CULLMAN, Ala - Congressman Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, announced a $750,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to the City of Cullman to support the renovation of a new community theater center in the city’s downtown district.
The funding will be matched by $750,000 in local investment, bringing the total project cost to $1.5 million.
“This is a tremendous investment in Cullman and in the future of our local economy,” said 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, referenced as the Center of the Arts Community Theatre, will convert the historic First United Pentecostal Church building, located at the corner of Third Avenue Northeast and Clark Street Northeast, behind Cullman City Hall, into a 6,050-square-foot space featuring a 200-seat performance hall, stage, dressing rooms and event area.
The Cullman City Council approved the purchase of the church back on July 22, 2024.
“Cullman has seen a surge in tourism in recent years, with more than 800,000 visitors traveling to the downtown district in the past year — a 200% increase in foot traffic. The new theater is expected to further boost economic activity and support the 35 nearby businesses in the area,” according to Aderholt.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs expressed appreciation for the federal, state and local partnership behind the project. “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 & Sports Tourism, This investment opens the door to something special for our community, providing a dedicated home for our community band, theater 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.”
“I appreciate ARC’s continued commitment to strengthening economic development in north Alabama,” Aderholt added. “This project is a great example of how strategic investments can transform communities and create lasting opportunities.”
In August 2025, CPRST hosted a community forum for the Center of the Arts Community Theatre, seeking the public’s input on the project.
Said Anderson at the time, “We asked questions about event priorities, seating styles, design features, accessibility and overall vision,” he said. “The responses gave us a clear picture of what our community values most — from flexible, open floor space to strong acoustics, accessible amenities and the ability to host everything from community theater to national touring acts.”
