1899
Ensley is incorporated
Founded as a steel town outside Birmingham, Ensley becomes a magnet for Black workers seeking industrial jobs , and builds a rich cultural life alongside.
Project timeline
From streetcars to placemaking.
One continuous story , the roots that shaped this place, and the project rewriting its future.
Historical era
How we got here.
1920s,30s
Tuxedo Junction's heyday
The Ensley-Fairfield-Wylam streetcar crossing becomes a bustling social hub where Black Birmingham gathers to dance and hear live music.
1939
"Tuxedo Junction" is composed
Erskine Hawkins and his orchestra record the tune that will become one of the great American swing standards.
1978 & 1989
Hall of Fame honors
Erskine Hawkins is inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (1978) and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame (1989).
1985
Function in the Junction is founded
A modest neighborhood birthday tribute begins the tradition that will become Ensley's signature annual festival.
1993
Erskine Hawkins passes away
The 20th Century Gabriel dies in Willingboro, New Jersey, at age 79. Birmingham mourns and prepares to honor its native son.
2000
The park is rededicated
Birmingham officially renames the park in honor of Erskine Hawkins , a permanent home for a permanent legacy.
2009
Belcher-Nixon Building listed
The historic Tuxedo Junction building is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
You are here
Project era
Where we're going.
2024
Birmingham Creatives for Impact convenes
A coalition of local artists, historians, designers, and civic partners comes together with a shared vision: reimagine Erskine Hawkins Park with , not just for , Ensley.
2025
Community engagement begins
Surveys, canvassing, festival pop-ups, and this website launch. Every input shapes the design brief.
2026
Design phase
Concept development, community review sessions, iterative design informed by what we've heard.
2026,27
Funding & partners
Public and philanthropic funding is secured. City, foundation, and business partners lock in their commitments.
2027
Build phases
Groundbreaking. Phased construction , landscape, hardscape, art, stage infrastructure , with volunteer build days folded in.
Ongoing
Grand opening & programming
A ribbon-cutting to remember. And then the real work: keeping the park programmed, activated, and loved every day after.