Congressman Robert Aderholt announced on Apr. 16 a $750,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to the City of Cullman for renovating a new community theater in downtown Cullman.
The funding is set to be matched by $750,000 in local investment, making the total cost of the project $1.5 million. The initiative aims to enhance quality of life and boost economic activity in Cullman’s downtown area.
“This is a tremendous investment in Cullman and in the future of our local economy,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Projects like this community theater will not only enhance quality of life for residents, but also attract visitors, support small businesses, and continue the strong momentum we’ve seen in downtown Cullman.”
The project involves converting a vacant church into a 6,050-square-foot Community Theater Center with a 200-seat performance hall, stage, dressing rooms, and event space. According to city officials, tourism has increased significantly with more than 800,000 visitors coming to downtown Cullman over the past year—a rise that represents a 200 percent increase in foot traffic.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said: “We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Robert Aderholt, his team, and ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell for their support in securing this ARC grant. This investment allows us to preserve an important historic space while expanding opportunities for the arts in Cullman. It represents a meaningful step forward in enhancing quality of life and building on the momentum we’re seeing across our community.”
Nathan Anderson, Executive Director of Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism added: “This investment opens the door to something special for our community—providing a dedicated home for our community band, theatre, and choir while allowing us to expand programming alongside our festivals. It creates a stage to showcase some of Cullman’s greatest talent. It also supports year-round experiences that enhance quality of life for our residents and draw visitors from across the region. We are incredibly grateful to all who helped make this possible.”
Aderholt further said: “I appreciate ARC’s continued commitment to strengthening economic development in North Alabama,” adding that “this project is a great example of how strategic investments can transform communities and create lasting opportunities.”
Robert Aderholt is currently serving as U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 4th district after replacing Tom Bevill in 1997 according to Congress Biographical Directory. He previously served as an Alabama state legislator according to Congress.gov. Born in Haleyville in 1965 where he still resides at age 57 as reported by House.gov, Aderholt graduated from Birmingham–Southern College with a BA before earning his JD from Samford University according to Birmingham–Southern College.
