Bham Family July 2020 23
Creations Galore & Moore rounded out the
are proud to see new life being breathed into
“It’s exciting to see buildings being renovated,
new businesses moving in, and our community
beginning to enjoy hanging out on Main Street.”
Batson describes why this is so important for
the community of Calera. “Our focus is on the
character of this town—we don’t want to lose this
character,” she says. As progress moves forward,
Calera Main Street will maintain homage to the
city’s railroad roots. However, many things will
be changing. For instance, they are working on
(Highway 25 and Highway 31) that come together
in downtown Calera, which is challenging from
on that route,” Batson says. The city is working
with CSX and with the Alabama Department of
Transportation to pursue a possible truck route,
which could alleviate some of the problems with
Calera has taken their revitalization off the
main roads and focused on the common green
space and courtyard located directly behind the
businesses on Main. “We have started with the
Three generations of
teaching dance for more
than 70 years.
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back of the shops, and have nicknamed the back
area the Calera Courtyard—it’s pedestrian-friendly
and you can enter all businesses from the back
door,” she says.
This downtown backyard will feature a pocket
park and a playground. Plans are underway to
attract restaurants and feature outdoor seating
and lights and murals as well. This shared space
will create even more reasons for families to bring
their kids and enjoy downtown. “My favorite part
about my job is creating community downtown,”
Batson says. And it has certainly been a
community effort so far. All of their downtown
property owners are responsible for re-bricking
and re-doing their facades, and Calera Main Street
is recruiting sponsors while working with the city
for support.
Big plans are underway. For instance, residents
who remember Baer’s Department Store can look
forward to its coming renovation as an event
space soon. As the old meets the new, Calera
Main Street promises to honor the long history
with an eye toward progress and the economic
vitality that small businesses usher in.
To learn more about the main street revival and the businesses
on Calera’s Main Street, visit caleramainstreet.org.
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/caleramainstreet.org