The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved a funding agreement to turn the historic Powell Steam Plant land into a national gathering place for people with sensory processing needs. The deal will see the city pay $7 million toward the $39.5 million project from the locally based nonprofit KultureCity.

KultureCity National Accessibility Park

The project, called the KultureCity National Accessibility Park, has also received $5 million from the state, $3.5 million from Jefferson County and $25 million from private donors. According to city officials, the park will include specialized sensory-inclusive programming for individuals with autism, PTSD and other sensory needs. It will also have an exhibition hall and outdoor areas designed for community gatherings, performances and public use.

Local leaders expect the park to have 250,000 visitors annually. Built in 1895, the former coal-burning Powell Steam Plant, at 1830 Powell Ave., provided steam and electrical power to businesses and downtown streetcars. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in January 2015.

Council President Wardine Alexander said, “This redevelopment has the potential to completely transform the immediate area. It kind of reminds me of when Regions Field was developed not far from there and how that served a foundation for the growth we’ve witnessed.” Alexander also praised KultureCity, saying, “This organization does outstanding work and we’re so proud to welcome them on this new endeavor. This center will be an incredible resource for families and individuals, not just locally but from all over the South.”

In other business, the council approved the sale of 25 acres along Barber Motorsports Parkway where developers hope to build a world-class kart racing facility. According to city officials, competitive kart racing serves as a key development pathway for aspiring Formula 1 drivers.

Original reporting: BirminghamWatch — read the source article.