The Stone Gateways were completed in early 2024 and officially dedicated on January 28, 2024. Watch the video below to see the dedication ceremony in its entirety. A blog post with President Amy Peterson O’Brien’s speech text is available here.
The Stone Gateway Project will identify Trussville’s historic district with entrances reading: “Cahaba Homestead Village – National Register of Historic Places – Est. 1936-1938.” The Cahaba Project is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as “Cahaba Homestead Village.” Historic resources and structures that contribute to this national listing include most of the original 287 homes, the historic Mall, the stone gazebo entrance, Rock Bridge, Heritage Hall/ACTA Theatre, and the historic Hewitt High School (now Cahaba Elementary School).
The sandstone gateway designs are based on the original sandstone entrance at the Parkway Drive and Highway 11 intersection. The three proposed locations include:
- Corner of Chalkville Road and Poplar Street
- Corner of Parkway Drive and Poplar Street
- Chalkville Road along Magnolia Mall between Hewitt Street and Magnolia Court
See more renderings and site images here:
Stone Gateway FAQS
Q: When will the stone gateways be built?
A: We anticipate construction of the stone gateways in 2023.
Q: Where will they be built?
A: There are 3 proposed locations at each entrance into the Cahaba Project, NOT including the original gazebo entrance at Parkway Drive and Highway 11: 1. Intersection of Rockridge Avenue and Chalkville Road; 2. Intersection of Parkway Drive and Poplar Street; 3. Chalkville Road along Magnolia Mall.
Q: How much will this project cost?
A: The projected cost is $85,000-$100,000.
Q: Who will build them?
A: CHHF has contacted locally owned businesses. We look forward to working with one or more of them.
Q: How is my donation money being spent?
A: 100% of your donation is used for the construction of the gateways, the engraving of the bricks and the bronze plaque. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible.
Q: Why is this project important?
A: The Cahaba Project is Trussville’s one and only historic district. Practically every neighborhood in Trussville has an entrance sign, yet the Cahaba Project does not! The Cahaba Project is the largest and most historically intact Great Depression-era community in Alabama, and it is one of a kind in the nation. It deserves to be recognized!
The stone gateways will:
- Identify Trussville’s historic community by name and dates.
- Educate the public.
- Add value: Good for historical value. Good for property values.
- Add beauty: An attractive feature. A place for seasonal décor.
- Enhance the community like the original sandstone gazebo entrance at Parkway Drive and Rock Bridge on Cherokee Drive.
Q: I already donated. Can I donate for more engraved bricks?
A: Yes, you can donate at any time during our fundraising!
Q: Whom can I honor with a brick?
A: We encourage engraved names of individuals, families, businesses, churches, civic groups, clubs and other organizations. We also encourage bricks in someone’s honor or memory.
Q: How many letters can I fit on a brick?
A: Three lines. Eighteen characters per line.
Q: Are there fees?
A: There are no fees if you donate by credit card or check. If you donate via PayPal, there is a ~3% fee.
Q: How much should I donate?
A: We appreciate your support in any amount. But there are different levels of donations:
- $100 and $500 levels for engraved bricks
- $4,500 and $7,500 levels for engraved bronze plaque on the stone structure
To learn more, visit www.cahabaheritage.org/stone-gateways.
Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation, Inc. 