Tuscaloosa County Commission Reaches Agreement To Buy Historic Bama Theatre

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa County Commission has reached an agreement with the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) to purchase the Historic Bama Theatre and adjoining office space in downtown Tuscaloosa.

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Commission leaders said the acquisition will keep the landmark under civic ownership and preserve its role as a public gathering place for residents and visitors.

"The Historic Bama Theatre has a special place in the hearts of nearly everyone who has ever been there," District 1 Commissioner Stan Acker told Patch. "I well remember the magic of attending events there as a child and looking up at the 'stars twinkling' in the ceiling and I wanted to ensure that same magic will continue to exist for children today and for generations to come.

Acker went on to say the purchase ensures not only preservation of the historic physical structure but also the preservation of the theatre as a home for local school systems' concerts, plays and pageants as well as community cultural performances like live dance recitals and plays.

"Of course, the County Commission’s goal going forward will be to not only preserve, but enhance, both the building and the operations," he said.

Opened in 1938, the Bama Theatre has long served as one of Tuscaloosa County’s best-known historic and cultural venues, hosting artistic and musical performances, school events and community gatherings.

The theater was originally constructed as part of a joint city hall and theater project in the late 1930s through the Works Progress Administration during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

Its auditorium was designed to resemble a Mediterranean courtyard beneath a starlit sky and features murals by Italian artist Navino Nataloni. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

County officials said the commission plans to work closely with the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, along with the Tuscaloosa City and Tuscaloosa County school systems, to use the facility for concerts, drama, dance and pageant events.

The county also intends to retain and expand the theater’s existing mix of cultural programming, including concerts, movies, dance recitals and live theater performances.

District 3 Commissioner Mark Nelson expressed his gratitude to PARA and The Arts Council for working with the Commission.

"From my parents first date in 1955, to my wife and I participating in numerous plays, our children’s dance performances and school field trips, the Bama Theatre has always played an important role in not only in the life of my family but also in the lives of all residents of Tuscaloosa County," Nelson said. "I am so gratified to be part of the effort to help ensure that the Bama Theatre continues to fill that role for generations to come, including my granddaughter Adaline who will one day dance on the same stage as her mom."

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