for added fun, a
H
eading up Birmingham's impres-
sive dance repertoire is the State
three-day extravagant expo.
Also in the spring, the Birmingham
of Alabama Ballet, which
International Educational Film Festival
schedules performances through-
highlights outstanding academic and
out the year.
educational films. The event is considered
The Alabama Dance Theatre, part of the
Alabama School of Fine Arts, is the
analogous to the Academy Awards for the
educational film industry.
school Mikhail Baryshnikov often turns to
International attention turns to
for new talent.
The Birmingham Creative Dance
Birmingham every two years during Gala,
an event which honors legendary women
Company is home to two separate troupes
in a number of fields and benefits
- The Community Dancers and the
Southern Danceworks - and provides
Birmingham-Southem College's arts
dance education and community
programs.
entertainment. There are also dance
City Stages, a three-day musical and
folklife festival in downtown's Linn Park,
companies at major schools in the area.
Whether it's exploring the treasures of a
features big name stars and draws 150,000
people from throughout Alabama and
local museum, listening to the blues, or just
neighboring states.
hanging out in the summer sun, Birmingham
Oktoberfest, the Greek Food Festival,
residents know how to enjoy their leisure time.
40
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The Alabama Symphony draws enthusiastic
MUSIC
The Birmingham Chamber Music
crowds to its Pops in the Park programs on
Society features small ensembles, while
summer evenings.
usic is an important part of
the Birmingham Music Club brings the
M
the Birmingham community,
world's best musicians and cultural groups
and everything from modern
to the city. Opera aficionados will find
jazz to rock to country to
much to like in the Birmingham Opera
classical to grand opera is available to
Theatre, and there are many other local,
music lovers.
community, and collegiate music groups.
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Contemporary music lovers can enjoy a
reaches an estimated 100,000 listeners
full slate of concerts at the Civic Center,
annually through both classical and pops
which hosts jazz, rock, country, and folk
performances. The symphony boasts a
concerts. The Oak Mountain State Park
world-class conductor in Paul Polivnick,
Amphitheater features 5,000 permanent
and a sterling reputation as a top-flight
seats and an additional 3,000 "lawn seats"
regional orchestra.
for a variety of musical presentations
during the summer months. The
number of restaurants, clubs, and
THEATRE
Birmingham Heritage Band, an all-time
auditoriums around town, contemporary
favorite, keeps the city's jazz tradition
musicians are regularly featured.
hen the sun goes down,
alive, as does the Jazz Hall of Fame,
Every other year, home-bred stars are
which is building a permanent downtown
inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of
W
Birmingham's stages come
alive. Performances of every
home in the art deco Carver Theatre. In a
Fame.
variety - from serious
drama to light fare - are represented.
UAB's Town & Gown Theatre has
been entertaining local audiences for
decades with the finest drama. The
Birmingham Children's Theatre has
gained a national reputation for its plays
geared to a juvenile audience.
Birmingham Repertory Theatre is a new
professional troupe in town, while
Birmingham Festival Theatre and Terrific
New Theatre (TNT) stage exciting
dramatic offerings. Touring productions
of major Broadway shows and respected
theatre groups at area college round out
the city's live theatre scene.
Contemporary music lovers can enjoy a full
slate of concerts at the Civic Center, the Oak
Mountain State Park Amphitheater, and
scores of local clubs and bars.
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Facts of
Interest/
Numbers To
Know
LIBRARIES
irmingham's Central Library,
B
with 19 branch libraries
Metropolitan Statistical Area -
throughout the Metro Area, is the
Jefferson, St. Clair, Walker, Shelby, and
hub of the largest library system
Blount Counties
in the Southeast.
Across the street from the new Central
Land Area - 4,034 square miles (MSA)
Library is the Linn-Henley Research
Altitudes - Average: 620 feet
Library, built in 1927. Thoroughly
Range: 538 to 1,200 feet
renovated, this magnificent building now
serves as a depository for archives, rare
Latitude - 33 degrees, 28' N.
books, stamp and map collections, and
Longitude - 86 degrees, 50' W.
government documents.
Population - MSA - 907,810
Population -Birmingham - 265,968
PARKS
Climate -
ith more than 70 parks and 15
Average Annual High Temperature:
W
recreation centers, the great
72.7
outdoors is close to home.
Average Annual Low Temperature:
Offering a wide range of
51.1
recreational opportunities to Birmingham
Highest Temperature on Record: 107
residents - including tennis, golf, picnic
Lowest Temperature on Record:
Minus 10
grounds, playgrounds, and baseball and
Average Rainfall: 52.16 inches
softball complexes - the Birmingham
Average Snowfall: 2.1 inches
park system is one of the best maintained
in the country. Among the favorites: Linn
(SOURCE: National Weather Service)
Park; Lane Park, which includes
Median Household Income: MSA -
Birmingham's outstanding ZOO and
$29,700
botanical gardens; East Lake Park;
Magnolia Park; Wald Park; Ensley Park;
Median Household Effective Buying
and George Ward Park, a popular site for
Income: MSA - $20,245
summer softball.
Government: Birmingham is the County
Seat of Jefferson County. The city is
governed by a mayor/council form of
government, while Jefferson County is
governed by five commissioners. The city
of Birmingham is surrounded by 33
separately incorporated municipalities in
Jefferson County. There are 80 separate
units of local government within the
five-county Metro Area.
Emergencies: In Birmingham, dial 911.
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Pelham, Alabaster, Forestdale, Gar-
WTTO, Channel 21; WDBB, Channel 17;
WSMQ, 1450 (Classic Country)
denvale/Fultondale, Hueytown, Pleasant
and WCAJ, Channel 68.
WURL, 760 (Country)
The area is also served by several cable
WVOK, 690 (Modern Country)
Grove, Leeds, and Trussville. (Maps for
these tours are available at local city halls,
television systems: Bessemer Cable
WYDE, 850 (Christian)
Communications, Birmingham Cable
WXXR, 1340 (Country)
banks, and supermarkets).
Communications, Cable South Ca-
WZZK, 610 (Contemporary Country)
The area's newest homes are displayed
blevision, Eternal Word Television
FM Stations:
annually on the Birmingham Home
Network, Insight Cablevision, Mountain
WAPI, 94.5 (Rock)
Builders Association's Tours. The
Brook Cablevision, Inc., Primary Cable
WBFR, 89.5 (Family)
Alabama Symphony sponsors a "show
Services, Inc., and TCI Cablevision.
WBHM, 90.3 (Classical/Public)
house" tour each year of a beautifully
decorated home. Three pioneer homes,
Radio: Birmingham is served by 19 AM
WBQM, 98.5 (Bible Broadcasting
and 16 FM radio stations, presenting a
Network)
managed by the West Jefferson Historical
wide variety of programming and formats
WDJC, 93.7 (Contemporary Christian)
Society, are open year-round for tours. A
to listeners throughout the metropolitan
WENN, 107.7 (Urban Contemporary)
number of other local organizations
area.
WFFN, 92.9 (Country)
provide city tours.
AM Stations:
WGIB, 91.9 (Educational-Religious)
WHMA, 100.5 (Country)
WAGG, 1320 (Contemporary Gospel)
WJSR, 91.1 (Album-Oriented Rock)
MEDIA
WAPI, 1070 (Easy Listening)
WKXX, 106.9 (Country)
WARF, 1240 (Country)
Newspapers: Birmingham has two major
WMJJ, 96.5 (Adult Contemporary)
WATV, 900 (Contemporary Black)
daily newspapers: the Birmingham News
WRSA, 96.9 (Contemporary)
WAYE, 1220 (Contemporary Gospel)
(afternoon and Sunday) and the
WVSU, 91.1 (Jazz)
WBYE, 1370 (Country)
Birmingham Post-Herald (morning).
WZRR, 99.5 (Classic Rock)
WCRT, 1260 (Oldies)
Other daily area newspapers include the
WZZK, 104.7 (Country)
WERC, 960 (News/Talk/Sports)
Birmingham Times, Daily Home
WGTT, 1500 (Oldies)
(published in Talladega County), and the
WHMA, 1390 (Adult Contemporary)
A metal sign that stood in front of the
Daily Mountain Eagle (published in
now-demolished Terminal station welcomed
WJLD, 1400 (R&B)
Jasper). Weekly newspapers include the
visitors to Birmingham. LEFT: In the Magic
WLPH, 1480 (Gospel)
Birmingham World, the Bessemer
City, a little girl's chalk drawing can bring
WRSM, 1540 (Country)
Advertiser, the Shades Valley Sun, the
pavement to life.
Western Star, North Jefferson News,
Jefferson Advertiser, Shelby County
Reporter, the Community News, Leeds
News, St. Clair News Aegis, and Southern
Democrat. Monthly newspapers include
the Birmingham Business Journal,
Business First, and Alabama Health News.
Magazines: Birmingham magazine is
published monthly by the Birmingham
Area Chamber of Commerce. It covers the
city and the people who give Birmingham
its special character.
In all, some 38 magazines are
published in the Birmingham area, making
the Magic City a regional publishing
center. Southern Progress is the most
successful regional publisher of books
(Oxmoor House) and magazines (Southern
Living, Cooking Light, Southern Accents,
Travel South, Progressive Farmer) in the
nation, and is now a part of Time-Warner
Inc.
Television: There are six commercial
television stations in the Birmingham
area, three of which provide local feeds
from the major national networks. The
network affiliates are WBRC-TV, Channel
6 (ABC); WVTM-TV, Channel 13
(NBC); and WBMG-TV, Channel 42
(CBS). In addition, WBIQ, Channel 10, is
part of Alabama Public Television. Other,
independent commercial stations are
48
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SEDT, 1992
TIME
SPECIALS
ATTRACTIONS
The classic fairy tale, Snow
Who says there is nothing to do
White, is brought to the stage
on Sunday afternoons? Try a
by the Alabama Ballet on
Sunday stroll on either the
the 18th through 20th at the
13th, 20th or 27th from 3-4
BJCC. Performances will be
40A
p.m. at the Botanical Gar-
dens. There will be a differ-
at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and
Saturday with a 2:30 p.m.
ent theme each Sunday.
matinee on Sunday. Tickets
4/C
The old-time country comes to
are $20 and $15 for adults,
the city on the 19th during
$10 for children and $7.50
the Arlington Country Fair
for seniors.Also featured
at the historic antebellum
on the program are the
PHOTO BY BILLY BROWN
house in West End.
Spanish-flavored Paquita and
If you enjoy learning more about
George Balanchine's Allegro
the earth and its inhabitants,
visit Ruffner Mountain Na-
Brilliante.
ture Center. Activities in-
Why not cat lunch and watch
live entertainment while rais-
clude: Critters Alive on the
ing scholarship money for
5th, Ruffner's Roamers and
Alabama women in Alabama
Moonrise Journey on the
Snow White premieres
colleges. You can do that at
the Linly-Heflin Fashion
of the opening of the
Show and Luncheon at
Alabama Ballet's
Boutwell on the 24th atnoon.
season; 500 specials.
12th, and the Quarry Series
Tickets are $20 and $15.
on the 19th. Ruffner will also
The Birmingham Music
Hunt down some great buys at
Deaf Awareness Week starts
be having a Fall Festival on
Club's season opens
the Flea Market being held
the 26th from 11 a.m. to 8:30
with the first U.S.
the 13th with Open Houses
at the Alabama State Fair-
at the Alabama Relay Center,
p.m. Call 833-8112 for reser-
grounds on the 5th from 7
appearance of the
vations and information
Independent Living Center,
a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info
Incomparable Red
Eat and dance at the Zoobilee
AIDS and Vocational Rehab
call 786-3532.
stars, Russian dancers,
Services through the 16th.
while helping the Birming-
ham Zoo raise the money
musicians and soloists;
f you plan to spend this Labor
see music.
Day shopping, there will be
to fund the acquisition and
strolling entertainment in the
housing of four to six en-
Riverchase Galleria from 2-4
dangered cheetas. "Gator
Gavotte," the fourth annual
p.m. in the Grande Atrium.
black-tie fund raiser, is Sept.
There will be students laughing
in spite of the tuition bills
19 from 7 p.m. until mid-
they receive this month be-
night. Zoobilee tickets are
cause the UAB Comedy Se-
$100 per person or $1,500
for ten corporate sponsor-
ries begins this month. The
ship tickets. For more infor-
40B
series will feature Don Reese
mation call, 870-0458.
on the 22nd at Hill Audito-
Discover "Columbus and the
rium, Carrot Top on the 29th
4/C
Stars" at BSC's Meyer Plan-
at the UAB Arena and Harry
Basil on October 15 at the
etarium from Sept. 19-Oct.
Hill Auditorium. All shows
18 at 2 p.m.
are free to the public and
begin at 8 p.m.
Find just what you were looking
FILM
for at the Fall Home Show
on the 25th through 27th
Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey
from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the
Bogart fans will be pleased
BJCC. It's worth going just
to know that Gentlemen Pre-
for all the free samples alone,
fer Blondes, 12th-13th, and
but you do have to pay to get
Key Largo, 26th-27th, will be
in. Tickets are $6 for adults,
the features at the Alabama
$5 for seniors and $3 for
Theatre this month. Call
children ages 7-12.
251-0418 for more info.
40 BIRMINGHAM
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B
MUSIC
The beautiful sounds of
Beethoven's sonatas can be
Bonjiorno
Nowadays, it is possible to have a distinctive meal in Crestline Village, where a cluster of
good restaurants have found a home. One of the best is Bonjlorno, a small Italian bistro that
heard on the 27th at 2:30 in
BSC's Hill Recital Hall. The
offers everything from great pizza to fresh Norwegian
The red snapper "Sicilian" was a disappointment, the
sonatas will be performed
salmon seasoned with exotic spices and topped with
fish a little bland for the heavy sauce, but the same fish
by William DeVan as part of
his prodigious effort to per-
caviar.
"Alforno," made with calamata olives, SUR dried toma-
form the entire cycle of
The mom-pop-kids eatery is hosted by the Magonlia
toes, capers, mushrooms, goat cheese and white wine
Beethoven's sonatas. For
family, and Francesca is the queen who stands guard.
was excellent.
more information call,
226-4950.
The Magonilas have fashioned an excellent selection of
Another staple of the varied menu is a wonderfully
Hot Pop Gospel singer Kathy
dishes, Including fish, scallops, shrimp, veal, steak, mus-
hardy osso bucco, "simmered for hours" with carrots,
Troccoli will perform in con-
cert at the Wright Center at
sels and a variety of Italian
celery, mushrooms, on-
Samford on the 26th at 8 p.m.
favorites.
lons, garlic, port wine,
All proceeds benefit Safe
While the rather pedes-
rosemary and thyme.
House, a sheltered for bat-
trian Italian menu is offered
Served with a rich red
tered women. Tickets are $15,
$10. Call Fastix, 979-FAST.
initially, the real goodies
wine, the veal dish pro-
are the "specials," listed
vides a satisfying meal.
separately. Energetic wait-
Desserts are fancy
The alligator crawling off
ers perform a recitation of
and rich. Francesca rec-
the page is going to the
the day's attractions and
ommends the Teramisu,
Gater Gavotte, the
substitutions are chserfully
41A
a fancy concoction of
Birmingham Zoo's
fundraiser on
allowed. Our choice is usu-
marscarpone cheese,
the 19th.
ally the fresh fish which
4/C
champagne cookies
can be ordered cooked al-
dipped in expresso cof-
most any way you like,
fee and liqueur, whipped
perhaps dropping an in-
cream and fresh berries.
gredient or two, or adding
Other choices include
another. Each method of
cheese cakes, mint tortes,
preparation isindeed good.
cannoli and a chocolate
Start the meal with
sinfulness or two.
something like an order of
Dinner comes with
mussels provenzano, fea-
pasta and a little salad
turing a mouth watering sauce of olive oil, garlic, anchovy
that sets you up for the gourmet goodness to follow.
paste, fresh tomatoes, white wine and parsley. Mussels
If you are in the mood for something lighter, the pizzas
cooked in a garlic and wine sauce, are also good.
are special. Bonjiorno offers everything from a plain pie
An Interesting thing about Bonjiorno is that recipes
to a delicious combination of eggplant, goat cheese, sun
may be inconsistent; today's ingredients may not be
dried tomatoes and the like.
tomorrow's. It pays to discuss the sauces with the waiter
Menu prices are fairly reasonable - $11 or less for
to determine just what you are ordering. What's comfort-
traditional Italian; pizzas go for $5.95 for the smallest
ing to know is that it's all tasty.
cheese-only, up to $17.95 for a whopper. Dinners are
One of our favorite dishes is a fresh salmon cooked
$14.95 to $16.95.
in parchment paper with a sauce of fresh mushrooms,
The Magonlias offer home catering as well as special
tomatoes, bell peppers and onion, all put together with a
parties on off nights. Bonjiorno is located in the heart of
dill mustard cream sauce.
Crestline Village on Church Street. It's worth a trip. -
Gloria Goldstein Howton
SEPTEMBER 41
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029
play called, what else, Assas-
A terrific lineup of more than 35
sins. Festival Theatre fea-
blues, jazz and gospel acts
tures this play on the
on three stages will be fea-
17th-19th, 24th-27th and
tured at the Birmingham
October 1-3. For ticket info
Jam '92 at Sloss Furnaces,
call 322-5259.
18th-20th. Performers signed
Don't miss the Samford Opera
up include John Mayall
Works presentation of Dr.
"The Godfather of British
Bartolo at the Harrison The-
Blues", Dr. John, the Count
atre on the 11th and 12th at
Basie Orchestra, Clarence
8 p.m. Tickets are $15.
"Gatemouth" Brown, Anson
42A
IvyRowe, the one woman show
Funderburgh and the Rock-
starring Barbara Bates Smith,
ets with Sam Myers, John
described as a five-foot-two
Scofield, the Zion Harmoniz-
bundle of artistic dynamite,
ers, Lil' Ed and the Blues
will be at Bell Theatre on the
Imperials, Tinsley Ellis, and
25th-26th at 8 p.m. and the
the Birmingham Heritage
27th at 2 p.m. Smith portrays
Band. The Jam kicks off on
the life journey of an elderly,
the 17th with the honorary
but spirited woman. Tickets
posthumous Induction of
are $10.50 for students and
Duke Ellington into the Ala-
$5.25 for children.
bama Jazz Hall of Fame.
Other activities include A Day
in Old Birmingham (exhibits
and a box city for kids), a
GALLERIES
jazz clinic, and childrens fes-
tival. Three day passes are
The exhibitions continue at
$11, one-day tickets are $7
Space One-Eleven this
and $1 for children 12 and
month. The 1992 Young Art-
under.
ists Exhibition is featured in
There's not a dull moment at
The Birmingham Jom
the Main Gallery and in the
Oak Mountain this month.
'92 comes to Sloss,
Board Gallery works by Ar-
Bonnie Raitt and Lyle Lovett
the 18th through
mor Keller, Anne Arrasmith,
will "Give Them Something
p.m. The performance is free
20th. Clarence
Peter Prinz and Vickey
To Talk About" on Sept. 5.
to the public.
Wheeler will be on display
"Gatemouth"
Tickets are $23. Relive the
Come support the Alabama
through the 17th. And of
'60s with Bob Dylan on the
Brown Is among the
Symphony by attending the
course, there is always some-
11th. Tickets are $22.25,
Viennese Grand Opening at
blues and jazz
thing new in the windows of
20.75, and $9.99. Go have
the BJCC on the 18th and
headliners.
fun in the sun at the Summer
19th. Lionel Hampton comes
Music Meltdown featuring
to the the Alabama Pop Se-
The Connells, Follow For
ries on Sept. 25-26 at 8 p.m.
Now, Webb Wilder, and Dash
in the BJCC. Tickets are
Rip Rock on the 12th for
$10.50 -$30.50 for adults and
$12.75. Get some of that
$5 for students. For more
"Good Stuff" with the B52's
info call 521-9070.
on Sept. 26 for $24.25. All
shows at 8 p.m.
The stars of the Red Army Band,
NIGHTLIFE
Chorus and Dancers, along
with three soloists from the
Bolshol Opera, will be com-
The laughs keep rolling along at
ing to Samford's Wright Cen-
the Comedy Club. John
ter on the 25th at 8 p.m. in a
Henton performs on the 1st
Birmingham Music Club
through the 6th; Steve
event. Ticket prices for the
McGrew on the 8th through
opportunity to see The In-
13th; Greg Ray, 15th through
comparable Red Stars show,
20th; and Killer Beaz on the
a compant of 125 soloists,
22nd through 27th.
singers, dancers, and musi-
cians touring America for the
first time, are $25 for adults
THEATER
and $10 for children and stu-
What do John Wilkes Booth,
dents. A hero of Sovietspace
Squeaky Fromme, Oswald,
exploration, General Gyorgy
Hinkley, Mary Jane Moore
Shonin, is touring with the
and John Byke have in com-
company. Call 252-7548.
mon? They are all assassins
A Mid-Day Musical of "Cham-
or would be assassins in-
ber Music" can be heard at
cluded in the demented and
the Cathedral Church of the
hilarious Stephen Sonheim
Advent on the 25th at 12:30
42 BIRMINGHAM
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Space One-Eleven, which
face 2nd Avenue North.
One of Alabama's most respected
artists, Ellen Weiland, will
have her paintings on dis-
play at the Maralyn Wilson
Gallery through October 2.
The Maralyn Wilson Gallery
will also have a "Stupendous
September Show*on 25th at
5 p.m., featuring watercolors
by Jackie Slayton, an artist
from Athens, GA. Parents are
encouraged to attend the
show with their children be-
cause Slayton will have a
hands on workshop for chil-
COLONIAL BANK
dren before the show.For
more info call 879-0582.
A number of culturally diverse
artists are participating in
"One Dome 92" being pre-
sented by the Birmingham
Art Association through
the 13th. Artists include
Emily Gassenheimer, Michael
Meads, Jim Burnett, Matt
Silvie, Kim Neilson, Ricardo
Assiz, Karen Graffeo and
Marat Rikelman For more info
call, 328-9127. Beginning on
the 18th and running through
October 9 is a visual arts
show by two University of
Montevallo professors-the
drawings and paintings of
Ken Proctor and the ceramic/
steel sculpture of Scott Meyer.
UAB's Visual Arts Gallery will
host an Exhibition of Con-
temporary Photos from the
Birmingham Museum of Art
on the 27th. Regional, na-
tional and international art-
ists will be featured in the
show. This includes fifty large
scale pictures of children by
regional artist, Sally Mann.
For more info call 254-2566.
The art of photography is on
JEFFERSON
display this month at the
BJCC, the temporary home
of the Birmingham Mu-
CAPITAL FUND
seum of Art. A Decade
Offscreen-Sid Avery's Hol-
lywood 1951-1961 will be
featured through December.
Photos from the Permanent
Collection of the Birming-
ham Museum of Art will be
on view from the 27th
through November 5. Both
are free to the public.
Sculptures made of terra cotta
and stone are given a life of
their own by Barvo, a por-
trait sculptor with a classical
style. His work will be on
view at Loretta Goodwin
Galleries beginning on the
17th from 5-8 p.m. For more
info call 328-1761.
SEPTEMBER 43
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Vivid color and decadent fun charac-
terize the acrylic paintings of Ricia
Neura. The "Hoi Polloi II" show
will hang in Joe Bar from the 12th
through the rest of the month.
Sculptor Ted Metz and printmaker Scott
Stephens will have works on dis-
play at Birmingham Southern
College's Durbin Gallery in the
Kennedy Art Center. The exhibit
will show from the 13th through
October 2 from 9-4:30. For more
info call 226-4928.
Studio 2030 is having its 1st Anniver-
sary Show this September and the
content promises to be a surprise
JF DAY
Hours are 11-6 on Tuesday-Friday.
For more info call 933-2030.
Watercolors by Jackie Slayton are on
display at Monty Stabler Galler-
ies. Opening reception is the 25th
from 6 to 8 p.m.
Don't forget to attend the Fine Arts
and Crafts Show at the Riverchase
Galleria on the 16th-20th. Call
985-3020 for more info.
44A-4/C
pickup from
May 91 pg 31
Crimson Tide football returns to
Legion Field this month; see sports.
SPORTS
POYNER
The Crimson Tide opens SEC play on
CORP.
the 12th at Legion Field versus
Southern Mississippi and then takes
BENEFITS
on Louisiana Tech on the 26th.
UAB's football team takes to Legion
Field on the 5th against Milsaps, the
12th versus Gallaudet (Lawson
Field), the 19th against Lane,
Samford University football kicks off
on the 5th at 6:30 against West
Georgia at Samford
The season will end soon so don't miss
the Barons face the Orlando Sun
Rays on the 2nd through the 5th at
7 p.m. at the Met. The Phillie
Phanatic does his thing on the 4th.
General admission is $3 and for
more info call 988-3200.
Live racing may be over but the Bir-
mingham Race Course will have
simulcasting throughout the month.
Call 838-7500 for the schedule.
" BIRMINGHAM
THE BIRMINGHAM JAM '92
The Birmingham Jam 92-jazz, blues, and
gospel in the Magic City-unfolds over three
days in mid-September, the 18th, 19th, and
20th, at Sloss Furnaces. The schedule is full of
crowd pleasers and great sounds.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Pepsi Stage
Microwave Dave & the Nukes, LII' Ed & the Blues
Imperials, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
Coors Light Stage
Birmingham Heritage Band, Roomful of Blues.
Jazz & Gospel Tent
Improvisational Arts Quintet with Kidd Jordan,
John Scofield.
CAPITAL PROP. 4/C
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Pepsi Stage
B.A. & the Heaters, Chicago Charlle & the Busi-
nessmen, Debbie Bond & the Kokomo Blues
Band with Candy Shines, Mike Griffin and the
Unknown Blues Band, The Bluerunners, Magic
Slim & the Teardrops, Dr. John.
Coors Light Stage
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage School of Music
conducted by Kidd Jordan, Bo Berry Quintetwith
Countess Felder, Proxy, Elliott & the Untouch-
ables, Pinetop Perkins, Clarence "Gatemouth"
Brown.
Jazz & Gospel Tent
Ladies Night Out, Birmingham Police Choir,
New Hope Baptist Church Choir, Grundy's Trio,
Gary Motley Quintet with Mariene Rice, Marcus
Roberts, Terence Blanchard.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Pepsi Stage
Lost In the Mail, Breakbone Blues Band, Sandra
Wright & Soul Kitchen, Count Basle Orchestra
conducted by Frank Foster.
Coors Light Stage
The Casual Three, Dick's Hat Band, Tinsley
Ellis, Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets with
Sam Myers.
Jazz & Gospel Tent
Suede, Cleve Eaton & Company, The Four
Eagles, The Zion Harmonizers.
The Jam experience becomes complete
with great Southern food vendors, arts and
crafts, metal arts exhibit, and childrens festival.
SEPTEMBER 46
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AUGUST, 1992
TIME
ATTRACTIONS:
ment. For more information
about these activities call,
Exploring is what it's all about at
939-1177.
the Ruffner Mountain Na-
Kindergarten through third grad-
ture Center this month.
ers can learn more about the
Ruffner's Roamers will ex-
planet by exploring earth,
plore new parts of Ruffner
physical and life science with
Mountain on the 8th from 9
a little math and art thrown
a.m. to noon. You can also
in at Discovery Place
journey to the bottom of an
Teacher Workshops this
ancient ocean with Ruffner
summer. Pre-registration and
Mountain's Quarry Series on
$45 are required. The first
the 22nd from 9 a.m. to
workshop is the 4th and 5th,
noon. The Night Hike on
the second one is the 6th and
the 29th from 7-9 p.m. will
7th. For more information
be an opportunity for small
call, 933-4155.
children and their families
If you can't get enough of the
to overcome their fears and
beauty of summer, you are
search for spiders, sala-
not alone. The Botanical
manders, and birds during
Gardens hosts Sunday Strolls
Critters Alive on Saturday,
from 3-4 p.m. every Sunday.
August 1 from 10-11 a.m.
For more info call: 879-1227.
August 2 from 1-4 p.m. will be
Enjoy the Birmingham Zoo
another "Fun Sunday" at the
from the perspective of the
Discovery Place and chil-
night. The Zoo is open until
dren will learn all they ever
7 p.m. and buildings are open
until 8 p.m., seven days a
Natalle Cole sings at the Wright Center on
wanted to know about fish at
week. It's the perfect oppor-
Samford's campus on the 21st.
the "Go Fish" program. Bring
your 5-7 year olds to the
tunity to see nocturnal ani-
Backyard Science Day Camp
mals in action. The week of
(4th through 7th) from
the 9th through 16th is "Big
The Birmingham Zoo el-
Don't miss Oliver at the Ala-
9-10:30 a.m. By simply play-
Cat Week." All programs and
ephants, Mona and Lisa, will
bama Theater on the 1st.
ing in the backyard they can
activities will centered around
be doing their style of
Classic film buffs can see
learn a lot about the environ-
these magnificent creatures.
"aerobics" for the viewing
Daughters of the Dust on the
For more info call 879-0458.
public at 2:30 p.m. daily. For
7th through 9th, Mary
And move over Jane Fonda.
more info call 879-0458.
Poppins on the 14th through
17th, and everybody's favor-
ite, Casablanca, on the 21st
FILM:
through 24th. Adult tickets
are $4, seniors $3 and childern
WITO FOX 21 and Little Caesar's
$2.
Pizza are presenting Free
Mel Brooks Weekend and Alfred
Friday Flicks in Caldwell
Hitchcock Weekend will
Park this summer. Every
send you into hysteria with
Friday night at 8 p.m.
laughter and fear, respectivly,
favorite movie classics will
at the UAB Film Series this
be shown and the public is
month. Spaceballs (7 p.m.)
encouraged to bring family
and Blazing Saddles (9 p.m.)
and friends to enjoy the free
will be showing on the 1st
entertainment. Little Caesar's
and 2nd. The Birds 7 p.m.
Pizza will be in Caldwell Park
and Rear Window 9:30 p.m.
selling pizza and sodas. View-
will be featured on the 14th.
ers can enjoy Chitty Chitty
The Birds (7 p.m.) and Psycho
Bang Bang on the 7th, Pee
(9:30 p.m.) will show on the
Wee's Big Adventure on the
15th and on the 16th, Rear
14th, Who Framed Roger
Window (5:30 p.m.) and
Rabbit on the 21st, and Beauty
Psycho (8 p.m.) conclude
Pee Wee In
and the Beast will be the
the series. Movies are free to
Caldwell Park
grand finale on the 28th.
UAB students and $3 for the
for G Friday
general public. For more info
Flick.
call 934-3456.
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MUSIC:
The legendary Crosby, Stills
and Nash are at the Oak
Mountain Amphitheatre on
the 22nd at 8 p.m. Reserved
THE FLORIDA GRILLE
seats, $23.95; lawn seats,
$16.95. Fastix.
The Florida Grille lives up to its billing as Birmingham's off-the- beach spot right on Oxmoor Road
If you liked City Stages, you're
going to love the Horde Fes-
in Homewood. The atmosphere is certainly charged by that exuberantly youthful look. And the food is
tival at Oak Mountain
in line with what the front of the menu promises: "a blend of Cajun, Caribbean, and backyard cooking-
Amphitheatre on the 6th at 4
p.m. Acts participating are
chargrilled, steamed, or fried."
Blues Traveler, Widespread
The exterior of the restaurant is as nondescript as a convenience store, but Inside dwells a beachy
Panic, Col. Bruce Hampton
and the Aquariam Rescue
ambiance with blond wood floors, flamingo door handles, and upturned rainbow-colored umbrellas
Unit, The Spin Doctors and
serving as light fixtures. The central bar with the bustling grill behind dominates the room. An Apollo-
Bella Fleck and the
Flecktones. Tickets are
era missile runs the length of the bar. The look Is completed by the salmon and aqua color scheme.
$18.75, reserved, $9.50, lawn.
The casual theme extends
Samford University will host a
to the folding chairs set up at
performance by Natalie Cole
on the 21st at Wright Center
chunky tables. The youthful
Concert Hall. Tickets are $38.
beachy fun gets a splash of
Call 939-FAST.
sex appeal with waitresses in
black singlets and torn-off T-
THEATER:
shirts exposing tanned, toned
Summerfest closes out its sea-
midriffs. In a nod to equal ogling
son with the irrepresible
Annie on the 3rd through the
time, the waiters are dressed
9th at Boutwell Auditorium.
in tropical-colored T-shirts,
Tickets range from $7.75 to
black shorts, and sneakers.
$25.50. Call 934-9821 for
times and tickets or Fastix.
Along with Florida Grille T-
Birmingham Festival Theatre
shirts and caps, you can pick
presents the Tales of the Lost
Formicans, the 1st through
up a calendar full of Florida
the 8th. Call 322-5259 for
Grille girls.
The youthful, fun look at the Florida Grille fits the
performance times and
beachy theme.
prices.
What about the food? Ap-
petizers are varied and Interesting. Stuffed jalapenos, fried crab claws, buffalo wings, steamed oysters;
all in the neighborhood of $5 to $7. The grilled shrimp salad ($7.95) comes recommended.
Sandwiches run the gamut from ambarjack ($5.75) and yellowfin tuna ($6.95 when available) to
chicken ($4.50), ribeye steak ($6.95), and a good chargrilled and seasoned cheeseburger
($4.45). Sandwiches come with a choice of two side items: cole slaw, baked beans, potato salad,
seasoned fries, or an interesting com souffie. A baked potato Is 50 cents extra.
Entrees are served with a house salad and choice of potato. Seafood offerings include
GALLERIES:
amberjack ($10.45), chargrilled scallops ($12.95), deviled crab ($9.95), and Alaskan Snow Crab
Brazilian Naive Art will be on
Clusters ($9.95). There is also a chargrilled, marinated chicken ($8.95) on the menu and a ribeye
view at Bryant Galleries of
($11.95). Some entrees can be combined.
Birmingham through the 8th.
The works reflect the vitality
Dessert is a tropical Key lime pie ($2.50) or another selection from the restaurant's pie-of-the-day
and diversity of Brazilian cul-
rotation.
ture. The influences are Eu-
ropean, African and Indian.
AUGUST 43
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For more information con-
The opening of the visual arts
"Art Which Adorns" is a fitting
NIGHT LIFE:
tact Kelly Aland at 879-3770.
presentation "One Dome" at
name for the exhibit of Afri-
Visit Space One-Eleven through-
the Birmingham Art Asso-
can clothing and jewelry on
"The Funniest Man in America,"
out the month of August and
clation will begin with a
display at the AMI
James Gregory will be ap-
you'll get an eyeful of some
reception from 7-9 p.m. on
Brookwood Women's Medi-
pearing from July 31 through
great locally produced art.
the 14th. The BAA will also
cal Center through the 29th.
the 2nd at the Comedy Club.
Students from Space One-
be hosting "An Evening of
For more info call the Bir-
Tickets are $12. Southern
Eleven will have a "1992
"featuring "An Evening
mingham Museum of Art at
comedian, Ronnie Bullard,
Young Artists Exhibition" dur~
with Lee Jane Ho and
254-2389.
will explain toad licking,
ing the month of August in
Friends" on the 21st at 8 p.m.
The world's largest collection of
among other things, the 4th
the Main Gallery of Space
Donations of $5 are re-
small and decorative cast iron
through the 9th. Brad Reader
One-Eleven. Also, through-
quested. On the 4th through
objects and jewelry will be
and Marge Tackes will also
out August, Peter Prinz, Anne
8th at 9 p.m. BAA will be
on display at Bathhouse Gal-
be on hand. Todd Yohn will
Arrasmith, Armor Keller and
hosting nightly performers
lery, Sloss Furnaces. The
bring his high energy act to
Vickey Wheeler will have
in Birmingham Improv 1992.
Lamprecht Collection of Cast
the Comedy Club, the 11th
works on display in the Board
Donations of $5 are re-
Iron from the Collection of
through 16th, and his side-
Gallery of Space One-Eleven.
quested. For more info call
the Birmingham Museum of
kick, Mike Brennan, opens
For more info call 328-0553.
328-9127.
Art, will be on display all
the show. Comedy Club fa-
Troy Crisswell's one-man exhi-
Celebrate the 500th anniversary
month.
vorites Al April and Steve
bition of Recent Watercolors
of Columbus' first voyage
Studio 2030 is hosting "Health"
Calif will co-headline the 18th
will be at the New Life Art
across the Atlantic by view-
an exhibit of new work by
through 23rd. Prepare to
Gallery through the 14th.
ing the "Art of the
Christopher Lawson begin-
laugh non-stop. For more
For more info call 979-2158.
Americas" exhibit at the Bir-
ning on the 7th. For more
info call 942-0008.
One of Alabama's most respected
mingham Museum of Art/
information call 933-2030.
artists, Ellen Weiland, will
Civic Center Gallery. The
UAB's Visual Arts Gallery will
have her paintings on ex-
show will be on display until
host "Unearth" on the 2nd
SPECIALS:
hibit at the Maralyn Wilson
Summer 1993 and contains
through the 13th. Hours
Gallery from the 27th
examples of Native North
are Sunday 2-6 p.m. and
Interested in winning a Carib-
through October 2. An open-
American Indian and
Monday-Thurday 1-6 p.m.
bean Cruise for two? Attend
ing reception will be held on
Precolumbian art, as well as,
For more information call
the World On a String Cel-
the 27th at 5:30-8 p.m. and
19th and 20th century works
934-0815.
ebration at the UAB Arena
an artist's talk will take place
that demonstrate the enor-
on Friday, August 14 at 7
on the same day at 6 p.m. For
mous European influence on
p.m. Dancing, casino games
more info call 879-0582.
North American art.
and an auction are some the
activities you can participate
Thanks to Highland Bank, Robert Stewart
is seeing that the show goes on.
Robert Stewart hit the road with the Charlie Daniels
At Highland Bank, we know that success is achieved
Band right after college graduation
one customer at a time. That's why you'll
and, after gaining experience with
Humbland Bank is a very
find a more personal, responsive bank-
customer oriented bank
artist management and promotion, he
ing approach in action at Highland Bank.
There is condortable open-door
revolutionized entertainment events
We're open from 7 to 7 weekdays, and
atmosphere You can count on
in Alabama through the computerized
from 9 to noon on Saturday. You'll also
dealing with the people a] the top.
ticket service, Fastix. Thanks to
They will wask with you. because
find that our President's door is always
Highland Bank, Robert is seeing that
they mard your business
open. And you can count on important
the show goes on, bringing Broadway
Robert Stewart, Owner
decisions being made by people you
Bell Stewart. Inc.
hits like Annie, Cats, A Cborus Line, and
know and trust, not big, bureaucratic
Driving Miss Daisy to Birmingham
committees. So, whatever your banking
through his new promotion company, Bert Stewart, Inc.
needs, come to Highland Bank-the action bank.
2211 Highland Ave.
Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
2Z
(203) 933-8080 FAX (205) 933-8167:
Highland Bank
The Colonnade
Chb
We Make Things Happen.
Birmingham, Alabama 35243
(205) 967-4691
FAX (205) 967-4195
Member FDIC. Depositors insured up to $100,000.
44 BIRMINGHAM
08/14/92
14:30
205 250 7669
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036
in and the attire is casual.
p.m. For more info call
There is still a chance to see and
SPORTS:
Tickets are $15 each and the
328-8160.
buy some interesting and
more tickets you purchase,
Listen up trekies Lock on to
unique stuff at the Flea Mar-
If you're a fan of Barons Base-
the better your odds for win-
coordinates at the Star Trek
ket on the Alabama State
ball, you'll be in heaven this
ning the Grand Prize. All
Convention in the South
Fair Grounds July 31 through
month. Things get underway
money benefits the Joseph F.
Meeting Room of the BJCC
the 2nd. For more info call
with the Memphis Chicks on
Volker Alumni Society Schol-
on the 23rd from 11 a.m.-
787-8806.
July 30 through the 2nd; the
arship Endowment. To
6p.m. For more info call
The summer sky comes to life
1st is Cap Night at the Met.
charge tickets call: 934-3555.
328-8160.
through the 28th at Meyer
The Huntsville Stars come to
The 1993 Ms. Wheelchair Ala-
Jefferson County Junior Miss
Planetarium The first and
town the 3rd through 5th.
bama will be selected at the
Scholarship Program prelimi-
third weekends at 2 p.m. The
The 14th through 16th. the
18th Annual Celebration of
naries will be held at
first Saturday is a special kids
Barons face the Jacksonville
Achievement being held on
Samford's Wright Fine Arts
show. Call 226-4770.
Suns. The World Famous
the 1st at 7 p.m. in the BJCC.
Center on the 6th and 7th at
Black culture on display and
Chicken will be on hand the
For ticket information call:
7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8. The
musical performers like
14th and the first 1,500 kids,
934-4185.
winner will be chosen from
Chaka Khan highlight the
14 and under, through the
If you enjoy eating and dancing
48 Jeffco high school senior
second annual Black Heri-
gates on the 15th receive a
for a good cause, then you'll
girls on the 8th at 7:30 p.m.
tage Festival at the Alabama
Coca-Cola backback. The
want to attend the annual
Tickets for the finals are $10
State Fairgrounds on the 7th
Chattanooga Lookouts are
fund-raiser dinner dance
each. For more ticket infor-
through the 9th. Weekend
here the 25th through 28th.
given by the Women's Com-
mation call 868-8686.
pass is $10 for adults, daily
Go cheer on the Pelham team as
mittee of the Spain Reha-
Put on your running shoes for
pass is $5. Kids are $6 and $3.
they compete against Little
bilitation Center. The event
the 9th Annual Southern
Call 324-3333.
League teams from all over
will be held at the home of
Kudzu Run at Sloss Fur-
The Dog Daze Festival comes
the southeast. The Pelham
Mr. and Mrs. William
naces on the 29th. The 5k
to the mall on Parkway Drive
CityPark Board will host the
McDonald, 2801 Mt. Brook
run begins at Vulcan at 6
in Trussville on the 1st. Arts
Southeastern Division
Parkway, on September 11,
a.m. and concludes at 8 a.m.
and crafts. Cloggers. Singers.
World Series for Dixie
at 7 p.m. For more info call,
The real fun begins at 9 a.m.,
Magic shows. A parade at 10
Youth Baseball on the 16th
Joan Lebow: 934-3340.
with various games and
a.m. Best dog show. Bama
through 22nd.
Show off your baseball card
activites being offered for
Flyersremote control airplane
collection or admire some-
families attending the event
shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
one else's at the Baseball
at Sloss. Also a Big Band
Benefits United Cerebral
Card Show in the South
concert. For more info call
Palsy. Call 655-7535.
Meeting Room of the BJCC
324-1911.
on the 22nd from 9 a.m. -5
AUGUST 48
FROM RGB VENTURE FAX 205 985 3040
08.20.1992 10:52
P. 1
G
RIVERCHASE
GALLERIA
FACSIMILE
COVER SHEET
TO: GAry Gershowitz
FROM: Jim SpAhn
DATE: august 20, 1992
NUMBER: 202-456-6218
NUMBER OF PAGES TO FOLLOW:
/
Should you not receive any part of this
transmission, please call 205-985-3020.
Our fax number is 205-985-3040.
MESSAGE:
3000 Riverchase Galleria-Suite 905-Birmingham, Alabama 35244-(205) 985-3020
Jim Wilson & Associates, Inc.
MoNie's is Not
(late Pay.is Not Good)
RoseNberger's
2 stores
21 EMPIOYES
(-nen Mosenbergert
IN business 95 Years
FROM RGB VENTURE FAX 205 985 3040
08.20.1992 12:30
P. 2
McMillan's Big & Tall
Autrey McMillan
2 stores in Birmingham
10 employees
17 years
(Big & Tall Fashions)
Norton's Florist
J. Philip Norton
6 stores in Birmingham
42 employees
70 years
(Florist)
Monie's
LaMonie MoNamee
3. store in Birmingham
7 employees
10 years
(Women's Fashions)
PAGE
1
LEVEL 1 - 1 OF 2 DOCUMENTS
Public Papers of the President
Remarks at a Ceremony Honoring Small Business Administration
Award Winners
28 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 847
May 12, 1992
LENGTH: 1311 words
... spending all day untying redtape. So maybe this will help out.
Every business dollar that goes into complying with some Government mandate
is a dollar that won't be spent hiring new workers. Two-thirds or more of the
new jobs in this country, two-thirds, are created by small business. And
you are the heart and soul of what makes this economy work and what makes the
American dream possible for your employees and for their families.
I will do my level-best, working with the officials I've introduced here
today and others, to
...
LEVEL 1 - 2 OF 2 DOCUMENTS
Public Papers of the President
Message to the House of Representatives Returning Without
Approval the Tax Fairness and Economic Growth Acceleration
Act of 1992
28 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 510
March 20, 1992
LENGTH: 369 words
not contain a tax credit for first-time homebuyers, and it contains
wholly inappropriate special interest provisions.
H.R. 4210 would increase taxes by more than $ 100 billion. More than
two-thirds of all taxpayers facing tax increases as a result of this bill
would be owners of small businesses and entrepreneurs. Small businesses are
the primary source of new job creation.
H.R. 4210 would raise income tax rates substantially for some individuals, in
some cases increasing marginal rates by more than 30 percent.
TM
TM
TM
LEXIS:NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS®NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
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MEMORANDUM TO CHRISTINA MARTIN
FROM: GARY GERSHOWITZ
SUBJECT: LOCAL COLOR: BIRMINGHAM B/Q RALLY
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BIRMINGHAM, Alabama: Birmingham is
the County Seat of Jefferson County. Birmingham population is:
265,968. Median Household Income, which comprise 4 other
counties in the Greater Birmingham Metropolitan Area, $29,700.
The area population enjoys a cost of living that is at or below
the national average, with the cost of health care and housing
substantially below average.
(A) HERE ARE SOME GENERAL STATS ON WHERE THE PRESIDENT IS
SPEAKING: His remarks will be in the parking lot at the
Riverchase Galleria. "The Galleria" (as it is known) is a $300
million square foot, mixed-use retail, hotel and office project:
the largest enclosed shopping mall in the South. It has almost 2
million square feet of retail space. It averages 300,000
shoppers per week, drawing from throughout Alabama, Eastern
Mississippi, Western Georgia, Southern Tennessee and the Florida
panhandle. In 1991 shoppers spent over $327 million -- almost
$900,000 every day. The Galleria employs over 6,000 people.
(B) ECONOMIC STATS: After the '80-82 recession, the Birmingham
area '82-'90 saw a rebound of 78,000 new jobs in non-
manufacturing and 7,400 jobs in manufacturing. Non-manufacturing
employs 86.8% of the work force and 8.8% of all Birmingham
workers are employed in healthcare. Trade and Services
represents more than 50% of non-manufacturing employment, while
manufacturing is concentrated in Durable Goods, especially
Primary Metals Industries. The total wage and salary employment
in manufacturing & non-manufacturing for 1991 was 420,000.
(c) INTERNATIONAL TRADE: Exporting is an important contributor
to the Birmingham economy. More than 300 companies are involved
in international trade in the Greater Metropolitan Birmingham
area. International investment in the Birmingham area has grown
dramatically, stimulated by the state's new tort reform package.
The Chamber of Commerce processed more than 300 certificates of
origin covering more than $20 million in Birmingham-manufactured
products exported in 1991; however this represents only a
fraction of the value of goods and services exported by
Birmingham firms. Also, The Chamber sponsored trade missions to
Australia in 1990, Great Britain in 1991 and is cosponsoring a
mission to Latin America in 1992. The Birmingham Airport
Industrial Park is a designated Foreign-Trade Zone, which creates
a major attraction for foreign investment in the Birmingham
marketplace. Birmingham is also a Port of Entry and has its own
U.S. Customs Office and a regional office of the International
Trade Administration's U.S. Foreign and Commercial Service.
(D) RETAIL & WHOLESALE INFORMATION: Retailing is a major
economic force in the area. Birmingham's Central Business
District is surrounded by more than 48 shopping centers of
100,000 square feet or larger, totaling more than 11 million
square feet of space. Birmingham serves as the wholesale trade
center for retailers throughout Alabama, parts of Florida,
Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi.
(E) Birmingham's nicknames are: "MAGIC CITY" & "FOOTBALL CAPITAL
of the SOUTH"; historically a steel town formerly known as
"PITTSBURGH of the SOUTH."
(F) Today, the area's major employer is the University of
Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center with a faculty & staff of
some 13,765.
(G) BIRMINGHAM, HOME OF:
MARGARET TUTWILER!
CHARLES BARKLEY--OLYMPIC MEDAL WINNER (GOPer)
LARRY DeLUCAS -- UAB SCIENTIST -- ASTRONAUT
ON MOST RECENT COLUMBIA FLIGHT
ED ROGERS (FORMER DEPUTY CHIEF-OF-STAFF)
LIONEL HAMPTON
BOBBY ALLISON
ALABAMA, HOME OF:
BEAR BRYANT
JESSE OWENS
HELEN KELLER
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
RAY SCOTT, FOUNDER OF BASSMASTER & PERSONAL
FRIEND OF THE PRESIDENT, & HE WILL
BE ATTENDING.
(H) INFORMATION ON SPORTS: The Birmingham Barons is the Minor
League baseball team in Birmingham. They are the AA Southern
League affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Through 79 seasons of
play, the Barons have provided a wealth of talent -- including
Willie Mays -- to the big leagues, and are seeking AAA status.
On Sunday, August 23rd, the day after the President's speech in
Birmingham, the Barons play the Jacksonville Suns in
Jacksonville. When at home the Barons play at Hoover
Metropolitan Stadium.
Berry High School is the local high school and the name of
their team is the Buccaneers. They finished the regular season
7-3, and their overall record after they were bumped from the
playoffs was 9-4. Football practice is going on now. If
President Bush refers to the Buccaneers, it's important that he
refers to them as the Berry High School Buccaneers, and not just
the Buccaneers -- because the mall where the President will be
speaking attracts so many people from all over the region that
people in the audience might not know what he's talking about if
he just says "Buccaneers." Also, let us not forget the age-old
rivalry between the Auburn Tigers and UAB Crimson Tide.
(I) POINTS OF INTEREST: More than a century old, Sloss Furnaces
once produced millions of tons of pig iron during its 89 years of
operation. Although the blast furnaces were closed down in 1971,
the city continues to celebrate its iron-making heritage at Sloss
Furnaces National Historic Landmark, both a museum of industry
and labor, and Birmingham's most unique community center. In
1983 Sloss reopened its gates and has become the heart of a
nationally-acclaimed community gathering place.
Also, there is the Statue of Vulcan -- overlooking the city
of Birmingham atop ore-laden Red Mountain. Vulcan --
mythological god of metal-working -- is the tallest iron statue
ever cast. Designed by Guiseppe Moretti as the city's exhibit at
the St. Louis 1904 World's Fair, Vulcan was cast entirely from
Birmingham iron ore. Total weight: 60 tons. At 55 feet, Vulcan
is the second tallest statue in the United States, surpassed only
by the Statue of Liberty. The torch in Vulcan's outstretched
hand burns green unless an automobile fatality has occurred in
the city that day, in which case the torchlight burns red. In
this way, the god who made thunderbolts for Zeus also serves as
the world's largest traffic safety reminder.
*THE BIRMINGHAM BARONS ARE OWNED BY "SUNTOY" A JAPANESE COMPANY.
AUG 14 '92
04:24 PM
WYNFREY HOTEL FAX #
205 9879552
Page 1
FAX COVER SHEET
TO: GERSHOOD
FAX NUMBER: (702) 456-6218
FROM: K.HART
FAX NUMBER:
205-987-0454
NUMBER OF PAGES: 2 INCLUSIVa
DATE: 14 AUGUST 1992
MESSAGE: ENCLOSED REQUESTED IN Fo (In CLEAN ITUP)
REGARDS, John
IF ALL PAGES WERE NOT RECEIVED, PLEASE CALL (205)987-1600, EXT.
1707.
W
THE WYNFREY
HOTEL
at Riverchase Galleria
AUG 14 '92
04:25 PM
WYNFREY HOTEL FAX
205 9879552
Page 2
"ALABAMA PRIDE" Any
"Magic City" aka "Football Capital of South";
Historically a steel town; formerly known as "Pittsburgh of the South";
Today, major employer(industry) University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center;
Premier heart, lung, and cancer research center; also home of noted sports medicine surgeon
Jim Andrews;
Birmingham, home of:
Bo Jackson
Charles Barkley Olympic medal winner (GOPer)
UAB scientist Larry DeLucas - astronaut on most recent flight
Margaret Tutwiler
Ed Rogers
Lionel Hampton
Bobby Allison
Alabama, home of:
BEAR BRYANT
Jesse Owens
Helen Keller
Booker T. Washington
Ray Scott, founder of BassMaster and personal friend to President;
ALABAMA - country music group
known for its outdoor splendor, Huntsville space center, sandy white beaches,
and for University of Alabama's and Auburn University's prowess in athletics, notably football.
FYI-
Statuas
VULCAN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM
VISIBLE THROUGHOUT city
"LARGEST IRON-ORE statua in GORLD"
Special intenast
ACCIDENT
GREAN LIGHT - NOBODY KILLAD IN CAR WRECK
RED LIGHT- PEOPLE KILLED IN CAR Accidan :-
MORE INFO FORTHCOMING
FROM RGB VENTURE FAX 205 985 3040
08.17.1992 10:09
P. 1
RIVERCHASE
GALLERIA
FACSIMILE
COVER SHEET
TO: Gary Garshowitz
FROM: Im Spahn
DATE: 8-17-92
NUMBER:
202-456-6218
NUMBER OF PAGES TO FOLLOW: 7
Should you not receive any part of this
transmission, please call 205-985-3020.
Our fax number is 205-985-3040.
MESSAGE: I've pulled recent articles - - -
I hope the articles help -- call if this
doesnot assist your efforts -- The Galleria
being the largest mixed use center in the
southeast brought quite a bit of speculation
during construction and it has been (it being the Galleria)
has over-performed over
3000 Riverchase Galleria-Sulte 905-Birmingham, Alabama 35244-(205)985-3020
Jim Wilson & Associates, Inc.
FROM RGB VENTURE FAX 205 985 3040
08.17.1992 10:09
P. 2
Balteria
Information Sheet
-Riverchase Galleria features a spectacular skylight, spanning over 186,000 square feet
and reaching nine stories high. At night, three miles of red. white and blue neon criss-
cross the glass atrium, offering shoppers a dazzling canopy of light.
-The Wynfrey Hotel at Riverchase Galleria is Alabama's only four star, four diamond
Preferred Hotel.
Galleria shoppers spent in excess of $327 million in 1991. That's almost $900,000
every day.
-Over 200 fine stores highlight Riverchase Galleria, including Alabama's only Macy's.
-Riverchase Galleria is also one of the nation's premier office environments. The Class
A Office Tower flanks the Grande Atrium with 17 glass-enclosed stories.
-Riverchase Galleria offers a choice of 14 restaurants in a spectacular food court
circling the Grande Atrium Fountain. There are also numerous fine restaurants located
throughout the mall, guaranteed to suit any taste.
-The Grande Atrium Fountain sprays are 40 feet in the air, recycling 1,500 gallons of
water each hour.
-Each holiday season, Riverchase Galleria replaces the Grande Atrium Fountain with an
18th Century-styled Carousel. Youngsters and adults alike thrill at the brightly colored
zebras and horses In their magical spin through the atrium.
-Parking is never a problem for Galleria shoppers. The complex boasts more than 7,700
parking spaces with two parking decks and many spacious lots.
Riverchase Galleria employs over 6,000 people.
-Construction of the 70 acre complex began in 1983 and was completed in the spring of
1986, costing $300 million.
-Riverchase Galleria is easily accessible. It is located at the hub of three major
highways: US 31, 1-65, and I-459. The doors open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday
through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
3000 Riverchase Galleria-Suite 905-Birmingham, Alabama 35244-(205) 985-3020
Jim Wilson & Associates, Inc.
The Birmingham News
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1991
OUR 104th YEAR
4 SECTIONS
Looking
Galleria
From Page 1A
a lot like
settia trees. Next year, we hope 1
up the decor," Spake said. "Every
restyle the program."
year it gets a little easier, but it will
The autique carousel will continu
always take this long simply be-
to be the center of attention, how
cause of the sheer size of this
ever.
Christmas
place."
Every year employees put net
RGB VENTURE FAX 205 3040
Christmastime is expensive for
strings of lights in the Grand
most malls and shopping centers,
Airium, while about half of th
but for what probably still is the
lights in other areas of the mall an
Galleria getting
largest mixed-use center in the
replaced, Spahn said
Southeast, the cost kas grown to
"We cannot get back up then
ready for holidays
more than $500,000, be said.
"Our initial purchase was a quar-
mill the end of the season," Spale
ter of a millice dollars, not including
said, looking up five stories to where
the caroused," Spahn said. "And
workers were installing the lights
By Veronica Pike Kennedy
each year, we spend $20,000 to $39,-
and reindeer. "It's just wath putting
News staff writer-
entirely new lights in that area for
too in repairs and replacements.
aesthelic reasons."
"We spent. another $225,000 in
1983 with the purchase of the glass
There was a feeling of Christmas
Halloween may be this week, but it's already
trees and the main mall displays."
in the air as the crew members
beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Niv-
Each glass tree is 30 feet tall and
worked. Spahn said that although
erchase Galleria.
decorated with red satin bows and
the project is a long, ledions one,
Employees have been spending nights at the
mall lately since the annual holiday decorating
35,000 handblown glass globes.
employees don't seem to mind He
project started a week ago.
"We change things somewhat as
credited that attitude with the
often as we can," Spakes said. "The
appreciation shoppers express.
Jim Spahn, the Galleria's director of market-
latest addition was the glass trees
"I think people recognize the
ing, said it just takes a lot of hours - about 2,000
two years ago that replace the poin-
effort and appreciate the decor dur-
spent around-the-clock - to get the 1.S-million-
ing the holiday season," he said.
square-foot retail area ready for the lighting cer-
emony planned for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. B.
08.17.1992
"When we have our lighting ceremony, thom-
sands turn out for it because of the decorations
and because of the production itself," Spalin said.
This year. bell choirs will ring out carols,
children will receive magie wands, a brass
ensemble will play and children will dance.
Oh, yes, and the lights will be turned OIL
On Sunday evening Spalin dressed in jeans and
a knit shirt, was on the floor of the food court test-
ing strands of lights to make sare they all
worked. From a platform atop an industrial lift,
workers hoisted glittery reindeer, sparkling stars
and strings of twinkling lights from beams at the
top of the 150-foot Grande Alrium.
For about three weeks every year, Spahn
swaps his suit for jeans and his daylight shift for
the graveyard shift. On Saturday night, for exam-
ple, he was at the mall from 9 p.m., when the
stores closed, to 9 am Sunday. He was back at 6
p.m. for another night
But Spahn wasn't alone. Nighttime decorating
crews range from five to 17, depending on the
size and location of the project.
"We're still perfecting our method of patting
3
NEWS STAFF PHOTO/FRANK COUCH
See Galleria, Page BA
Jimmy Boyd helps assemble a 30-foot glass Christmas tree from the inside.
FROM RGB VENTURE FAX 205 985 3040
08.17.1992
10:11
P.
4
Wednesday. February 13. 1991
+
B3
The Galleria Tower, the 17-story Class
Galleria's
A office building. is 92 percent leased and
Spahn said,
occupied, the same rate as a year ago.
The multi-use Galleria has room to add
sales defy
two more department stores, a second
office tower, several more restaurants
and a convenience center to the site.
national
the Galleria.
There are now about 200 stores at
The Galleria will celebrate its fifth
ing through Monday.
anniversary starting Friday and continu-
recession
On Friday at 7:30 p.m. there will be #
performance of The Grande Galleria Cir.
cus, and at 9 p.m. there will be A fire-
works display.
By Andrew Kilpatrick
Post-licraid Reporter
The Riverchase Galleria apparently Is
not participating in the national
recession.
The mall set another sales record last
year, Also, occupancy at the Wynfrey
Hotel rose by 9 percent to 69.1 percent,
and the occupancy rate at the Wynfrey
Tower office complex stayed steady at 92
percent, Riverchase officials said.
Jim Spahn, marketing director for the
Galleria, said although an official tally is
not in, preliminary figures for the entire
complex show that sales for 1990 were
about $325 million, up from $309 million
in 1989.
Also, sales per square foot - an
important retailing measurement - rose
to $327 a square foot, up from $305 the
your before, Spahn said.
Spahn said the new year began on
a strong note for the first two weeks,
went soft for much of the week the war
in the Middle East started (Jan. 17), then
picked up again.
Spahn said although retailing is slug-
gish nationally, Birmingham Is faring
somewhat better, and the Galleria is far.
ing very well for several reasons.
"It's because of our tenant mix. We
have à lot of stores that are exclusive to
Alabama, and we have a shopping atmos-
phere that Includes a food court and sky-
light and decor. Also, the Galleria Is a
main tourist attraction In Alabama. It's
the largest mixed-use facility in the
Southeast."
Galleria general manager Bill Sieben-
aler said that as the Galleria prepares
for Its fifth anniversary this weekend, the
mall Is beginning renovation of the public
restrooms; repainting and recarpeting is
planned for later In the year.
The 329-room Wyntrey Hotel, part of
the Galleria complex, reported a higher
occupancy rate, said hotel spokeswoman
Stephanie Bauer. Ms. Bauer said that
occupancy rose to 69.1 percent In 1990
from 59.9 percent In 1989.
Ms. Bauer said much of that increase
was due to a 54 percent Increase in shop-
per packages, packages that give week-
end occupants of the hotel discounts when
shopping at the Galleria
FROM RGB VENTURE FAX 205 985 3040
08.17.1992 10:12
P. 5
The Birmingham News/SATURDAY/Birminghem Post Herald Nov. 10, 1990
METRO/STATE/OBITUARIES
NEWS STAFF PHOTO/JAMIE OFFICE
OSTRICH RIDE: Ashley Mixson of Vestavia Hills
ping season in metropolitan Birmingham. Most
takes a wild ride Friday on an ostrich at the
other mails will hold Christmas parades and see
Carousel in the food court of the Riverchase
Santa's arrival on Nov. 17, but the Galleria, the
Galleria. Later, in the evening, Santa Claus
state's largest shopping mall. got an early
arrived to officially open the Christmas shop-
start.
FROM RGB VENTURE FAX 205 985 3040
08.17.1992 10:12
P. 6
The Sinninghnm Birmingham l'ual
MEIRO/STAIE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1990.
NEWS STAFF PHOTO/JERRY AYRES
Using remote control box, Officer Jordan directs traffic at 1-49 and Highway 31.
Auto-indigestion
In Hoover, it's 50,000 drivers hunting
for Galleria's 7,500 parking places
By Carol Robinson
"Besides, I got to see a lot of people I know this way.
News staff writer
They all drive by and wave."
Jordan was one of 23 Hoover police officers who
worked about 18 hours overtime Friday, monitoring the
While. many Dirminghamians spent A lazy Friday
maze of shopper. :abe, Police officials won't confirm
watching afternoon football, Hoover police eyed another
how much money is paid to the officers for overtime,
game of.sorts - the line of care creeping along U.S. 31
but It's estimated to be nearly $30,000 for the group
toward the Riverchase Galleria.
during the three-day weekend.
"If someone could figure out a way to make this
easler. they'd be & hero," said Hoover police Sgt. Ken-
"If may be expensive but whatever It cost. It's à apil
neth York.
in the bucket versus the money that will be taken in at
The day after Thanksgiving traditionally is the
the mall." York said.
buslest shopping day of the year. Making sure those
He said, "We pushed more people through there today
shoppers safely find their way 10 the sales is a methodi-
than any other day except for the opening day (of the
cal tradition for Hoover police.
Galleria)."
"Sure: I could be home watching football, but money
is more Important." mused Officer Bill Jordan.
See Traffic control. Page 7A
Traffic control
From Page 6A
The officers, most of whom volunteered for the detail, lined the road
beginning just beyond the Vestavia Hills city limits and stretching to the
intersection past the Calleria.
"We're getting used to it now." said one officer.
"We don't get all jumpy the way we used to because we know what to
do."
Hoover police began planning for Friday's traffic crowd about four
months ago, scheduling officers to work the long shifts and troubleshooting
the rough spots.
In past years, the officers often had to step into the victous traffic and
direct it by hand when the lanes began to jam.
This year, however, new remote controls manipulacing the traffic signals
kept officers at a safe distance.
"We had one officer get his toos FUN over last year." said Sgl. J.B.
Thrasher.
"The controls make it easier
and safer."
Police estimate that 30.000 care will travel daily to the Galleria during
the three-day weekend
With only 7,500 parking spaces. the cars back up and spill over on
io the highways
Bottlenecks occurred at the Hoover exit off of 1-459 and at the first
entrance to the Galleria
"Every year we try to warn people to use U.S. 150 and the other exits to
the Galleria but they don't listen." York said.
"Humans are creatures of habit."
Officers working the dreaded holiday shift said the day is lung but said
they accept it as a job chat has to be done.
"We're excited that people want to shop in our city 10 we don't have 10
pull teeth to get officers to work this," said Sgl. J.B. Thrasher.
"We just do what it takes to get them in there."
7
THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS
MONEY
4B
08.17.1992 10:13
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1990
'ear of successes for the Galleria
Complex will celebrate its fourth anniversary on a high note
grid Kindred
staff writer
Businesses at the Riverchase Galleria
In addition, December produced many record breaking sale
volumes for Galleria stores, including Musicland and Flor
generated more than $300 million in sales
sheim Shoe.
: may not be "crowing" but officials at the Riverchase
in 1989, and averaged per square foot
Bill Siebenaler, general manager, said businesses at the
ia in Hoover are most assuredly "clucking" this week as
sales of more than $300.
Riverchase Galleria generated more than $300 million in sale:
nplex celebrates its fourth anniversary.
in 1989, and averaged per square foot sales of more than $300.
keting director Jim Spahn said 1989 success stories for
The complex, with some 200 stores, includes a hotel and
million-square-foot regional shopping, hotel and office
Kirkland's, first of 43 Kirkland stores nationwide.
office tower which also had successful years in 1989, Siebenaler
FROM RGB VENTURE FAX 205 985 3040
EX are being highlighted during the anniversary celebra-
Silver Spoon Cafe, a division of Morrison Inc., expects to
said. Employment at the complex reached a peak of 5,500
ich begins next Friday and continues through Feb. 19.
be first or second in 1989 sales when final figures are avail-
during the December holiday sales period.
anniversary celebration will include daily performances
able.
The Wynfrey Hotel saw its occupancy grow 13 percent last
American International Circus and the Galleria Clown
Lynn's Hallmark, number one in a chain of 22 stores, and
year. Part of the growth was attributed to the nearly 45 per-
placed in top 10 percent of Hallmark card stores nationwide.
cent increase in shopper packages and other markets, said
ng the successes cited by Spahn are several Galleria
Mitchell's Formal Wear, first in the chain of 14 stores in
Ralph Marconi, hotel general manager.
that ranked number one in 1989 sales in their organiza-
its annual percent of increase.
The Galleria Tower, a 17-story office building, is 94 percent
reluding:
sick-Fil-A, first out of 435 locations nationwide.
Cutlery World, highest yearly total sales since opening and
leased, including such major tenants as South Central Bell,
fourth in sales of 200 U.S. stores.
Aetna, Birmingham Steel and the Southeastern Conference ath-
risian Riverchase, top producer of all 20 Parisian
letic offices.
The Sunglass Company, in the top 20 of 102 stores for sales
increase and gross sales.
See Galleria, Page 5B
Markets/SC
Review/7C
P
Stock facts/7C
Oshkosh, b'gosh!/4C
Sun., Feb. 14, 1988
The Birmingham News
After two years, Galleria 'far
exceeds' original expectations
By Ingrid Kindred
consistently performed beyond our expectations," be said.
"We are very pleased that we came to the Galleria," said Nancy
08.17.1992 10:14
News business writer
H. DiPietro, Rich's store manager at the Galleria.
With its second birthday celebration beginning on Thursday, the
"We leel the Riverchase Galleria is an excellent addition to Bir-
Riverchase Galleria still is drawing visitors from throughout the
minghare for Rich's It's an exciting place to shop and it's an excil-
Southeast, and getting rave reviews from its developer and major
ing place to do business."
anchor stores.
She said sales at Rich's Galleria store have exceeded corporate
"It's far exceeded our expectations," developer Jim Wilson Jr. of
goals
Monigomery-based Jim Wilson & Associates said at the Galleria
James C Davis, Galleria store manager for JC Penney, said that
complex last week.
store has also "far exceeded" Panney's
The massive Galleria bote), shopping
sales goal projections for the store's first
and office complex at Interstate 459,
"We're Alabama's number one
two years.
US 31 and Alabama 150 in Hoover con-
"We don't see anything but good
tourist attraction.'
times to draw large numbers of regional
things happening," be said "Macy's has
shoppers - 20 accomplishment for
Developer Jim Wilson Jr.
helped, in terms of drawing more peo-
which Wilson is well pleased.
ple It's added another dimension to the
What pleases him "more than any-
mall"
thing it's the acceptance of the Galleria
Alabama's first and only Macy's
by the trade area and the expansion of the trade area," he
department store opened at the Galleria complex last March. Store
said. "We are drawing people from a much broader large scale, OR a
officials said the store has been "well received."
much more consistent basis than we ever anticipated We're Ala-
"Macy's is very pleased with our business in the Riverchase Gal-
barna's number one tourist attraction."
beria," said Kathleen Waugh vice president for public relations and
Wilson, who before Macy's opened last year, estimated Galleria
special events for Macy's Atlanta division, which includes the Gal-
sales at between $200 million and $225 million annually, said the
leria store.
complex has exceeded its original sales and traffic volume predie-
"Our customer base is continuing to grow because the Galleria
tions. Current employment al the Galleria is about 3,500, including
has drawing power across the state of Alabama and adjoining
the hotel and office building.
states," she said.
The Galleria's regional draw of botel guests and shoppers from
"We will be celebrating our one-year (Galleria) anniversary in
throughout Alabama and adjoining states has made an economic
mid-March with a two-week series of special events under the
impact ant only on its retail tenants, but has raked in millions of
theme, Thank you, Birmingham." We want to show the Birmingham
FROM 3040
dollars for the City of Hoover, as well as having made a significant
community Dut we are thankful for the support shown as in the
economic impact 00 the entire Birtoingham area.
Galleria," she said
"The Galleria has had a tremendous impact on the metropolitan
Market research indicates that the Galleria's typical shopper is 36
area
no question about IA," said Don Newton Sr, executive vice
years old and a while female, Galleria General Manager Bill Sieben-
president of the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce.
aler said. Sixty-eight percent are either college graduates or have
"As am attraction, it pulls people from all over
Atlanta, Nash-
had some college training.
ville, the Florida Panhandle, eastern Mississippi, and throughout the
Of all visitors to the complex, the average person spends a little
state of Alahama," be said.
more than $45. or all those who enter a store - some people just
"The Galleria has caused some lluctuations in the relal trade.
come to walk - about $55 is spent per trip, be said.
Some places may have lost business to the Galleria, bet for the most
Though Galleria retail space is about N percent occupied, Sieben-
part it has pulled in business from outside Birmingham," Newton
aler said efforts are co-going to "fine-tune" the mix of retail tenants
News staff photo by Beverly Taylor
said.
in the complex. The complex has nearly 200 stores and restaurants.
Officials of McRae's, JC Penney, Rich's, Parisian and Macy's all
There are no no-going negotiations for a new major tenant, Wilson
said their Galleria anchor stores have done well and have attracted
said, bart the complex was designed so an additional one could be
shoppers from throughout the Southeast.
added
McRae's President Richard McRae Jr. recently said the Galleria
"We have room for one more (major) store," be said. "We've
store produced the largest sales volume in the Birmingham area
talked to Sears, Saks Fifth Avenue, Naiman-Marcus and Lard &
among stores in that retail chain
Taylor, but so far, there are DO deals," be said.
"The Galleria store is the best, in terms of sales," be said
Wilson said the Galleria complex still is expanding with addi-
Parisian spokesman Howard Koch said that retail chain has been
tional development plans still 00 the back-burner.
pleased with its Galleria store, its Bagship.
Shoppers crowd Galleria's Ford Court on a recent Saturday
"We are very pleased with our Riverchase Calleria store IL has
See Galleria, Page 70