Birmingham’s Alamo Drafthouse, announced more than a year ago, is now anticipating an opening next spring.

The notice came on the theater chain’s website. The new location, which is its first in the Deep South, was first announced in February 2022 for Birmingham’s former Powell Steam Plant.

Construction began last year. The Texas-based Alamo Drafthouse, founded in 1997, currently operates or has announced locations in 18 states, with first-run movies, independent films, classic movies and special events tailored to each location.

The Birmingham theater will take up about 50,000 square feet of the former steam plant and offer a full drink and food menu, with cocktails, appetizers, entrees and desserts. There will be draft beer options, milkshakes, vegan food options and a kid’s menu.

According to the website, the Birmingham location will have nine theaters, all providing dine-in service brought to your seat. All seating is assigned and can be reserved before the show.

The theater is known for not showing advertisements prior to movies, and strictly enforcing its no-texting policy among patrons.

The Powell Avenue Steam Plant was built in 1895 by the Consolidated Electric Light & Power Co. It provided steam and electricity for downtown and powered the city streetcar system. The plant was acquired by Alabama Power in 1952 when the two companies merged.

Developer Orchestra Partners has other projects in store for the remaining space at the former plant, as well as the surrounding area, as part of its Parkside master plan.