The
Building
{Currently}
Our Vision
Our vision is to transform the historic Powell Steam Plant into a vibrant and inclusive hub that redefines accessibility and community engagement. This groundbreaking project will house the Museum of Accessibility and Disability Excellence, the National Disability Arts Center, a dynamic restaurant, vocational training facilities, and interactive public spaces designed for all.
The park aims to provide job opportunities for individuals with invisible disabilities, establish internships for Birmingham Promise students, and set the national standard for inclusive development.
This transformative project draws on Birmingham’s legacy as a leader in social justice. Just as the city was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, KultureCity® Powell Steam Plant Park will lead in advocating for accessibility and inclusivity, fostering a global culture of acceptance and innovation. It will celebrate resilience, diversity, and the indelible contributions of individuals with disabilities to society.
The Vision
A CATALYST FOR CHANGE,
OPPORTUNITY, AND INCLUSION
A National Landmark
The KultureCity® Powell Steam Plant Park will set a new standard for community spaces by integrating cultural, educational, and vocational opportunities, creating a hub of innovation and inclusion.
Showcasing Achievements
Highlighting the contributions of individuals with disabilities through art, exhibitions, and events, inspiring a deeper understanding and respect for diversity.
An Educational and Inspirational Hub
Interactive installations, immersive learning spaces, and vocational training programs will empower the community to champion accessibility.
Engaging Community Dialogue
Providing spaces for meaningful conversations around inclusion, disability rights, and bridging gaps to shape a more equitable future.
BIRMINGHAM’S LEGACY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY MAKES IT THE IDEAL LOCATION FOR THIS TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECT.
Why Birmingham?
Building on Birmingham's Legacy
A City Steeped in History
Birmingham’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and its legacy of social justice advocacy makes it the ideal location for this transformative project.
The Powell Steam Plant’s Historical Significance
Once a vital source of power for Birmingham’s industrial growth, the Powell Steam Plant symbolizes the city’s resilience and innovation. By transforming this iconic structure into a hub for accessibility and inclusion, the project will honor its past while paving the way for a brighter future.
Home of KultureCity®
As the birthplace of KultureCity®, Birmingham has pioneered advancements in sensory accessibility and inclusion, aligning naturally with this project’s mission.
Cultural and Economic Catalyst
The park will complement Birmingham’s rich array of attractions, including the Civil Rights Institute, 16th Street Baptist Church, and the Birmingham Museum of Art, enhancing the city’s profile as a destination for culture and inclusion.
Global Recognition
By linking disability rights to Birmingham’s historic role in civil rights, the park will elevate the city’s reputation as a leader in accessibility and social innovation.
Projected
Visitor Impact
CREATING A DESTINATION FOR ALL
Key Stats
Spending Categories
Economic
Impact Overview
A TRANSFORMATIVE BOOST TO BIRMINGHAM’S ECONOMY
Total Direct Impact
$30 Million
Annually
Total Indirect Impact
$9 Million
Annually
Total Induced Impact
$6 Million
Annually
Total Indirect Impact
$9 Million
Annually
Direct Economic Impact
Visitor Spending
250,000 visitors annually, spending an average of $100 each (includes tickets, food, retail, transportation).
Total Visitor Spending: $25,000,000
Operational Spending
Estimated annual operating expenses including staff salaries, utilities, maintenance, and marketing.
Total Operational Spending: $5,000,000
Indirect Economic Impact
Supply Chain Effects
The park’s demand for goods and services (exhibits, catering, maintenance) stimulates additional economic activity.
Multiplier Effect (1.3)
Enhances the economic contribution through additional spending by suppliers and vendors.
Indirect Impact Calculation: $30,000,000 × 0.3 = $9,000,000
Induced Economic Impact
Employee Spending
Wages paid to museum employees and contractors are re-spent in the local economy, further supporting jobs and businesses.
Multiplier Effect (1.2)
Reflects the re-spending of income in the local community.
Induced Impact Calculation: $30,000,000 × 0.2 = $6,000,000
Fiscal
Benefits
SUPPORTING BIRMINGHAM’S GROWTH
Breakdown
Sales Tax:
$1,500,000
Lodging Tax:
$75,000
Property & Income Taxes:
$1,425,000
Detailed Breakdown
Sales Tax Revenue
• Total visitor spending is estimated at $25,000,000 annually
• Assuming a 6% sales tax rate, the park generates approximately $1,500,000 in sales tax revenue annually. This includes taxes collected from ticket sales, on-site purchases, and additional spending in the community by visitors.
This significant contribution supports city services and infrastructure, helping to improve the quality of life for Birmingham residents.
Lodging Tax Revenue
• Estimated 5,000 hotel nights annually at an average nightly rate of $150.
• Total Accommodation Spending: $750,000.
• Lodging Tax Rate: 10%.
• Lodging Tax Revenue: $75,000 annually.
Property and Income Taxes
• Increased property values and the attraction of new businesses, combined with employee wages, lead to higher property and income tax revenues.
• Estimated Property and Income Tax Revenue: $1,425,000 annually.
Community Investment
• Increased revenue for city services, public safety, and infrastructure improvements.
• Strengthened local economy through job creation and business growth.
ACTING AS A CATALYST FOR URBAN REVITALIZATION, THE PARK WILL FURTHER CONTRIBUTE TO BIRMINGHAM’S ECONOMIC GROWTH.
Construction
AND SETUP
A ONE-TIME BOOST AND LASTING IMPACT
Investment: $35 million
• Building Purchase and Revitalization/Renovation: $20 million
• Exhibit Design and Installation: $10 million
• Technology and Accessibility Features: $5 million
Jobs Created and Local Employment
• The construction phase will create over 500 temporary jobs, ranging from skilled labor positions
(construction
workers, electricians, carpenters) to professional roles (architects, engineers, project managers).
• This will provide a significant boost to the local job market and help reduce unemployment in the short
term.
Supporting Local Suppliers and Businesses
• The park’s construction and setup will stimulate demand for a wide range of local businesses, including
construction companies, material suppliers, interior designers, and technology providers.
• Emphasis on sourcing materials and services locally ensures that a significant portion of the investment
circulates within Birmingham, promoting business growth and strengthening the local supply chain.
Long-Term Economic Benefits
• While the construction phase is a one-time boost, the park’s establishment has long-term implications for
Birmingham’s economy
• Improved infrastructure and cultural offerings can attract further investments and development
projects.
• The park can act as a catalyst for urban revitalization, increasing property values and attracting new
businesses to the area, further contributing to Birmingham’s economic growth.
Intangible
Benefits
BEYOND THE NUMBERS: CHANGING LIVES
• KultureCity® Powell Steam Plant Park will serve as a powerful platform to raise awareness and educate the public about the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities. By showcasing stories of achievement, resilience, and advocacy, the park will challenge stereotypes and foster a greater understanding of the diversity within the disability community.
• It will emphasize the importance of inclusivity, not only within the park but in society at large, creating a space where all visitors can learn about the principles of accessibility and the significance of diverse perspectives.
• The park will highlight the intersectionality of disability with other aspects of identity, promoting a more holistic understanding of diversity that goes beyond physical or visible differences.
Strategic
Partnerships
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION
Leveraging Existing Partnerships
• As the birthplace and global headquarters of KultureCity®, the park will benefit from KultureCity’s established relationships with major corporate partners. These include leading organizations such as the NFL, NBA, MLS, MLB, Google, and Amazon. These partnerships have already paved the way for innovative accessibility initiatives and can be extended to support the park’s mission.
• Collaborations with these corporate giants can involve sponsorship opportunities, technological advancements for exhibits, and co-branded initiatives that enhance the park’s offerings. For instance, Google and Amazon’s expertise in technology can be utilized to create cutting-edge, accessible, interactive displays, making the park experience even more engaging for all visitors.
• Sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLS, and MLB can contribute by hosting special events, promoting the park through their extensive networks, and integrating the park’s mission into their community outreach programs. This not only increases the park’s visibility but also brings in a diverse audience from various sports communities.
Engaging Celebrity Influencers and Ambassadors
• The park has the unique advantage of engaging with celebrity influencers and KultureCity® board members who are passionate about inclusivity and accessibility. High-profile supporters like Coldplay, Lauren Daigle, and other influential figures can play a crucial role in promoting the park, both through direct involvement and by leveraging their platforms to reach a global audience.
• These celebrities can participate in special events, campaigns, and fundraising efforts, helping to amplify the park’s message and attract more visitors and supporters. Their involvement also lends credibility and visibility to the park, making it a recognized name not just locally, but nationally and internationally.
• Through these partnerships, the park can organize exclusive events, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and meet-and-greet sessions with influencers, drawing attention to the park and its mission while offering unique experiences to visitors and patrons.
Partnering with Local Businesses and Tourism Agencies
• Collaboration with local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retail shops, can enhance the overall visitor experience and integrate the park more deeply into Birmingham’s economy. These partnerships can include cross-promotional opportunities, such as discount packages for park visitors or co-hosted events.
• Working with tourism agencies will be key to positioning the park as a must-visit destination in Birmingham. Joint marketing campaigns can be developed to promote the park through travel guides, tourism websites, and social media, attracting visitors who are interested in cultural, educational, and inclusive experiences.
• Local businesses can also become sponsors of the park’s programs and events, gaining exposure to the park’s audience while supporting the cause of accessibility and inclusivity. This mutual support strengthens community ties and fosters a sense of collective investment in the park’s success.
Developing Educational and Outreach Programs
• Partnerships with educational institutions, from local schools to universities, will be vital in developing and implementing educational programs that align with the park’s mission. These programs can include curriculum integration, field trips, internships, and research collaborations.
• Collaborating with community organizations, nonprofits, and advocacy groups will enable the park to extend its reach and impact. Together, they can create outreach programs that target underserved communities, offering accessible educational resources and opportunities for engagement.
• The park can also work with KultureCity’s corporate partners to develop educational content and workshops that focus on accessibility, diversity, and inclusion, enhancing the park’s role as a learning hub for visitors of all ages.
Rolling Exhibits
• Partner organizations will bring yearly rolling exhibits to showcase how they incorporate accessibility in their operations. These exhibits will enhance the park’s reputation as an evolving destination and encourage repeat visitors.integration, field trips, internships, and research collaborations.
About
KULTURECITY®
KultureCity® is the nation’s leading non-profit organization focused on Sensory Inclusion. We believe that ALL individuals, regardless of their disabilities, deserve to be accepted and included. Our programs focus on helping people with autism, PTSI, Down Syndrome, anxiety and other sensory needs.
KultureCity® was founded in 2014 by husband and wife Dr. Julian Maha and Dr. Michele Kong to help parents of children with autism begin to fight against the exclusion and segregation of their children.
Over the last 10 years, KultureCity® has helped thousands of people with its programs such as LifeBoks, TabletKulture, TherapyKulture, KultureARTS, and Toys AUcross America to name a few. When noticing a lack of knowledge and programs at venues and in-person events, the KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive Certification Program was born.
The KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive Certification Program has grown from 20 venues to over 3,000 locations across 5 continents. It is an evolving program that continues to serve and add additional organizations along the way. The past two years have seen two new branches of the program take shape: medical and first responders. From events and venues to medical practices to calling 9-1-1, KultureCity® is helping to bring a voice to the voiceless through our programs.
KultureCity® is a group of individuals that are pursuing acceptance and inclusion for all. We welcome you to join our movement.
Dr. Julian Maha, a practicing emergency room physician, has leveraged his medical expertise, his neurodivergent diagnosis and personal experience as a parent of a neurodivergent child to drive the vision and mission of KultureCity®. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering partnerships and increasing awareness, making significant strides in the inclusivity movement.
Dr. Michele Kong, a neurodivergent pediatric critical care physician, brings a deep understanding of the medical and emotional needs of individuals with sensory sensitivities. Her professional background and personal journey as a stroke survivor and mother to a neurodivergent child have been pivotal in shaping the organization’s approach to creating safe and inclusive spaces.
Together, they have turned KultureCity® into a movement that is changing the landscape of accessibility for individuals with invisible disabilities, leading initiatives that range from Sensory InclusiveTM events to training for businesses and public spaces. Their work has garnered national attention and made a profound impact on the lives of many families.
Julian Maha, M.D and Michele Kong, M.D
KultureCity® Founders
Invest in Birmingham’s Legacy
• This is more than just a park — it’s an opportunity to be part of a transformative moment in history. Birmingham has always been a city of change-makers, and now you have the chance to join this legacy by supporting the creation of KultureCity® Powell Steam Plant Park.
• By investing in this park, you are not only enhancing Birmingham’s cultural landscape but also ensuring that the stories of courage, innovation, and advocacy within the disability community are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
• This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something that will inspire change, educate minds, and redefine how society views and values the contributions of individuals with disabilities.
Support Inclusivity and Cultural Enrichment
• Your support will help us build a world where inclusivity is at the forefront of our cultural narrative. This park is a powerful statement that every person, regardless of their abilities, has the potential to change the world and that their contributions deserve to be recognized and remembered.
• KultureCity® Powell Steam Plant Park is not just about celebrating achievements — it’s about fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance within our community and beyond. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to make a difference.
• Imagine a place where visitors of all ages and backgrounds can come to learn, reflect, and be inspired. A place that serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to what we can achieve when we embrace diversity and champion accessibility. This park can be that place, and your support will make it possible.
Be Part of a Movement
• This is your chance to be part of a movement that is redefining what it means to be inclusive and accessible. By supporting this park, you’re not just contributing to a building; you’re helping to build a future where everyone’s story is told and every achievement is honored.
• KultureCity® Powell Steam Plant Park will be a living testament to the power of advocacy, the strength of community, and the enduring spirit of those who have fought for disability rights. Your contribution will help ensure that these stories are not only preserved but also serve as a source of inspiration and education for generations to come.
• Imagine the impact we can create together. Imagine the lives that will be touched, the minds that will be changed, and the conversations that will be started. This is more than a project; it’s a legacy in the making, and we invite you to be a part of it.
Sponsorship
Levels
Be Part of the Movement
Platinum
Sponsor
$5 Million (3 Available)
Benefits
• Exclusive naming rights to the park’s main attractions or prominent facilities.Exclusive naming rights to the park’s main attractions or prominent facilities.
• Premier name placement on the central statue monument and at the main entrance.
• Feature story in the park and museum annual review and on the homepage of the website.
• Opportunity to host corporate events with custom experiences at the park and museum.
• Invitations to all exclusive events, including groundbreaking and annual galas, with special recognition during these events.
Benefits
• Naming rights to secondary attractions or significant park features like gardens or pavilions.
• Prominent name placement on a dedicated section of the statue monument and at key park entry points.
• Profiled in seasonal publications and select press materials.
• Access to host semi-private events at the park or museum, with priority booking for special events.
• Recognition at all major park events and on digital displays throughout the park.
Gold
Sponsor
$3 Million (4 Available)
Silver
Sponsor
$1 Million (6 Available)
Benefits
• Naming rights for functional amenities like benches, pathways, or educational stations.
• Name placement on a dedicated plaque on the statue monument and at the location of the sponsored item.
• Regular features in the park’s digital newsletter and annual recognition plaque displayed at the park.
• Invitations to exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes tours with park and museum leadership.
• Acknowledgment in the park’s visitor center and on the official mobile app.
Benefits
• Collective recognition on a special section of the statue monument designed for bronze sponsors.
• Name inclusion in the seasonal park guide and on informational kiosks.
• Access to special park events with the opportunity for early registration or special access.
• Mention in the annual donor acknowledgment displayed at the park and museum.
• Complimentary tickets to special exhibitions and annual events.
Bronze
Sponsor
$500,000
Contributor
Sponsor
$250,000
Benefits
• Name listed on the community support section of the statue monument.
• Recognition in the annual community report and on temporary exhibit placards.
• Exclusive invitations to community days and educational workshops hosted at the park.
• Recognition on the park’s social media channels and in email newsletters.
• Discounts on using park and museum facilities for private or corporate events.
Make the
Nevers Possible.
Contact Information
For more details and to learn how you can help us
make history, please email: [email protected]