Birmingham-Southern College shuts down after 168 years, nearby businesses concerned about what’s next

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Friday was the day that Birmingham-Southern closed its doors for good after more than 160 years. Some offers are on the table to take over their spot, but for now, hundreds of acres will be vacant along Arkadelphia Road.

Security is the main question from neighbors and business owners. Birmingham-Southern tells WBRC they have it under control, but business owners like Jason Perryman still have questions and want to see the space filled sooner rather than later.

“I know a lot of people in the area aren’t too happy about them leaving,” says Perryman.

Perryman owns Creole Connection, less than a mile from Birmingham Southern College. With BSC closing their doors and leaving almost 200 acres vacant, he’s concerned about what this means for the area.

“We don’t want them bringing in a lot of criminals in the area, so I’m hoping it gets filled back soon. We don’t want to have people vandalizing the property, so whoever comes in next, they can get business when they come in,” says Perryman.

He looks forward to seeing who will be coming to this space along Arkadelphia and the boost in customers it could mean for his business.

“I really would like to see an HBCU come so we can put more back into the community,” adds Perryman. “It’s always great for new people to come in anytime. Any business or anything you have going on is always good for a new business. There’s no restaurant anywhere downtown that way, and the other closest restaurant is in Five Points on 3rd Avenue, but it’s a really good sit-down. This is the only place you have in the area right here.”

Birmingham Southern shared this statement about campus security:

“We will have restricted access to the campus. BSC Police, Birmingham Police Department officers, and private security personnel will control access and keep the campus secure as the remaining faculty and staff continue with the process of closing the college.”

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