Birmingham Business Owner Revitalizes Neighborhood with New STEM Incubator
Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as local entrepreneur L’Tryce Slade takes significant steps towards transforming an abandoned property into a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Slade, who owns Slade Land Use Environmental and Transportation Planning LLC, is set to move her operations from Innovation Depot to a newly redeveloped facility at 1616 Seventh Ave. N..
With the city’s approval, Slade plans to purchase the vacant building for a proposed price of $60,000 and invest approximately $2.6 million into its revitalization. This ambitious project is expected to create or retain at least 12 full-time jobs, providing essential opportunities for the local workforce.
Creating Space for Growth
The new headquarters will do more than just house Slade’s operations; it aims to become a business incubator for other entrepreneurs, particularly those in the STEM fields. “I’m trying to make this a little like a miniature Innovation Depot for the science field,” Slade explained. “I am really excited about being able to offer job opportunities, but also the workforce development component as well.”
In addition to offering office and lab spaces for lease, Slade’s vision includes establishing a training center that will benefit both adults and students from Birmingham city schools. She hopes to provide avenues for high school students to gain hands-on experience through internships and job shadowing opportunities with professionals in the building.
A Catalyst for Community Revitalization
Slade’s initiative is not just about business; it’s about breathing new life into the North Birmingham area. “I’m hoping this development will help energize an area and pave the way for future growth,” she emphasized. “I want to incorporate elements of civil rights and human rights into the artwork in the building, especially considering its proximity to the Civil Rights District.”
Her passion for the project comes from a recognition of the growing need for STEM-related spaces in the community. “There is a need for more lab space in Birmingham,” she noted, pointing to an overall increase in demand in the science and biotech sectors. “I want my facility to be an option for small businesses that may want to grow but currently lack the necessary resources.”
A Welcoming Environment for Entrepreneurs
The aim is to provide flexible space for budding businesses. “There’s got to be a space for people who are trying to expand,” Slade asserted. “I want to make sure this is a place where people feel included. I will offer different sized offices, so if they aren’t ready for a full workspace, they can start in a smaller room and scale as they grow.”
Her project has already garnered support, receiving grant funding from several organizations, including Innovate Alabama and REV Birmingham. As she awaits city approval for her building plans and the property purchase, Slade reflects on the decade-long journey she has taken to reach this point.
Looking Ahead
“Let’s move with the times,” Slade concluded, advocating for a push towards innovation and technology in the community. “If the state is investing in this, then the city really needs to make sure they’re fully invested in this as well, and work to keep entrepreneurs here locally.”
This project, which Slade describes as an opportunity to catalyze growth for other local businesses, is poised to create a hub of innovation and collaboration in Birmingham, ensuring that both new and established entrepreneurs have a place to thrive.
