Redevelopment Study of the Water Avenue District, Selma, Alabama
Download printable project sheet, 242KB.

In 1998, the City of Selma commissioned Sherlock, Smith & Adams to conduct a study of the Water Avenue district of its downtown. The study was initiated to focus on redevelopment for an expanded tourist area, after the renovation of the historic St. James Hotel and the designation of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.

The development plan identified parking strategies, overlay districts/business development strategies that included mixed-use proposals along with infill building uses, evaluation of pedestrian/vehicular systems, and streetscape improvements.

Visual analysis of all existing structures was incorporated into the study to locate noncontributing structures. A walk zone study between areas of historic/tourist interest led to the recommendation of a trolley/shuttle route.

The redevelopment plan also focused on the need for the downtown businesses to create usable spaces along the river, including river walks and patio dining.