HEROES Experience

The NFPA HEROES Experience is a planned $100 million firefighter-themed visitor attraction which will anchor a planned 200-acre development at the intersection of U.S. Highway 31 and Shelby County Highway 52, near I-65 Exit 242 (the "Tank Farm Exit") in Pelham. The attraction is under development by the National Center for Fire and Life Safety, with the National Fire Protection Association as naming sponsor. It is anticipated to open in 2021.

The NFPA HEROES Experience is expected to offer high-tech educational exhibits in a 100,000 square foot facility. Verner Johnson Architects of Boston, Massachusetts is working with BRC Imagination Art and the Jim Henson Company on the design of the exhibits and the building. According to the NCFLS, the exhibits will teach about the history of firefighting and emergency medical services; communicate the mental, physical and intellectual requirements for effective emergency services; and promote understanding of how to make the world a safer place.

The site for the project will be donated by the City of Pelham, along with other unspecified incentives.

References

• Harris, Brianna (April 18, 2018) "Major development announced for Exit 242 in Pelham". Shelby County Reporter
• West, Ty (April 18, 2018) "Pelham selected for $100M major national attraction." Birmingham Business Journal