WorkPlay
WorkPlay is a mixed use office building, sound stage, recording studio, performance venue, event space and bar located at 500 23rd Street South in Birmingham's Southside. The 30,000 square-foot complex was developed in 2001 by brothers Alan, Hugh, Blake and Randy Hunter. Davis Architects designed the modern-styled renovations to the former warehouse.
The center's 400-seat theater has been used for concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, television viewing parties, political debates, and numerous other events.
In October 2010 Superior Bank began foreclosure proceedings on WorkPlay's building, which is organized independently of the center's operations. In December, Hunter revealed that he was negotiating with former Tom Williams Automotive Group executives Tom Williams, Jr and Clark Williams to purchase the business.
The Williams' plans for the facility include adding outdoor gathering spaces, parking lot security, keeping the bar open nightly, repainting, and possibly adding a marquee. They hope to book a wider variety of events included business lunches and community meetings during the day and fashion shows, art openings, wine tastings and other events at night.
References
- Ray, Tiffany (February 19, 2007) "WorkPlay duo searches for partners." Birmingham Business Journal
- Jaffe, Dana (October 21, 2010) "Foreclosure threatens WorkPlay’s future." Second Front
- Colurso, Mary (October 22, 2010) "Birmingham's WorkPlay entertainment complex faces building foreclosure." Birmingham News
- Colurso, Mary (December 8, 2010) "Birmingham's Williams brothers, sons of late auto dealer, in negotiations to buy WorkPlay, Alan Hunter says." Birmingham News
- Colurso, Mary (March 13, 2011) "Williams brothers, new owners of WorkPlay, ponder changes to entertainment complex in Birmingham." Birmingham News
External links
- WorkPlay website