BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Sloss Furnaces is moving ahead with plans for a roughly $12 million expansion that would transform the Birmingham landmark into a more accessible, park-like civic space with new gathering areas, educational features and other public amenities, according to the organization’s future-plans page and local reporting.
The project, described by Sloss as a way to “reimagine” its 32-acre historic industrial site, is still in the planning and fundraising stage. The site says the goal is to preserve the landmark’s industrial legacy while creating a connected public environment with green space, interpretive elements and room for daily use.
Local reporting from Bham Now said the framework under consideration includes shifting the main entrance to 2nd Avenue North and 32nd Street, separating vehicle and pedestrian traffic, adding a 1K trail, play areas for children and adults, a maze, a walking trail through the spray pond, pedal cars and an outdoor elevator to a furnace platform.
Sloss leadership has said the capital campaign is expected to begin in 2026, with a goal of securing the full amount by the end of the year, according to the same report.
The City of Birmingham’s Sloss Furnaces museum page describes the site as a National Historic Landmark and a rare window into America’s steelmaking past. Sloss’ own future-plans page says the project is intended to support education, tourism, neighborhood vitality and broader community use.