This small business in Alabama just received a $120,000 grant and plans to use it to replace a vintage sign outside the theater. The grant was awarded to The Alabama Theater from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation as part of the Partners in Preservation: Main Streets campaign.
The purpose of the annual grant contest is to help preserve main street districts across America. The Alabama Theater was one of 11 winning sites in an online contest sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The contest runs every year from late September to late October.
Businesses across the country participate
The winning historic sites were determined by popular vote. In total, the businesses will receive a total of $1.5 million in grants to fund their preservation projects. An additional $500,000 in grants was provided to the nonprofit partners of the 25 main street communities that participated in the program and helped to raise awareness about their preservation needs.
The Alabama Theater is located in downtown Birmingham Alabama on 3rd Avenue North. It was built in 1927 by Paramount's Publix Theatre chain and served as its flagship theater for the southeastern region of the United States. Since 1927, the theater has presented shows and performances ranging from movies, concerts, beauty pageants, silent films and even the Mickey Mouse Club!
To learn more about how to qualify and enter the Partners in Preservation: Main Streets small business grant contest, visit savingplaces.org/stories/partners-in-preservation-main-streets#.WiBNdVWnHs0