


Bama Theatre
Updated Mar 03 2023
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Summary
Elevate Tuscaloosa hired Ellis Architects to develop a master plan for the theatre. The master plan process will determine how the space is used currently and suggest ideas for how it might be used in the future. The work will include extensive research with technical experts and benchmarking against venues across the country. The final master plan will propose phased improvements to the building that would both create a better experience for performers, crews, and audiences and also introduce new programming opportunities.
Opened in 1938, the historic Bama Theatre is a well-known landmark in downtown Tuscaloosa and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Funding for construction of the building was provided by the federal Public Works Administration. Originally intended for screening films, the auditorium is now most often used for live performances ranging from concerts to theatre and dance and has a capacity of 1,079.
Goals and Impact


Plan improvements and modernizations to the theatre to allow for 21st century programming
Recognize and celebrate the historic value of the iconic building in the plans
Use the master plan for future improvements to the building
Project Updates
As part of a multi-agency funding agreement, the City of Tuscaloosa provided capital funding that assisted the Bama Theatre with replacing auditorium seating and carpeting in public areas.
Timeline
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Key Milestones & Events
Completed:
October 2022: Completed interior renovations that replaced the stage, auditorium seating, and carpeting in public areas
Up Next:
Project Materials
Financial Information
Costs
Cost Summary
Spent:
$260,715
Approved:
$337,815
Budget:
Pending Planning/Design
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Spent: The amount paid on this project to-date.
Approved: The amount that has been approved by the City Council to be spent for a specific contract or purpose on this project. In city accounting terms, this is spent + encumbered.
Budget: The total amount of money that the City expects to be spent to complete this project. This amount is only finalized once sufficient planning on the project has been completed.
Cost Details
Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund: City funds dedicated to Elevate Tuscaloosa which are allocated to this project.
Other City Funds: City funds from non-Elevate Tuscaloosa sources allocated to this project.
External Funding: Amounts from sources outside of the city, such as grants, or donations from citizens or private companies.
Overall Funding
Funding Summary
Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund:
$337,815
Other City Funds:
$0
External Funding:
$0
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