William Colburn, founder of Iron Age Studio in Woodlawn, is bringing an exciting new concept to the Avondale neighborhood in April 2021! The entrepreneurial artist is building a sculpture park, bar, entertainment and restaurant complex on a plot of land adjacent to 41st Street Pub.
The center of the complex, which is named Elysian Gardens, will feature a sculpture garden containing various creations by Iron Age Studio, including their famous giant flowers. This will provide a fun shopping experience complete with artistic “selfie spots” for those visiting. Two yet-to-be-announced restaurants and a bar--all located inside shipping containers--will surround the garden. The low cost of the containers is meant to translate into affordable meals and beverages for the garden’s customers, while also bringing a new, unique experience to the city.
An all-outdoor seating area and stage will complete the complex. The open outdoor environment is meant to give Birminghamians a wonderful space to get out and support local musicians. Colburn says he expects outdoor family movie nights and football watch parties on a giant screen will part of the entertainment complex’s future.
The Elysian Gardens concept received a major breakthrough after William won Rev Birmingham’s “The Big Pitch” competition, which helps local entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground. Colburn grew up in Birmingham before moving to Fairhope in 1989. He said when he moved back to the city a few years ago, it struck him how much the city had grown and he’s honored to be a part of the continued success. As for the idea of a sculpture garden mixed with a bar? It originated from none other than the famous Jimmy Buffet. Buffet was in Fairhope visiting his sister, who happened to be William’s neighbor, and shared the idea after seeing Colburn's steel masterpieces!
If you’d like to check out Iron Age Studio, which is located in an old World War I grenade factory in Woodlawn, feel free to contact William at 251.510.0477.
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