Developers, officials discuss downtown revitalization, including river stabilization at SRA meeting

The Selma Redevelopment Authority recently hosted more than 40 developers and public officials at a meeting focused on downtown revitalization, including a project to stabilize buildings along the riverfront.  

Held at Reflections on Water Avenue, the meeting included developers currently investing in historic Selma, SRA board members and representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Also attending were Alabama Sen. Robert Stewart, Rep. Prince Chestnut, Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III, Selma City Council President Kennard Randolph, and Councilpersons Jannie Thomas, Lesia James and Clay Carmichael. 

SRA Executive Director Sarah Aghedo said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell and Sen. Katie Britt secured between $11 million and $14 million in federal funding to stabilize the riverfront from the Bridge Tenders Cottage past David Norton’s law office. This follows earlier stabilization work near the amphitheater. Many of the historic buildings along the riverfront will require additional reinforcement.  

Aghedo said the meeting brought together property owners along Water Avenue who will be directly impacted by the stabilization project. 

 “We had a great turnout, 41 people, and it was really profitable because folks got to meet one another, learn about neighboring projects and ask questions directly to the Corps of Engineers,” Aghedo said. 

SRA’s mission is to “foster the growth of existing and new businesses in downtown Selma.” The organization is also working to help Selma achieve the title of Main Street Alabama Designated Community.  

Selma is now listed as an “aspiring community,” and officials have participated in monthly training sessions and activities throughout 2025. The city will begin the application process in January, with a final presentation expected in April. 

Becoming a Designated Community would give Selma access to grants, training and branding support from Main Street Alabama and the national Main Street USA network. 

“It’s not just a few folks in Alabama trying to figure out what works,” Aghedo explained. “You’re tapping into experiences from across the country, from small towns that have successfully revitalized their downtown areas.” Nov. 6 

Volunteers will play a key role in the effort, with opportunities to serve on committees focused on organization, economic revitalization, promotion and design. 

The stabilization project and Main Street initiative are closely linked, Aghedo noted, because both aim to protect Selma’s historic core while encouraging economic growth. 

“The Main Street approach is economic development through historic preservation,” she said. “We’re excited that developers are stepping in to save these buildings rather than letting them crumble into the river or be replaced with modern structures.” 

Recent private investments totaling at least $7 million over the past three years have already begun to reshape downtown Selma, with projects such as the Adler Building and Harmony Club moving toward completion. 

SRA Board Chair Dr. Rose Wilkins praised the turnout and support from Lovelady Construction, who sponsored the meeting. “This has been an excellent meeting, and SRA looks forward to holding more gatherings to strengthen relationships with those working to make Selma more economically vibrant,” she said. 

The SRA board, appointed by the Selma City Council, governs redevelopment efforts within a district stretching from JL Chestnut Jr. Boulevard to Water Avenue and from Martin Luther King Street to Church Street, with an extension to Mabry Street south of Dallas Avenue.