MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – The Ace theatre, a historic building that closed in 1971 is set to become home to the performances of the Excelsior band after renovation. The theatre is located in the Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District or “The Avenue,” the area has served as the cultural, social and economic hub of Mobile’s African American community.
From the 1800s to the 20th century “The Avenue” was a booming neighborhood for black Mobilians. However in the 1970s the area never recovered after The federal urban renewal plan resulted in the demolition and displacement of buildings, such as the previously popular Ace Theatre.
The building has been sitting vacant and boarded up for over 50 years. Located on the corner of congress and MLK…