FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 8, 2021 Ensley Rising Day to Launch Local Community’s Redevelopment of Historic Downtown Ensley District Developers, LLC will host Ensley Rising Day, a community celebration and construction kick-off for Ensley’s newest community development effort, the historic Ramsay-McCormack building site Saturday, June 12. Community residents, business owners, and neighborhood leaders will gather from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Avenue E and 19th Street to share personal stories, provide input, and hear details about additional community engagement opportunities around the new development. “We need input from everyone,” said Irvin Henderson, former chair of the National Trust Community Investment Corporation, and principal of Henderson & Company, a lead partner of Ensley District Developers. Henderson, alongside partners Direct Invest Development, is thrilled to host the community celebration day, “It has been energizing to hear from so many Ensley residents and friends over the past months whose input is reflected in the release of the Ensley Redevelopment plan during Ensley Rising Day.” Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Irvin and his team have met with hundreds of stakeholders over the past five months via Zoom. "We’re so grateful to finally be gathering in person to celebrate the future and possibilities this new development will create for the Ensley community," said Irvin. Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, free food, and family-friendly activities including face-painting and a “design your own mural” coloring station. “We hope the whole neighborhood comes out,” said Llevelyn Rhone, project manager for the new Ramsay-McCormack building. “The merchants and business owners in the immediate vicinity have been incredibly patient throughout the demolition phase and continually express their excitement of new development in downtown Ensley. We are proud to have those merchants joining the celebration, promoting their products and services.” "Transitioning from the demolition to construction of a new Ramsay-McCormack building is an important milestone in the redevelopment of Ensley," said Mayor Randall Woodfin, who will be joining the celebration and giving remarks. "The $4 million investment in Ramsay-McCormack is anchoring our revitalization strategy for downtown Ensley and is only the beginning of this historic neighborhood's restoration." Mayor Woodfin will be joined by District 9 Councilor John Hillard from the Birmingham City Council, George McCall of the Ensley Neighborhood Council, Coreata’ Houser with the City of Birmingham, A.G. Callins, former chair of the Ensley Merchants Association, and Janet Maycock of the Ensley Entertainment District. “As a part of the City of Birmingham’s commitment to its neighborhoods we are pleased to partner with developers like Ensley District Developers who are committed to creating vibrant and thriving communities,” Houser said. In addition to Ramsay-McCormack, an affiliate of EDD, Historic District Developers, is leading the redevelopment of the Masonic Temple on 4th Avenue. “Revitalization of these historic landmarks is indicative of our future, respectful of our rich past, and demonstrates a commitment to increased economic opportunities,” Houser added. Learn more at EnsleyRising.com
