Charrette for Mobile County Commission's Master Plan for a Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District Completed

Posted on: May 21st, 2024 | News and Announcements featured news Press Releases

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. -- Mobile County Commission began the process of visioning its new Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District in January of 2024 and the consultant team presented presented concepts to the community this week.

The visioning and sneak peek sessions attracted more than 250 stakeholders for four hours of meetings over a two-day period.

The visioning session on Thursday, May 16, consisted of the consultant team presenting findings from the combination of research from local stakeholders and their own analysis, as well as case study research from similar cultural/civil rights sites including Birmingham’s Civil Rights District and the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The evening ended with community-driven, interactive roundtable work sessions and community members presenting their ideas.

The sneak peek of master plan concepts on Monday, May 20, included the consultant team’s preliminary ideas for the master plan. These ideas grew from research, analysis, conversations with more than 500 stakeholders through dozens of meetings and other engagements.

Preliminary concepts presented by the consultants for feedback included parking, facades, housing ideas, mixed-use development ideas, walkability and green space ideas, preliminary branding concepts, and target marketing to attract tourism and businesses while honoring the character of the district.

These events are significant steps forward in Mobile County’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the area’s rich local history of civil rights and cultural heritage. This visionary project, championed by Mobile County Commissioner for District 1 Merceria Ludgood, seeks to preserve, honor, and promote local culture and heritage assets. “This project is for the community. It’s intended to be a catalyst to attract business, investors and homeowners back to the Avenue,” said Ludgood.

Developing the Master Plan for Mobile’s Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District is one of Mobile County Commission’s American Rescue Plan Act-funded projects. It seeks to preserve and promote diverse heritage, revitalize the community, and attract new traffic and economic opportunities. Master planning will continue through 2024. An overview of the project is attached for additional information. You can also log on to: https://www.mobilecountyal.gov/crch-master-plan.

Suggested storytelling themes of the new Civil Rights & Cultural Heritage District centered on the historic Avenue in Mobile:

CLICK HERE for the full presentation

CLICK HERE to leave your feedback

CLICK HERE for the Master Plan for Mobile's Civil Rights & Cultural Heritage District webpage