Kentuck Art Center announces expansion proposal into Tuscaloosa’s Queen City

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ( WIAT ) — On Tuesday, Kentuck Art Center announced a proposal that could see the historic Northport landmark expanding into the city of Tuscaloosa.

The proposed “Kentuck at Queen City” would be an expansion project at the historic Queen City Pool House, which currently houses the Warner Transportation Museum.

The concept site plans proposed in Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox’s Capital Projects recommendation presentation on Tuesday include increased museum space, a café, an additional retail storefront and an event venue.

“This expansion represents an exciting new chapter in Kentuck’s history,” Exa Skinner, executive director of Kentuck Art Center, stated in a press release. “We’re grateful to the City of Tuscaloosa for the opportunity to collaborate on this project, and we look forward to preserving the architecture of this building and honoring the legacy of Mildred Westervelt Warner […] This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reactivate a historic area and create a destination that’s truly special.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to expand the reach of Kentuck’s arts programming in our community and our City,” Mayor Maddox stated in a press release. “This proposed project will amplify our Arts & Entertainment District, and continue to transform our riverfront into a destination for residents and visitors alike.”

This proposal comes months after the Kentuck Festival of Arts announced a move from Northport to Tuscaloosa’s Snow Hinton Park after an over 50-year stay in the historic town. It is unclear how soon the Queen City project could be finalized if approved.

Kentuck Art Center’s main campus provides the community with three gallery spaces, workshops for all ages, a gallery shop, artists’ studios and monthly art nights.

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