Plans offer a glimpse into Selma’s future

Published 10:56 pm Thursday, November 7, 2013

Urban Studio member Kari Lawson talks about changes project members recommend for downtown Selma during a presentation Thursday evening at ArtsRevive. -- Jay Sowers

Urban Studio member Kari Lawson talks about changes project members recommend for downtown Selma during a presentation Thursday evening at ArtsRevive. — Jay Sowers

Selma residents gathered Thursday to get a look at what downtown Selma and others could be with a little revitalization.

Urban Studio presented a more detailed version of the ideas and concepts developed during their first visit to Selma in early October Thursday evening ArtsRevive’s Carneal Building.

“These ideas we have should inspire you,” Dr. Cheryl Morgan, executive director of Urban Studio, said. “It should inspire you to figure out how you can take these big complex ideas and find doable pieces.”

Email newsletter signup

Urban Studio’s plans showed downtown Selma and other places as more ofa destination, making Water Avenue a walkable attraction, reviving the riverfront as a asset for economic development and make downtown and Water Avenue the “trailhead “ for local and regional trails.

Urban Studio suggested Selma add a bicycle connecting local attractions, such as Riverfront Park, colleges, schools, Bloch Park and Memorial Stadium.

“This addition will bring people outdoors and encourage the community to mingle more with one another,” Morgan said.

In an effort to attract businesses, Urban Studio proposed galleries, working studios, teaching studios and art events that anchor Water Avenue.

“Can you imagine what Selma would be if we would do parts or all of this?” Martha Lockett, executive director of ArtsRevive, said to the crowd.

Several people expressed their appreciation and excitement for Selma’s potential to grow.

Theresa Sanders said the plans are incredible, and she hopes the city will be able to make the ideas and concepts a reality.

“I like the bike trails and the fact they are going to utilize the campgrounds,” she said. “This is the first step to bringing Selma back to what it used to be.”

Norm Trotter, who has called Selma home for 23 years, has been looking forward to viewing new scenery on his way to work since Urban Studio announced the concept to put large signs along Water Avenue.

“The thought of having new signs to look at on the way to work instead of the usual view,” he said.

Urban Studio is in the process of creating 5,000 11-by-12 posters that will provide the community with a take-home visual of their plan. Urban Studio plans to give those posters to ArtsRevive, who will then distribute them.

Urban Studio is an Auburn University outreach program based in Birmingham and comprised of fourth year and thesis level Auburn University students of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction.