BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A coalition of nonprofit organizations, elected officials, commercial investors and private benefactors today announced a major redevelopment of the former Carraway Methodist Medical Center campus into an educational and community-support center called MetroPlaza.

 

The 52-acre redevelopment is set to include a mix of college classrooms, health-care providers, retail tenants and community gardens. MetroPlaza also encompasses the relocated Lovelady Center, a faith-based ministry that provides training and transitional programs for women and children in need.

 

MetroPlaza includes more than 1 million square feet of office, retail and medical space in a network of buildings served by four parking decks and several pedestrian bridges. Security-controlled areas of the campus will house Lovelady Center programs. Meanwhile, a majority of MetroPlaza will be open to Birmingham residents, education and workforce-training providers, health and childcare providers, retailers, professional groups and nonprofit organizations.

 

“We want this campus to come alive again and be a resource for the community and something everyone will be proud to show their friends and neighbors,” said Brenda Lovelady Spahn, the Lovelady Center director. “MetroPlaza is designed to be everybody’s campus.”

 

Anticipated services and features of the MetroPlaza include:

·         College classrooms

·         A neighborhood market and retailers

·         Pharmacy and eye-care center

·         Urgent-care provider

·         Daycare and after-school care provider

·         Church offices, study and worship places

·         Nonprofit resource center

·         Community gardens

 

“The MetroPlaza owners and donors are committed to making this an asset to Birmingham by bringing in jobs, revenue and much-needed services to our community,” said City Councilman Johnathan Austin, whose district includes the redevelopment. “I truly believe they will make great neighbors, great landlords and honor the Carraway legacy.”

 

Funding for the renovations and other development costs associated with the project is being generated by a three-year $15 million capital campaign called Covenant for Change.