Birmingham, January 30, 2026
Recent developments in Birmingham, Alabama highlight significant achievements in the business, healthcare, and community sectors. Coro Realty’s acquisition of an industrial facility marks a strong economic signal, while UAB’s first robotic kidney transplant showcases medical innovation. Additionally, community services are bolstered by DrainGo’s plumbing assistance program for seniors during winter, and Make-A-Wish Alabama launches a initiative to support children with critical illnesses. The city also anticipates an exciting weekend of sports and cultural events, reflecting its vibrant community spirit.
Birmingham Sees Significant Developments in Business, Healthcare, and Community Initiatives
Birmingham, Alabama – The past 48 hours have brought a flurry of significant developments across Birmingham, impacting its business landscape, healthcare innovation, and community services. Noteworthy announcements include major industrial property acquisitions, leadership changes in prominent local firms, a groundbreaking medical procedure, and new initiatives to support vulnerable residents and statewide causes. The city is also gearing up for a vibrant weekend of sports and cultural events, while broader state discussions on education continue.
Major Economic Activity and Corporate Leadership Shifts
In a significant boost to the local economy, an Atlanta-based group, Coro Realty, has successfully acquired an industrial facility located in downtown Birmingham for an impressive $13.8 million. This facility currently houses the U.S. Postal Service, Division 7 Supply, and Sara Sells. The acquisition underscores continued investor confidence in Birmingham’s commercial and industrial sectors.
Further reflecting the city’s dynamic business environment, Birmingham-based Hoar Holdings Inc. announced a key leadership transition, naming Turner Burton as its new Chief Executive Officer. Longtime CEO Rob Burton will transition to the role of executive chairman. Concurrently, another prominent Birmingham contractor, Brasfield & Gorrie, has expanded its leadership team by appointing three new regional presidents: Mike Foushee for the Carolinas Region, John Strid for the Central Region, and Jason Weeks for the Texas Region. These appointments highlight the firm’s strategic growth and operational expansion across different markets.
Groundbreaking Medical Achievement at UAB
In a landmark achievement for healthcare in the Southeast, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has successfully performed its first-ever robotic kidney transplant surgery. This advanced procedure marks a significant milestone in medical innovation for the region, demonstrating UAB’s commitment to cutting-edge patient care and research. The groundbreaking surgery was conducted by Dr. Michael Hanaway and Dr. Muhammad Rabbani.
Community Support During Winter Weather
As arctic air continues to affect the region, bringing overnight temperatures into the teens and increasing the risk of frozen and burst pipes, DrainGo, a plumbing service provider serving both Birmingham and Huntsville, has launched a vital winter emergency assistance program. This initiative, announced on January 30, 2026, provides priority plumbing services and a 10% discount for senior citizens aged 60 and older during severe cold weather and winter storm conditions. The program aims to offer faster response times and alleviate financial stress for seniors facing plumbing emergencies.
Statewide Campaign for Critical Illness Support
Make-A-Wish Alabama has embarked on a new statewide initiative to generate support for children battling critical illnesses by launching a specialty license plate campaign. The organization made the official announcement in Birmingham on January 26, 2026. To begin production of the unique license plates, Make-A-Wish Alabama needs to secure 1,000 pre-commitments. For every plate purchased, $41.50 will directly contribute to granting wishes for children across Alabama, turning roadways into symbols of hope and community impact.
Sports and Cultural Events This Weekend
Birmingham is set to host a range of exciting events over the coming weekend. In collegiate sports, the Ole Miss women’s basketball game against Auburn, initially impacted by Winter Storm Fern recovery efforts, has been rescheduled and moved to Legacy Arena in Birmingham. The game is slated for Monday, February 2, at 6 p.m. CT, with free admission for all fans. Additionally, the University of North Alabama women’s tennis team is scheduled to compete against Samford in Birmingham on January 30 at the Pat M. Courington Tennis Pavillion at 1 p.m..
Beyond sports, the city’s cultural calendar is packed. The O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels auto show is taking place at the BJCC from January 30 to February 1. Art enthusiasts can explore the Birmingham Museum of Art’s new exhibition, “Monet to Matisse French Moderns, 1850-1950,” which opened in January and runs through May 24. Music and performance lovers have options ranging from Orchestra Noir at the Alabama Theatre on January 30 to The Black Jacket Symphony presenting Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” at the BJCC Concert Hall on the same evening. The Alabama Ballet also presents its new production, “Mixtape,” at the Center for Dance from January 30 to February 8.
Public Education Discourse in Alabama
A recent statewide poll of registered voters in Alabama has revealed strong bipartisan support for public charter schools. The poll indicates that support for these schools surpasses opposition by more than 30 points across the state. This backing extends across diverse demographics, including Black voters, Independents, Republicans, parents, and residents in Alabama’s largest media markets. Public charter schools, which are tuition-free and adhere to the same academic standards as traditional public schools, are favored for their flexibility in innovation and responsiveness to community needs.
Key Developments in Birmingham and Alabama (January 29-30, 2026)
| Category | Development Summary | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Economy | Atlanta group Coro Realty acquired a downtown industrial facility for $13.8 million. Hoar Holdings Inc. named Turner Burton as new CEO. Brasfield & Gorrie appointed three regional presidents. | Birmingham |
| Healthcare Innovation | UAB performed the first robotic kidney transplant surgery in the Southeast. | State-level (UAB serves the region) |
| Community Services | DrainGo launched an emergency plumbing program with priority service and 10% discount for seniors during winter storms. | Birmingham & Huntsville |
| Non-profit Initiatives | Make-A-Wish Alabama launched a specialty license plate campaign requiring 1,000 pre-commitments to fund wishes for children. | State-level |
| Sports | Ole Miss vs. Auburn women’s basketball game moved to Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Feb 2, with free admission. UNA women’s tennis to play Samford in Birmingham on Jan 30. | Birmingham (for specific events), State-level (for teams involved) |
| Arts & Culture | World of Wheels auto show, “Monet to Matisse” exhibition, Orchestra Noir, The Black Jacket Symphony, and Alabama Ballet’s “Mixtape” are scheduled. | Birmingham |
| Education Policy | A new statewide poll shows bipartisan support for public charter schools across Alabama. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
