TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Historic Bama Theatre is set to receive a $75,000 state preservation grant to help fund window replacements and other building improvements.
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The funding comes through the Alabama Historical Commission's 2026 Historic Sites Grant Program, which is funded by the Alabama Legislature.
The Tuscaloosa County Commission said this year's program received more than 80 applications requesting over $6 million in funding, with $3.5 million ultimately appropriated for historic preservation and educational programming across the state.
ALSO READ: BACKSTAGE AT THE BAMA: County Leaders Share Plans For Future Of Historic Venue
The grant was awarded to the Commission for the Historic Bama Theatre-City Hall project, according to a letter sent by Alabama Historical Commission Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer Lisa Jones.
“Preserving the old City Hall and Bama Theatre was a priority when the Commission purchased the property," Probate Judge Rob Robertson told Patch. "By receiving this grant, it will allow us to make needed upgrades. I look forward to our citizens continuing to utilize one of our community’s best assets”
District 63 State Rep. Norman Crow, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, lauded the award, saying it will help preserve one of Tuscaloosa's most recognizable landmarks.
"I am proud to announce that our historic Bama Theatre has been awarded a grant to help replace windows and make important updates to the building," Crow said. "This investment will help preserve one of Tuscaloosa's most treasured landmarks for future generations to enjoy."
Crow also thanked the Alabama Historical Commission for supporting historic preservation efforts across the state.
"I am grateful to the Alabama Historical Commission for awarding this important grant and for its commitment to preserving Alabama's historic places," he said. "This funding will have a lasting impact on our community and the continued vitality of the Bama Theatre."
The Bama Theatre, which opened in 1938, is one of Tuscaloosa's signature historic landmarks and serves as a venue for concerts, films, theatrical productions and community events.
"This opportunity to get this grant is a result of hard work from the county staff people," District 1 Commissioner Stan Acker told Patch. "We appreciate Representative Crow's help with this as well from the state Historical Commission. This will assist us in doing more of the renovations to the historic Bama Theatre to preserve it for future generations. And we're just really excited about all the things happening at the Bama and going forward."
As Patch previously reported, the Tuscaloosa County Commission purchased the historic venue, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, for $3.5 million in March.
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