More funds needed for Carver renovation

The historic Carver Theatre downtown has played host to hundreds of concerts, plays and films since it was purchased and partially renovated by the city of Birmingham in the early 1990s.

The former movie house, built in 1935, is also home to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, which manages the facility.

But the aging Carver needs more work to make it a first-class facility, and in 2016 the City Council approved $4.3 million to renovate it.

Major construction should begin soon, with completion expected by December 2020, according to Leah Tucker, Jazz Hall of Fame executive director.

However, the lowest bid submitted for the job was about $6.5 million, so the city’s appropriation isn’t enough to fully complete the renovation, Tucker said.

The nonprofit is seeking donations to fill that gap.

“We’re calling on the public to help us reach our goals so our theater can be a vital part of the Fourth Avenue Historic Business District and of the city,” Tucker said.

For example, the Hall of Fame had to scale back its renovation of the basement for use as practice rooms, offices and its jazz radio station.

 The organization also needs $250,000 to expand its exhibit space.

To donate, go to jazzhall.com.