Thriving at the Heart of the City
Story by Cherith Fluker
Submitted and staff photos
When you stroll down Broad Street in Downtown Gadsden, it’s hard to believe that just a decade ago, this bustling area was a far cry from the vibrant, award-winning downtown district it is today.
Thanks to a blend of vision, determination and a little bit of magic, Downtown Gadsden has been transformed into a regional destination – drawing visitors from across the Southeast and beyond.
Kay Moore, the director of Downtown Gadsden Inc., has been a key player in the area’s revitalization, helping guide the transformation of downtown into what it is today.
One of the pivotal turning points for Downtown Gadsden was the opening of Back Forty Beer Company in 2009. Jason Wilson, a Gadsden native, made the decision to return to his roots and start a craft brewery in his hometown. The decision not only marked a new era for Gadsden but also changed the course of downtown’s future.
According to Moore, “Back Forty was the spark that ignited everything. Jason didn’t just bring craft beer; he brought an audience.”
Back Forty’s success became an anchor for the downtown area. It attracted a crowd of craft beer enthusiasts, some from as far away as China, where the company once shipped beer. The brewery is a stop on the rapidly growing Craft Beer Trail – a route that highlights craft breweries. Even more significant, Moore points out, was Wilson’s advocacy for changes to local laws to make Gadsden more business-friendly, further paving the way for other entrepreneurs to invest in the city.
Along with the opening of Back Forty, Moore credits downtown’s First Friday event with drawing more people to the area. In January 2006, local business owner Sylvia Smith launched the first First Friday event with a simple goal in mind: to bring more foot traffic into her store, the Stone Market. Little did she know, it would become a cornerstone of downtown Gadsden’s cultural and economic revival.
From April to October, every First Friday draws crowds from all over. “We transform Broad Street into a big celebration with food, music and community spirit,” Moore said. “We close off the streets from Broad Street to 1st Street, and attendees can enjoy everything from classic cars to local entertainment to food trucks.” Moore emphasized that these events are not just about fun – they also drive business to over a dozen downtown restaurants and vendors.
“We’ve had people attend a First Friday event and move to Gadsden because of it,” Moore recalls. “One couple bought a house on the river after attending a First Friday event.” The strong sense of community and the lively atmosphere have proven to be powerful attractions for both residents and visitors alike.
Today, Downtown Gadsden boasts an impressive mix of businesses. They each add their own charm to the area. There are over a dozen restaurants that offer diverse dining options, including everything from pizza parlors to upscale eateries. There are also boutiques and antique stores, an olive oil store, a cigar bar, a yarn shop and beauty salons and spas.
The downtown area also has a strong cultural presence. The Mary G. Harden Center for Cultural Arts and the Gadsden Museum of Art and History are both located downtown and offer a variety of events and exhibits.
Moore is particularly excited about the cultural scene’s growth in Downtown Gadsden, saying, “We’re working hard to be more artsy.” Outdoor art installations, such as a kinetic sculpture, and sidewalk art displays have helped cement Gadsden’s reputation as an up-and-coming cultural destination.
Notably, downtown has also become a great place to live. When Moore started in her role, there were just 13 lofts available in the area; today, there are 34, with 25 more planned in the old Sears building. “It takes a good mix to have a successful downtown,” Moore says, referring to the delicate balance of living, dining, shopping and entertainment options that keep the district thriving.
But the revitalization of Downtown Gadsden isn’t just about buildings and businesses, it’s about creating experiences that people want to return to. A prime example is the Sunset Sips event, the largest of its kind in the area, offering an evening of local wine, craft beer and live music.
The Chili Cookoff held every February has become a major draw, attracting 30 to 35 chili teams and crowds eager to taste the best of the region’s culinary creations.
Another fan favorite is the St. Patrick’s Pub Crawl, which has quickly grown into a must-attend event for locals and visitors alike.
One of the most innovative additions to downtown’s landscape is the series of ballot bins designed to encourage people not to litter. These yellow boxes, inspired by a system in London, allow people to “vote” with their cigarette butts in fun downtown elections aimed at making improvements to the area.
The initiative not only helps keep the streets cleaner but also adds a unique, interactive art installation for pedestrians to enjoy. It’s a creative way to engage the community while promoting environmental responsibility, all while making the downtown experience more enjoyable.
As Moore reflects on the success of the downtown revitalization, she shares an insight that sums up the spirit of the movement: “If your downtown is strong, it’s going to positively impact the city. Downtown is the heart of the city. People love to come downtown. If you give people somewhere to live, shop, eat and play, they’ll come to the city.” It’s clear that Gadsden’s leaders have embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly.
For Moore, it’s about more than just making downtown look nice. “If your heart’s not beating, you’re dead,” she says, emphasizing that a thriving downtown is key to a thriving city.
The ongoing revitalization is a testament to the fact that with a mix of vision, leadership, and community spirit, any downtown can come alive again.
