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Historic 4th Avenue Business District

Explore Birmingham's Historic 4th Avenue: A vibrant district that celebrates Black history, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. A landmark of resilience.

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A vibrant hub of Black commerce and culture during segregation, the Historic 4th Avenue Business District in Birmingham showcases architecturally significant buildings and commemorates the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the African American community [4, 5, 10]. Today, it stands as a testament to history and a place for cultural exploration [5, 15].

A brief summary to Historic 4th Avenue Business District

Local tips

  • Visit the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inside the Carver Theatre to celebrate the state's rich jazz heritage [15].
  • Take a guided walking tour to discover the history and stories of the people who shaped the district [15].
  • Attend the annual Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival for a vibrant celebration of music, food, and community [5, 15].
  • Support local businesses in the district to help preserve its cultural heritage and promote economic growth [15].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, head north on 16th Street North [15]. Turn right onto 4th Avenue North. The Historic 4th Avenue Business District is located between 15th and 19th Streets North [5, 15]. This is a short walk of approximately 5-10 minutes [15].

  • Public Transport

    The MAX Transit bus system provides service to the Historic 4th Avenue Business District [13, 15]. Several bus routes stop near the district, including routes 1, 3, 45 and 100 [7, 15]. From the Birmingham Intermodal Facility (Central Station), located at 1801 Morris Avenue, the district is a short bus ride away [8, 15]. A single ride fare is $1.50 [8, 9, 20].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Birmingham [8, 15]. A ride from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or the Birmingham Intermodal Facility to the Historic 4th Avenue Business District will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand [15].

  • Driving

    If driving, several parking options are available near the Historic 4th Avenue Business District [6, 13]. Parking decks are located at 2128 4th Avenue North and 1883 4th Ave N [6, 13]. Hourly parking rates typically range from $4 to $8 [17, 19, 21]. Street parking may also be available, but be sure to check for any parking restrictions [6].

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Discover more about Historic 4th Avenue Business District

The Historic 4th Avenue Business District, located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, stands as a significant landmark that reflects the city's African American heritage [4, 5, 16]. From the early 20th century, particularly during the Jim Crow era, this district thrived as a center for Black-owned businesses, offering essential services and a sense of community when segregation limited opportunities elsewhere [4, 5, 10, 12]. Architecturally, the district features a mix of buildings constructed between 1908 and 1935, with notable examples including the Colored Masonic Temple, the Carver Theatre, and the Alabama Penny Savings Bank [5, 11]. These buildings not only served practical purposes but also symbolized Black achievement and self-sufficiency [4, 5, 10]. The district provided spaces for barber shops, beauty salons, mortuaries, restaurants, theaters, and professional offices [5, 10]. Today, the Historic 4th Avenue Business District is part of Birmingham's Civil Rights District, offering visitors a chance to learn about the city's complex racial history [4, 5, 15]. Urban Impact, a local organization, actively promotes the district's revitalization through various community and economic development programs [4, 5, 15, 22]. Visitors can explore the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, attend the annual Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival, and take guided walking tours to fully appreciate the district's legacy [5, 15].

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