New to BHAM! 5 Exciting Additions Open Now + Coming This Year
From a state-of-the-art listening lounge to a first-of-its-kind economic education center, check out these exciting local developments to watch in 2026. Image: Facebook / Pihakis Restaurant Group
From recently-opened entertainment concepts to highly anticipated projects still to come, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Birmingham. Today, we’re highlighting five exciting new additions, but stay tuned — we’ll continue to share updates as news develops in the coming weeks!
High Dive HiFi Listening Lounge
Location: Lakeview
More Info: Instagram
Audiophiles have a new go-to spot in Birmingham, which celebrated its opening on New Year’s Eve. The High Dive HiFi Listening Lounge at Lakeview Marina is a project that has been four years in the making. Owner Bart Stephens set out on a journey to learn everything he could about creating a gathering space where a love of music and conversation dictated every last detail, from hosted events to top-of-the-line audio gear.
Bart traveled to traditional jazz kissa cafes throughout Japan and stopped by listening lounges across the U.S., inspired by the kissa custom of bringing recorded music from the background of the cafe experience and into the spotlight. Bart worked with acousticians and sound engineers to inform every design decision, including the placement of tables to enhance conversation and minimize ‘noise,’ which listening lounges define as any undesirable sound.
If that weren’t enough, the ambiance at High Dive is accompanied by the culinary stylings of James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock of Joyland fame. His curated menu includes Japanese milk bread sandwiches, skewers, and sushi hand rolls. Stop by for a cocktail and immerse yourself in a listening experience like no other.
Just Opened: Valley Post
Location: Chelsea
More Info: valley-post.com
Open as of November 2025, Valley Post has become an instant hub for residents of Greystone, Mt. Laurel, and Chelsea. The multifaceted dining and entertainment complex, located just off Highway 280 at Dunnavant Valley Road, brings four beloved restaurants much closer to home for these communities: Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Little Donkey, Hero Diner, and Luca and Lucy.
While Rodney Scott’s hails from South Carolina, the other three are Birmingham originals that have expanded locations throughout the Magic City and beyond. (Luca and Lucy is the “little sister” concept of Luca Lagotto in Homewood.)
Each restaurant features indoor and al fresco dining, with all four patios facing a beautiful tree-lined common space complete with Adirondack chairs, lawn games, picnic tables, and a large projector screen. Grab a bite, let the kids run loose, and enjoy a perfect weather day at Valley Post.
Coming Spring 2026: Cheaha State Park Lodge
Location: Delta
More Info: alapark.com
The highly anticipated new lodge at Cheaha State Park is set to welcome visitors this spring. Inspired by the surrounding beauty of Alabama’s Highlands and the natural stylings of the Narrows portion of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park, the hotel-style lodge offers stunning views from 32 private balconies, a rooftop bar (with a breathtaking 180-degree panorama), and a copper-aluminum design that reflects sunlight and aligns with the summer solstice.
The lodge replaced the old Cheaha Park Hotel and was thoughtfully designed to complement the grandeur of Mount Cheaha, offering visitors a stay to remember in one of the nation’s most unique state parks.
Coming Summer 2026: McWane Economic Education Center
Location: Downtown
More Info: ja-economic-center.squarespace.com
Imagine an elementary or middle school student getting hands-on experience launching their own business, running for elected office, or building their own stock portfolio. For more than 70 years, Junior Achievement of Alabama has been inspiring students to be career-capable and financially informed through its effective classroom initiatives.
Starting in 2026, they’ll provide students throughout Birmingham and across the state with an innovative and immersive learning experience at the McWane Economic Education Center in the heart of Downtown.
The center will house two Junior Achievement capstone programs: JA Biztown and JA Finance Park. Biztown is a simulated city complete with a City Hall, bank, restaurants, and shops designed for sixth graders. They’ll learn what it takes to run a successful business by working in one of 18 shops while also managing a personal debit card and checking account.
Corporate volunteers assist students in their assigned shops as they make business and personal finance decisions. The Finance Park is geared toward eighth graders, where students encounter personal income and life scenarios to explore career and personal finance options, preparing them for real-world, adult life decisions.
Coming Late 2026: Irondale Civic Center
Location: Irondale
More Info: cityofirondaleal.gov
You’ve probably heard (or seen) that the iconic Zamora Temple dome was recently removed. The golden dome stood as a beacon along I-459 for decades, a landmark just about every Birmingham dweller could identify, even if they never knew exactly what it was. The City of Irondale purchased the site back in 2022 and has been working to transform it into a community civic center, slated to open later this year.
While the Irondale Civic Center plans to preserve or sell the dome, it won’t be part of the temple renovation, which will include pickleball courts, a walking trail, a fitness center, a playground, and a splash pad. It will also offer a 1,500-seat conference hall and amphitheater.
This is the latest of several community projects Irondale has implemented in the past few years, including a new dog park, sports complex, and library. Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr., said of the Civic Center, “We are investing in a vibrant, state-of-the-art facility that will strengthen our sense of community and create a place where neighbors can gather and thrive for generations to come.”
Get excited, Birmingham! Stay tuned for more exciting news in the coming weeks.
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Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.