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Discover Historic Downtown Bessemer Located only fifteen miles from Birmingham in the central part of Alabama, the historic downtown area of Bessemer, Alabama features some of the state's best examples of late 1800s, Victorian-era architecture. Many of the structures in the city's old central business district, such as the Realty Building and the Berney Brothers Bank Building, have been renovated in recent years, thus preserving the unique craftsmanship of these buildings. Thanks to the efforts of local volunteers - most notably Bessemer Main Street, the West Jefferson Historical Commission, and the Bessemer Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA) - these historic properties have found new life as the home for small retail shops, restaurants, art groups, and even government offices - the latter a tribute to Bessemer's distinction of serving Jefferson County as a "dual county seat" along with its neighbor, Birmingham. In downtown Bessemer, one can visit the Bessemer Hall of History on Alabama Avenue, a quaint museum that showcases Bessemer's early days as a leader in steel and pipe manufacturing. Or one can shop at Simmons Sporting Goods, one of the area's largest retailers of hunting and fishing equipment, and a fixture in downtown Bessemer for more than fifty years. Or one can view the newly remodeled and expanded Bessemer Public Library, featuring three floors of books, periodicals, and audio/visual materials. To learn more about historic downtown Bessemer, call or visit the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce at: 205.425.3253 | Home of Alabama's Oldest Restaurant - The Bright Star Operating in the same building since 1915, the Bright Star Restaurant has served patrons for more than 100 years. The Bessemer landmark has served meals to movie stars, U.S. Senators, governors, and even a legendary college football coach - Paul "Bear" Byrant, a regular customer of the restaurant during most of his tenure at the University of Alabama. Founded by Greek immigrants in 1907, the restaurant has remained in the same family since its inception. The Bright Star on 19th Street in downtown Bessemer is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, except on select major holidays. Auburn University's "Urban Studio" Completes Revitalization Plan for Downtown Bessemer In 2007, graduate level architecture students helped local business leaders and city officials create a master plan for revitalizing downtown Bessemer. To view a copy of the plan, visit www.bessemer.biz. | Picard's Arts Studio Project The Bessemer DRA, with support from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, has started work on the transformation of the former Picard's clothing store on Second Avenue North in downtown Bessemer into a shared artist "studio" facility, one that is expected to house up to 15 different local artists specializing in the visual arts medium. In addition to providing gallery space, the Picard's Arts Studio will feature a classroom area for artists interested in providing instruction.
Contact Us
The Bessemer DRA is a public, non-profit corporation that relies upon the staff of the Bessemer Development Board, a sister entity, to administer its programs, one of which is a revolving loan fund for downtown facade/building improvements. To learn more, contact: Bessemer Development Board |
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