We'd seldom thought about Woodlawn in recent years until an exuberant newcomer moved here from Charleston and started writing with great enthusiasm about not only her new neighborhood but also about all that Birmingham has to offer. Her Magic City Manifesto was a breath of fresh air, and a much-needed reminder to us of all the "Magic" in Birmingham that we'd been taking for granted! We were smitten by her and by our city all over again, and began to make numerous trips to Woodlawn, just to see what's going on...
It's changed in many ways from the Woodlawn of over 50 years ago that Bob remembered when it was the location of a much anticipated visit to his cousins' house. It was truly Mayberry back then and appreciated as one of Birminghams's oldest communities.
However over the years, historic homes had been neglected and abandoned, the once bustling retail shops moved to the suburbs, and even his aunt's house, at 440 N. 55th Street, was demolished, right behind Woodlawn High School.
But, the good news is, we discovered there is LOTS happening there NOW! According to Wikipedia, "Woodlawn is characterized as one of 23 "Communities" that participate in the Community Participation Program that was drawn up to encourage local political activism and community development." And active they are! Woodlawn is experiencing a resurgence, largely due to the enthusiasm, talent, and energy of a LOT of cool people who have made it their home and who care enough to make a difference. Just take a look at a few recent articles and blogs out of Woodlawn > Woodlawn renaissance YWCA in Woodlawn Main Street Birmingham, Woodlawn Food Blog South at Woodrow Hall Community Newsletter Incubator for the arts Birmingham Wiki (major contributor lives in Woodlawn) Caring Effort 35212 Disco There's definitely a lot of energy in Woodlawn, the housing is still a great value, it's close to downtown, and it's an area where you can truly make a difference. ART AND ARCHITECTURE So with new attention to Woodlawn-as a painter-Bob rediscovered that within walking distance of his painterly fascination with railroads, are: Classic bungalows, Arts & Crafts cottages, Dutch Colonial and Tudor Revival architectural details featuring overhanging eaves, picket fences, exposed rafters, local building materials, split fieldstone foundations & porches, wood beams, battered piers, and gables sheltering deep porches. All of this is displayed on a rolling terrain, connected with sidewalks shaded by ancient oaks. "On an early autumn day, eliminate in your mind's' eye the cars and trucks and other distractions on the street, and Woodlawn provides an architectural painter with a museum quality canvas of early American architectural styles."  | | Woodlawn Street Scene |
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