KultureCity is expanding its Birmingham presence with the purchase of a historic downtown storefront that will support the nonprofit’s accessibility work.
KultureCity Expands Its Birmingham Footprint
The Birmingham-based nonprofit recently acquired 2417 1st Avenue North, a 7,900-square-foot commercial property built in 1924.
KultureCity focuses on sensory inclusion and accessibility for people with sensory needs. Since its founding in 2013, the organization has grown into an international nonprofit with programs in 40 countries across five continents.
Locally, KultureCity has helped establish sensory-friendly spaces at several Birmingham destinations. These include the Birmingham Zoo, Boutwell Auditorium, Protective Stadium, the BJCC, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Historic Powell Steam Plant Project
The new property adds to KultureCity’s growing downtown presence. In 2025, the nonprofit purchased Birmingham’s historic Powell Steam Plant in an $11 million deal with Alabama Power.
The 80,105-square-foot former steam plant dates to 1895 and sits next to Railroad Park. KultureCity plans to transform the site into its National Accessibility Park.
The future project is expected to include a museum, technical college, outdoor amphitheater, and other accessibility-focused spaces.
New Property Will Support KultureCity Operations
For now, the newly acquired building will serve as a base for KultureCity’s sensory operations while work on the Powell Steam Plant moves forward.
The nonprofit also plans to use part of the property as a staging office. Visitors will be able to learn more about KultureCity and its upcoming downtown projects there.
KultureCity acquired the property through an affiliated entity called 100 Mile, LLC. The organization says the purchase supports its broader commitment to Birmingham and the continued revitalization of downtown.
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