The Jazz Hall of Fame (Carver Theatre Renovation)

The Carver Theatre was among the grand dame of movie theaters designated for Blacks in the days of Jim Crow segregation in Birmingham. It was the main show place for movies in its height. But like other businesses in the area after integration, it experienced decline.

The Founders of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame needed a central place to display talented musicians and teachers from Alabama who made significant contributions to jazz music in the U.S. and worldwide.

Jazz Hall of Fame staff members submitted a proposal to the City of Birmingham requesting that the city purchase and renovate the old Carver Theatre building to accommodate a performing arts theater and the museum.  The City of Birmingham agreed to fund the project.

Urban Impact hosted and actively participated in discussions at weekly and biweekly meetings with the Hall of Fame’s consultants, architects and contractors until they completed the new museum in 1993.