EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN and CELEBRATE: THE HARBERT CENTER TURNS 25 IN 2011
(BIRMINGHAM, AL) – Downtown Birmingham’s premiere event facility, The Harbert Center,
will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. The historic building originally opened as a
permanent meeting venue for Birmingham’s small and large community civic groups in June of
1986. John M. Harbert III and Hall W. Thompson were the masterminds behind the building
project. This unique structure was funded strictly on private donations. Today, with exclusive
efforts from private, corporate, and individual supporters, the building remains in great
condition. A 2011 current capital fundraising campaign is underway to allow for first rate
technology renovations. A dinner gala to celebrate is planned for Thursday, September 22, 2011
in the venue’s main dining room, Beeson Hall. A week-long celebration including educational
mini programs and receptions will precede the dinner gala.
The Rotary Club of Birmingham, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, and the Monday Morning
Quarterback Club have been permanent tenants of The Harbert Center since day one. Today, the
venue serves over 30 civic and professional groups that meet regularly on a weekly or monthly
basis throughout the year. Significant accommodations also include bookings for weddings,
receptions, proms, and other social functions, as well as educational training seminars,
fundraisers, and more. Southern Foodservices Management, Inc. serves as The Harbert Center’s
exclusive on-site catering company and provides dining services seven days a week at the
facility.
Originally designed and described as “the building in the gray flannel suit” which was meant to
suggest the make-up and attire of its best dressed business client, The Harbert Center still greets
the city’s best dressed and most influential client during many of the area’s highly regarded gala
and social affairs. Clients and guests in search of an unparalleled and refined facility are
discovering and re-discovering The Harbert Center. As the premier and distinctive event facility
in Alabama, The Harbert Center is a timeless facility with outstanding food and service, and a
long standing commitment to making your event the best ever. Whether your event is for 10 or
500, and regardless of your plans to educate, entertain, or celebrate, one of our rooms is sure to
suit you. Special rates and discounts apply for non-profit groups and civic organizations.
The elegant surroundings, fine foods and attention to detail make The Harbert Center the perfect
place for your bridesmaids’ luncheon, rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception. The Harbert
Center, located at 2019 4th Avenue North in Downtown Birmingham, offers a perfect setting
with endless capabilities in its unique architectural design and multi-purpose function. For more
information contact Jessica Atkins, Leslie Rives, or Chandrel Wright-Richardson at 205-226-
8800 or visit www.theharbertcenter.com.
