Preserving Birmingham's industrial past, building a more welcoming future

A Birmingham landmark that helped shape the city's industrial history is getting a new look, thanks to a $146,460 grant from Norfolk Southern.

The investment in Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark will support improvements designed to make the historic site more welcoming and accessible to residents and visitors while honoring the rail and steel industries that helped build Birmingham.

Top Takeaway

• Norfolk Southern awarded a $146,460 Thriving Communities grant to the Sloss Furnaces Foundation to support the 32nd Street Streetscape project, the first phase of a broader effort to transform the historic site into a more dynamic public gathering space.

Creating a new gateway to history

The grant will help fund improvements to the main entrance of the 32-acre landmark, including a new gateway, fencing, walkways, and landscaping.

The 32nd Street Streetscape project is designed to improve how visitors enter and navigate Sloss Furnaces while creating more opportunities for the surrounding community to enjoy the site.

The improvements will incorporate design elements that highlight the areas connection to Birmingham's railroads and its industrial history. The project is expected to encourage more frequent visits from nearby neighborhoods and expand activity at surrounding businesses.

A landmark with deep railroad roots

Sloss Furnaces began producing iron in 1882, helping establish Birmingham as a major industrial center. The furnaces and the people who worked there played a central role in the city's economic growth.

Today, the National Historic Landmark preserves that legacy through museum experiences, educational programming, metal arts, and community events, attracting more than 65,000 visitors annually.

What we're saying

"Sloss Furnaces connects us to the city's industrial roots and celebrates the innovation and resilience of Alabama. It is a living reminder of how rail and steel built Birmingham and how the industry continues to shape and support communities today," said Kristin Wong, Director of Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact. "We are proud that our investment will create a welcoming environment to ensure more people connect with that history and keep that story alive for the next generation."

What they're saying

“We are deeply grateful to Norfolk Southern for recognizing the important role Sloss Furnaces plays in Birmingham’s future and supporting it through this Thriving Communities Grant. By creating a more welcoming entrance, this grant will help launch our broader vision for Sloss as a place where people come together to learn, create, explore and connect,” David Arias, Executive Director, Sloss Furnaces – National Historic Landmark.

The big picture

Through its Thriving Communities Grant Program, Norfolk Southern supports projects that strengthen communities across its network.

The investment in Sloss Furnaces reflects that commitment by helping preserve an important piece of Birmingham's history while supporting a more welcoming space for education, recreation, and community connection.

Learn more about Sloss Furnaces and Norfolk Southern's community grant programs.