The Samford Crimson

Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: Expressions

Media Credit: Lisa Hart The Loft District in downtown Birmingham has the charm and style of a street in a romantic comedy on the big screen.

As the red light changes to green, streams of cars rush through the cracked streets. The weathered buildings tower over the pedestrians casually walking down the sidewalks. Although old and noisy from the passing cars, the Loft District, 1st and 2nd Avenue between 22nd and 24th St. in downtown Birmingham, exudes character and charm.

As tempting as it is to eat another meal at Sonic or spend a Saturday afternoon strolling around the Summit, you will miss the culture and art the Loft District has to offer.

"I really enjoyed seeing different parts of Birmingham that I don't really see. There is more downtown than I knew," Katie Nickerson, junior Spanish education major, said.

Just a few years ago, the city decided to rebuild the downtown area. Their plan began with building lofts; contractors transformed the elevated, worn buildings into an interesting mix of old and modern design. The area's luxury feel attracted an upscale crowd. And people attract business.

"I opened my studio here because of the revitalization of space and the architecture," Megan Cooper, owner of 1st Avenue Art Guild, said.

Although the area was empty only a few years before, businesses, art studios and loft apartments now line the street. From outside, The Neighborhood Market looks like an average grocery store, yet inside, contemporary art pieces accent the rows of cereal boxes.

While chick flicks may be to blame, there is something romantic about strolling through a historic area and wandering past unique collections of art.

This past weekend, the Loft District exhibited over 100 local and regional artists in the sixth annual ArtWalk.
Chosen artists filled over 12 blocks with exhibits of photographs, jewelry, ceramics and paintings for sale. Live music, food and trolleys accompanied the displays.

"Artwork was displayed in stores and other open venues. You could just walk in and look at the artwork displayed. There was a great variety of artwork from pottery, oil paintings, photographs and other types of modern artwork. Also, there was street music playing as you walked in and out of the stores, which made it really fun," junior elementary education major Sarah Storey said.

ArtWalk is one of the many things this growing area offers.

Many students have a negative view of downtown Birmingham; however, the recently developed Loft District has changed the once unsafe area. For years students have overlooked a large part of culture within the city.

So, on the next uneventful afternoon, gather some friends and experience the art and culture of this distinctive area.

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