[10101000]

I like the idea, but you need to add more lanes for future increase, JIC.

[| BRAVO |]

Birmingham's Robert Vance Federal Building going "green"

Friday, April 3, 2009
Courthouse to get $43 M 'green' overhaul
Feds tap Birmingham's Vance building in stimulus initiative
Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff


The GSA, the government agency that oversees federal buildings and property, plans to spend $5.5 billion in economic stimulus money across the country to construct, renovate and convert federal structures into high-performance green buildings.

A list of approved projects was obtained by the Birmingham Business Journal’s Washington bureau this week.

The Robert Vance Federal Building on Fifth Avenue North, between 18th and 19th Streets, is slated to get the lion’s share for green improvements in Alabama, according to the list.

The local GSA office referred questions about the project to a spokesperson in Atlanta, who could not be reached in time for press.

The overall spending plan, which was submitted for Congressional review, was broken down into three parts: federal buildings and U.S. courthouses, which will get $733.7 million; border stations and land ports of entry, which will get $300 million; and the high performance green building program, which will get nearly $4.3 billion and includes the local project.

The local courthouse is one of 43 national projects that will receive nearly $3.2 billion for “high performance green building modernizations,” full and partial.

The task of modernizing the building and making it green could be daunting, said Colin Coyne, of The Coyne Group, a local green consulting firm.

If the project is done correctly, it could be a stellar regional example of sustainable modernization, he said. But if the project goes over budget or something is done wrong, that could make it stand out too.

“It could stand as a monument to what we should be doing or as a monument to government waste,” he said.

Coyne said more than likely the HVAC system will be the first thing examined, since it’s the largest energy user in any building.

Other elements could include improved lighting and controls, low-flow water fixtures, innovative waste-water strategies and endless possibilities for its roof that takes up half a city block, such as a rainwater catchment to irrigate plants or solar elements to shave energy bills, he said.

While construction for stimulus projects will help area contractors and ancillary businesses, it’s not the boost that money freed up for lending would provide, said Bill Caton with the Alabama chapter of Associated General Contractors of America.

And very few Birmingham general contractors actually do government work, he said, compared to the amount of work done by local companies in industries like health care. But green is the wave of the future in the industry and local businesses are very interested in that concept, he said.

The nearly $43 million infusion into the building would make it one of the largest historic preservation projects ever implemented downtown, said Marjorie White, president of the Birmingham Historical Society.

And since it was built in 1921, there’s probably numerous green features already incorporated into the building, she said, such as large windows to allow for natural light and mature landscaped trees to keep the building cool.

White said it was built to house the U.S. Post Office, which occupied the building until 1972 when it moved to its current site on 24th Street North. In 1972 and 1973 the interiors were renovated to accommodate the federal courts. Today, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama is housed in the building.

Two other Alabama federal projects were listed to receive green stimulus money from the GSA: the John A. Campbell Courthouse building in Mobile is set to receive nearly $2.6 million and the Frank Johnson Courthouse Annex in Montgomery is slated for $11.3 million.

[| BRAVO |]

I've always thought the shopping center in Mountain Brook Village looked a bit blah compared to the other villages. :tup:

Family plans $200 million Mountain Brook Village shop, hotel development
Posted by Michael Tomberlin -- Birmingham News April 05, 2009 6:06 AM
Categories: Breaking News

Michelle Williams/Birmingham News

A family that owns 27 acres in the heart of Mountain Brook is pursuing a $200 million project with shops, restaurants, residences and a 75-room hotel on the property.
The development, called Lane Parke of Mountain Brook Village, would replace the existing Mountain Brook Shopping Center and Park Lane Apartments, fixtures in the affluent suburb for decades. The transformation of the property near the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Zoo would be tackled in three phases over several years.

Evson Inc. is controlled by members of the Evans family, which has owned the prime real estate since around the time Mountain Brook was chartered in 1942. It has hired architects and retail development partners to work on the project, and plans have been submitted to city officials. The planning commission could begin reviewing them as early as next month.

"Some opportunities come along only once in a lifetime and this is truly one of those opportunities," said John Evans, principal in Evson and the grandson of the site's original owner, A.A. "Rele" Evans.

Evans, who said financing for the project's first phase is in the works, has rebuffed offers from developers and would-be buyers over the years. But he now believes the timing is right to pursue the project, as Mountain Brook embarks on a massive flood-control program in the area.

Another reason is the advancing age of the 63,000-square-foot Mountain Brook Shopping Center, which opened in 1955, and the 276-unit Park Lane Apartments, which date from 1948. Both have remained relatively unchanged over the years.

Architectural mix
Plans call for the completed Lane Parke to have 210,000 square feet of retail space, more than 1,200 parking spaces, a 75-room boutique hotel and 45,000 square feet of office space above the shops. A final phase would add a residential component to the north side of the property, with a probable mix of condominiums and town houses and possibly apartments.

California-based architectural and planning firm MVE & Partners has done the master planning of Lane Parke, along with Birmingham architectural and engineering firm Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood Inc.

Phil Martin, a representative of a Tennessee public relations firm hired to work on the project, said a store-lined "main street" of cobblestone and brick inlays will characterize the Lane Parke development. Plans also show a landscaped park area at the main entrance to Mountain Brook Village along Culver Road.

Lane Parke aims to be pedestrian friendly, and its design calls for several outdoor plazas. Street-front architectural styles will include Tudor Revival, French Chateau, Georgian and Art Nouveau to blend with the rest of Mountain Brook Village, Evans said.

"In conceiving Lane Parke of Mountain Brook Village we sought to preserve the character that makes Mountain Brook so special, balancing the interests of all who have a stake in this wonderful community," Evans said.

'Time is right'
Evans said a key reason he is pursing the project now is so it will coincide with the city's planned $10.7 million flood-control program. Work on that project, which involves the installation of new culverts and other drainage systems, could disrupt activities at the existing shopping center and apartments.

The city is pursuing federal funds for its Watkins Brook Flood Hazard Mitigation Project, which aims to alleviate the floods that have plagued Mountain Brook Village since the late 1990s.

On June 14, 1999, heavy rains caused about $450,000 in damage to the Park Lane Apartments and $145,000 in damage to Mountain Brook Junior High School. A 2004 study found the city could sustain up to $15 million in damage during a significant flood.

"Certainly the time is right for a project of this nature," Evans said. "We set out to design a plan that addresses both of those realities and we believe we have."

Evans said the development of Lane Parke will be done in phases to allow tenants of the shopping center to move into new space in the development's first phase. Apartment tenants will also be given a year or longer to find other quarters as the development takes shape, he said.

Western Super Market and other tenants of the existing center have been encouraged to be part of the new development, he said.

Evans has hired commercial real estate broker Ken Findley and Birmingham's Retail Specialists Inc. to find local, regional and national retailers for the project, including some luxury retailers that don't have a presence in Birmingham.

The mayor likes it
Before any of that can happen, the project must get the blessing of the Mountain Brook Planning Commission and the City Council.

Mayor Terry Oden said he does not expect major issues as the project moves through the approval process with the design and review committee, or the Planning Commission.

"I think it's going to be a wonderful addition," he said. "The look of the property will improve 100 percent."

Oden said the size of the site would allow it to qualify for a special status under the city's zoning laws allowing for relaxed rules on the positioning and use of some buildings. Evans said plans call for seeking that status for the Lane Parke project.

[HSVTiger]

Hope this becomes reality for Birmingham, what a great building.
It was always a special treat to go to Pizitz back in the day.

http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2009/04/large_Pizitz%20rendering.jpg


On Monday, the Birmingham City Council's finance committee approved Bayer's request for a $1 million loan to aid in the firm's plan to put offices and shops in the building at 1821 Second Ave. North. The City Council must OK the one-year loan at 2.5 percent interest.
http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2009/04/bayer_properties_nears_1_milli.html

[Randy Sandford]

Hope this becomes reality for Birmingham, what a great building.
It was always a special treat to go to Pizitz back in the day.

I too loved going to Pizitz when I was a child. Did you ever visit "The Enchanted Forest" at Christmastime? That was a great memory. Anyway, I've been waiting for this jewel to finally be restored for a long time. I hope that this proposal works out, unlike all the other failed proposal during the last 10-20 years.

[Randy Sandford]

Speaking of "The Enchanted Forest" at Pizitz (in case anyone else remembers it...1981 was the last year it was presented), I found out something interesting about it. It orginally began at Maison Blanche--a department store in New Orleans:

A fantasy village inhabited by animated bears engaged in a wide variety of familiar activities, the Enchanted Forest never did catch on as thoroughly as Maison Blanche’s other holiday attraction, a certain little snowman named Mister Bingle. Once the novelty wore off, Maison Blanche sold the animated holiday display.

The Enchanted Forest that once graced the Canal Street Maison Blanche was sold, in the early 1960s, to the Pizitz department store of Birmingham, Ala. Maison Blanche, incidentally, was then owned by City Stores, the same company that owned Pizitz’s archrival, Loveman’s. The tableau, a popular Birmingham holiday attraction, was soon expanded to include scenes throughout Santa Claus’ household. Some elves busily made candies and sewed while others, in the stable, groomed the reindeer in preparation for their holiday flight. In later years, a speaking Christmas tree added a slightly creepy touch to the animated scenery.

[OCA REP]

Speaking of "The Enchanted Forest" at Pizitz (in case anyone else remembers it...1981 was the last year it was presented), I found out something interesting about it. It orginally began at Maison Blanche--a department store in New Orleans:

Interesting read. I do remember going to the Pizitz in downtown Montgomery and seeing this when I was a child. Of course, the store here was not as large as the one in Birmigham, but I do recall the animatronics and tons of Christmas decorations.

Thanks for bringing a smile to my face and opening the door to a little trip down memory lane!

[| BRAVO |]

One of my co-workers just came from the Birmingham Design Review meeting and the Railroad Park Architects presented their final plans this morning.

My co-worker said the plans are awesome and construction "should" begin immediately.

Also... on a side note... the construction banners for Cityville were approved.

baby steps

[tredici]

Cityville?

[10101000]

What is Cityville?

[10101000]

Nevermind, this might help.

http://www.cityville-apts.com/apartment_communities/cityvilleBlock121-Birmingham/index.html

[TimCity2000]

This too: http://www.inlandac.com/Content/PDFs/Block121FactSheet.pdf

[tredici]

Thanx guys :)

[Port_of_Bama]

Nevermind, this might help.

http://www.cityville-apts.com/apartment_communities/cityvilleBlock121-Birmingham/index.html

Wow Cityville reminds me of the proposed Gayfer builing condos in DT Mobile. Cityville is a good look for Birmingham.

[10101000]

Yeah, it is, I like it alot... Reminds me of that place in Lake House movie, my wife loves that movie.......

[tredici]

Southwest is going to start flights between Birmingham-Shuttlesworth and LaGuardia beginning June 28th.

[10101000]

That is good stuff!! I just do not like Southwest! I will fly it, but man, most of the planes are nasty. I feel like I am flying a greyhound..

[Randy Sandford]

Southwest is going to start flights between Birmingham-Shuttlesworth and LaGuardia beginning June 28th.

Wow, that is fantastic news!

[DallasTexan]

I don't think they are non-stop flights. You either have to go through MDW or BWI.

[10101000]

How do you know?

[OCA REP]

I don't think they are non-stop flights. You either have to go through MDW or BWI.

That is correct. No non-stops.

http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/prindex.html

Southwest Airlines Announces Fares and Flights To/From New York LaGuardia
Carrier Will Operate Eight Daily Nonstop Flights From New York Beginning June 2009

DALLAS, April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Start spreading the news, Southwest Airlines is starting in June! Southwest Airlines will be touching down in the Big Apple on June 28, 2009. The Dallas-based airline will offer a total of eight daily nonstop departures--five daily nonstop flights between Chicago Midway and LaGuardia and three daily nonstop departures between Baltimore/Washington and LaGuardia. Southwest is offering these new flights with fares as low as $89 one-way for Chicago flights and $49 one-way for Baltimore/Washington flights with a 14-day advance purchase (see fare rules below). To view a complete list of Southwest's flights from LaGuardia, visit: www.southwest.com

"Southwest Airlines brings to the New York market our unmatched record in Customer Service, our no hidden fees policy, and great flight service to two of our most convenient airports--Chicago Midway and Baltimore/Washington," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "Customers in both Chicago and the DC area now have a new low fare choice when planning trips into LaGuardia."

"New York City has always and will continue to succeed because we offer the people who come here for business or vacations things they just can't get anywhere else," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "As families and businesses weigh every travel decision carefully, Southwest's arrival at LaGuardia isn't just a boon for New Yorkers - it makes it a lot easier for people around the country to access New York's unparalleled ideas, energy, and entrepreneurism."

In addition to the eight daily nonstop flights, Southwest Airlines will offer direct or connecting service to more than 45 destinations from New York City, including: Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Diego, just to name a few. To view all of Southwest's destinations from LaGuardia visit http://gallery.swamedia.com/photos/value=open/type=jpg . Southwest Airlines will operate from Gate B4 in LaGuardia's Central Terminal.

"For years, Customers have asked for Southwest service into New York City, and we are now connecting two of our largest markets with the nation's largest city," Kelly said.

So, Delta (Comair) is still your best bet if you want to get there without a stopover.

[Randy Sandford]

I don't think they are non-stop flights. You either have to go through MDW or BWI.

Who cares? It beats the current option of flying to Islip on Long Island. And there are no non-stop flights to that airport either. And with Southwest flying to LaGuardia, that should cause other carriers to lower their fares!

[DallasTexan]

How do you know?

WN only has ATA's old 14 slots to land at LGA. The news is also on the Southwest website and airliners.net.

Randy, Delta operates two daily nonstop flights to LGA and Continental has two daily nonstop flights to Newark/EWR... so at least the Ham has connections to the New York area!

[10101000]

I read that, thanks for the update.... Have a great weekend all.

[tredici]

According to AL.com, it says:

"Southwest Airlines says it will begin offering direct flights from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to New York City's LaGuardia Airport beginning June 28. "

[DallasTexan]

Direct is a stop in either BWI or MDW with continuing service to LGA (meaning you don't have to change planes).

[Randy Sandford]

WN only has ATA's old 14 slots to land at LGA. The news is also on the Southwest website and airliners.net.

Randy, Delta operates two daily nonstop flights to LGA and Continental has two daily nonstop flights to Newark/EWR... so at least the Ham has connections to the New York area!

But they don't offer great fares like Southwest does. Perhaps they will lower their fares for their Birmingham to NYC routes to compete. ;)

[tredici]

Direct is a stop in either BWI or MDW with continuing service to LGA (meaning you don't have to change planes).

Ohhhhhhh, ok. Thanx for clarifying that :)

On another subject. Langford wants to replace Legion Field with lakes and walking trails....

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/04/lamgford_hosts_town_hall_meeti.html

I like a lot of Langford's ideas, but I must say, I completely disagree with this one. I do not support in the least the tearing down of the stadium, I think it's completely idiotic.

I wish that the city would simply take the money that they're getting for the dome and put it towards turning Legion Field into a world class facility. Imagine what those types of renovations could do for that end of the city! Plus, if Langford is seriously serious about this Olympics bid... Legion Field would be a better choice for a large venue than a downtown domed stadium.

[OCA REP]

Plus, if Langford is seriously serious about this Olympics bid...

Didn't he drop those ideas once they got his medication straight? ;)

[| BRAVO |]

I was downtown today and those new streets sure do ride nicely. Too bad they can't seem to get all the markings painted... :P

[| BRAVO |]

Good news! :tup:

Construction to start on Block 121 downtown
Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff


The developer of CityVille Block 121 near downtown Birmingham said construction on the $33 million project should start next week.

A partnership between Chicago’s Inland American Communities Group Inc. and Birmingham’s Corporate Realty Associates, the development will include 255 apartments and 21,000 square feet of retail space.

Located on the block at 20th Street and First Avenue South, the apartment community is slated to open in mid 2010, said a news release.

Block 121 will feature a swimming pool, clubhouse, Internet lounge, fitness center and secure parking deck and offer lofts, studios and one- and two-bedroom units, said the release.

Birmingham’s BBVA Compass provided the funding, architect is Niles Bolton & Associates, general contractor is Golden & Associates Construction and civil engineer is Schoel Engineering Co.

Corporate Realty also is nearing completion of the Hyatt Place hotel several blocks south of Block 121, which also will include retail space.

Inland American Communities has developed and manages more than 70,000 apartment units, valued at more than $4.25 billion, across the country.

[| BRAVO |]

I can't wait to see this going up and break the monotony of the UAB brick. :tup:


Children's Hospital expansion to start in May
Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff

The 760,000-square-foot expansion planned for Children’s Hospital in Birmingham is set to break ground on May 14, said its director of institutional planning.

Speaking to the Birmingham Commercial Real Estate Women group Tuesday, Christi Napper said construction is set to begin next month, with a patient move-in date scheduled for the third quarter of 2012.

Napper said the expansion is the largest project ever approved by the state’s Certificate of Need board, coming in at $570 million, and will be the first hospital in Alabama to register for LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Once complete, the hospital will have 332 patient beds, among other additions, with two unfinished floors for 96 additional beds reserved for future expansion.

The entire Children’s Hospital campus will be connected through a series of elevated walkways and will also link up with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Women and Infants Center currently under construction nearby, she said.

[SPIREINTHEHOLE!]

Just a little update on the prospect of high speed rail in Birmingham. Yesterday (April 30th) the mayors and representatives from Birmingham, Meridian, Atlanta, Tuscaloosa, and New Orleans held a meeting to discuss forming a coalition to lobby for some of the stimulus money set aside for high speed rail in the United States.

April 30th, 2009 - (WBRC)Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, using this video to be presented today, says the time has come for putting high speed rail to work in the corridors already set aside in the South.

http://videos.al.com/birmingham-news/2009/04/high_speed_rail_in_the_south.html

Here is a news segment covering the event:

http://www.myfoxal.com/dpp/news/20090430_Mayors_meet_to_discuss_high_speed_rail

Here is an interview with the Chairman of the Southern High Speed Rail Commission, Richard Finley, about the event.

http://www.myfoxal.com/dpp/news/20090423High_Speed_Rail_Discussed_in_

[Bogue]

I wish that the city would simply take the money that they're getting for the dome and put it towards turning Legion Field into a world class facility.


Have you ever been to Legion Field? I went to the last Iron Bowl there in 1998 & even then, w/ the UA regularly bringing 80,000 folk to the area, it was deep in the crapper economically, seedy, dirty, ugly, and dangerous. It's only gotten worse. No one wants to go down there. I don't entirely disapprove of a dome in B'ham... just think there're more important expenses (police protection, education, and lighting) and don't want it to have anything to do w/ Langford & co. b/c they're just going to siphon money off to line their pockets... I would, however, extremely disapprove of such an egregious waste of money as pouring money on Legion Field. At least w/ the lake idea, the upkeep will be much less.

[tredici]

Yes, I have been to Legion Field. The problem with the money that has been spent in the past is that it was too little. It's frustrating how officials will drop money on little minor details instead of improving the thing as a whole.

If the city could just decide to overhaul the ENTIRE place and actually do a quality job instead of fixing one little thing of the structure, I think it would actually work.

I mean, there are so many things that could be fixed up with it that if you fixed almost all of them, the stadium WOULD BE an attraction.

[philopdx]

How is the horse park coming?

[| BRAVO |]

Looks like GGP canceled the Nordstrom store for the Galleria. Very disappointing. I wish GGP would sell Riverchase before they drive it in the ground.

Nordstrom reportedly are still actively considering a location in Birmingham... ie The Summit.

[| BRAVO |]

Just a little update on the prospect of high speed rail in Birmingham. Yesterday (April 30th) the mayors and representatives from Birmingham, Meridian, Atlanta, Tuscaloosa, and New Orleans held a meeting to discuss forming a coalition to lobby for some of the stimulus money set aside for high speed rail in the United States.



Here is a news segment covering the event:

http://www.myfoxal.com/dpp/news/20090430_Mayors_meet_to_discuss_high_speed_rail

Here is an interview with the Chairman of the Southern High Speed Rail Commission, Richard Finley, about the event.

http://www.myfoxal.com/dpp/news/20090423High_Speed_Rail_Discussed_in_


Fascinating... I would certainly be interested in high speed rail across the southeast.

[| BRAVO |]

Yes, I have been to Legion Field. The problem with the money that has been spent in the past is that it was too little. It's frustrating how officials will drop money on little minor details instead of improving the thing as a whole.

If the city could just decide to overhaul the ENTIRE place and actually do a quality job instead of fixing one little thing of the structure, I think it would actually work.

I mean, there are so many things that could be fixed up with it that if you fixed almost all of them, the stadium WOULD BE an attraction.


I'm afraid Legion Field may be beyond repair.

I believe it's in Birmingham's best interest to build a venue where people are actually willing to attend and are more integrated with existing facilities. The residents of Graymont/West End are going to have to start from within to improve their neighborhood. I'm not sure we can help them if they are not willing to help themselves.

[SnakeHandler]

The rendering at the top of this page is pretty impressive.

http://blog.al.com/developments/

[skycaptain]

Everyone seems to be forgetting about the people from around the country, and the world, that have attended the international soccer events at Legion Field recently. I guess their standards aren't as high as ours. Seems like the logical thing would be to have more events like that.

All we seem to be able to think about is football. Let's take off the blinders!!

[| BRAVO |]

The rendering at the top of this page is pretty impressive.

http://blog.al.com/developments/


That is impressive. What is more impressive is that development blog. :tup:

[| BRAVO |]

I guess their standards aren't as high as ours. Seems like the logical thing would be to have more events like that.

All we seem to be able to think about is football. Let's take off the blinders!!


Perhaps, but Legion Field is certainly not up to my standards.

[Randy Sandford]

The rendering at the top of this page is pretty impressive.

http://blog.al.com/developments/

That is impressive. In case anyone missed the link, here's the website for that project:

http://www.laneparke.com/

[| BRAVO |]

:previous: The more I read about Lane Parke - the more I love it! What an awesome addition.

[DallasTexan]

On June 11, 2009, ExpressJet dba Continental Express will be ending their twice daily non-stop flights to New York-Newark leaving BHM with only two flights a day to the New York area on Comair's 40 seat CRJ-100 aircraft.

[ttownfeen]

^^ Well, that sucks, but at least you will soon be able to fly into New York with Southwest.

[| BRAVO |]

Good news during hard times.

AT&T puts regional HQ, 300-job call center at Colonnade
Posted by Michael Tomberlin May 11, 2009 4:04 PM

Telecommunications giant AT&T Inc. is establishing a regional headquarters operation in Birmingham for a fast-growing division, and hiring 300 workers for a call center at the same site.

Though it has not formally announced the move, AT&T confirmed that is has begun establishing a Gulf States headquarters for its consumer and mobility division at the company's Colonnade base. The unit is responsible for wireless operations, retail stores and offerings such as the new U-verse television service.

The Birmingham operation will oversee those activities in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and northwest Florida, company officials said. AT&T is staffing the unit with personnel from Birmingham and transfers from Mobile, Louisiana and elsewhere.

''It's good that we're putting it in the state of Alabama and in Birmingham,'' Fred McCallum, president of AT&T Alabama, said in an interview. ''We've got a great business environment in this state. We've made great strides in opening this state for business.''

The new jobs are at a telecom sales center for AT&T Advertising Solutions, which produces the Real Yellow Pages directory. Annual salaries start at $37,500 and average more than $50,000, including bonuses, the company said.

Dallas-based AT&T began hiring the first 100 workers for the center in late February and plans to expand that number to 200 in coming weeks. By March, the center should have 300 employees.

AT&T's move is seen as a boost to the Birmingham area; the area's corporate clout has declined as big companies moved away, disappeared through acquisition or scaled back their presences. The new jobs come at a time when the unemployment rate of Alabama's largest metro area has spiked to 8.3 percent, the highest level in 22 years.

''This investment in Alabama could not come at a better time,'' said state Sen.

Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham. ''It is important that we keep creating an environment where companies can grow and create jobs.''

The Gulf States headquarters and the new call center will be in the northernmost of the two, red-roofed buildings that AT&T leases at the Colonnade on U.S. 280. For the past few years, AT&T - and predecessor BellSouth Corp. - used only portions of the two buildings.

The vacant space in those high-tech buildings contributed to AT&T's decision to expand in the area as it looks to expand its wireless and Uverse divisions, McCallum said.

''We've got space we need to fill in the Birmingham area, and that helps us,'' he said.

AT&T now plans to shift all of its Colonnade operations to the northern building, and allow commercial real estate agents and economic development officials to market the entire southern building to companies needing the space.

McCallum said the company's wireless operations are constantly expanding. From 2006 through 2008, AT&T spent almost $1 billion on wireless and broadband improvements in Alabama. This year, more than 40 new cell phone sites are being established across Alabama.

''A lot of the growth in our business is in the wireless area,'' he said. ''That's where our opportunities are.''

The regional headquarters also will focus on opportunities for the company's Uverse television service, which debuted in the Birmingham metro area in December. The service allows AT&T to compete more evenly with cable and satellite companies by using the existing telephone infrastructure.

''The land-line network is being transformed over time into a broadband network that will support not only data and Internet service, but also our U-verse video service that we believe is a very good opportunity for us,'' he said. ''We will also have a voice-over-Internet-protocol service we will be rolling out before long.''

McCallum said AT&T has not yet sought incentives for the call center at the Colonnade. The company received $600,000 in incentives for a broadband call center in Birmingham it announced in September that McCallum said now has 265 employees.

The new jobs have benefits that include health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan and tuition reimbursement, as well as a chance for advancement in other AT&T divisions.

''During tough economic times, these new jobs are welcome news for our area,'' said state Sen. Jabo Waggoner, RVestavia Hills.

AT&T is one of the metro area's largest employers, with 4,000 employees at locations that include a downtown office tower, a U.S. 280 operations center and a data center on U.S. 31 in Hoover, as well as the Colonnade.


EMAIL: mtomberlin@bhamnews.com

[| BRAVO |]

Sitework at Cityville Block 121
http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/DSC_0046-1.jpg

http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/DSC_0045-1.jpg


Sitework at Railroad Park
http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/DSC_0047.jpg

http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/DSC_0048-1.jpg


Municipal Parking Deck at 5th Avenue North
http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/DSC_0044-1.jpg

http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/DSC_0041-1.jpg

http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/DSC_0042-1.jpg


The Redmont gearing up for the lunch crowd
http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/DSC_0043-1.jpg


More to come soon...

[phoenixboi08]

The heart of downtown is so beautiful! I STILL haven't been to all of these areas...

[tredici]

Wow... haha, i never thought that a municipal parking garage could look so neat!

[bystander1]

Here are some pics I took around UAB last week. There's always some construction going on there, but I didn't have a lot of time to get many pics though. Maybe next time...

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/Captured%202009-5-5/Captured%202009-5-5%2000001.JPG

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/Captured%202009-5-5/Captured%202009-5-5%2000002.JPG

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/Captured%202009-5-5/Captured%202009-5-5%2000003.JPG

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/Captured%202009-5-5/Captured%202009-5-5%2000004.JPG

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/Captured%202009-5-5/Captured%202009-5-5%2000005.JPG



http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/Captured%202009-5-5/Captured%202009-5-5%2000006.JPG

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/Captured%202009-5-5/Captured%202009-5-5%2000007.JPG

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/Captured%202009-5-5/Captured%202009-5-5%2000008.JPG

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/Captured%202009-5-5/Captured%202009-5-5%2000009.JPG

[TimCity2000]

i go to the ymca downtown, so i've been able to watch that parking deck go up across the street. definitely better looking than most.

also, nice pics bystander1! the uab women's and infants center that you took pictures of is a project my firm is working on.

[| BRAVO |]

:previous: Hey Timcity2000 - What's the story with that section of brick going up last on the WIF?

[B'ham Bound]

I can't lie... that's on good looking parking deck.

I was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony for Block 121. I met many of the people involved with the project.

If you can, take some time out of the day and email them to express your appreciation.

They seem genuinely committed to Birmingham. I couldn't be more pleased to have them in town.

[bystander1]

i go to the ymca downtown, so i've been able to watch that parking deck go up across the street. definitely better looking than most.

also, nice pics bystander1! the uab women's and infants center that you took pictures of is a project my firm is working on.

Thanks TimCity2000. Your firm is doing a nice job. I love the Children's hospital expansion going on also. I'll be at UAB again next week so maybe I'll get a chance to take more pics.

[Dc35064]

I work with The Operation New Birmingham and I just ran an idea across to one of the people who work here that are helping get a restaurant to fill the restaurant space in the almost complete Hyatt Place downtown.........

My idea was a PF Changs in the location, its on the corner so that would be perfect....it would be similar to the one in downtown of Portland, OR.....I was out working on a project near there today and I stopped by to get a closer look and the size would be perfect.....they just would have to work out something with the hotel for outdoor dining space (There is space for it but it looks like the hotel my have use for that outdoor area). There is space for parking across the street and in the area....(keep in mind there is only one PF Changs in Birmingham and many cities the size of Birmingham have mulitple locations, also on most weekends there is a 60 to 90 minute wait.....I experience on a regular including last Saturday night) :banana:

So what do you think?

[tredici]

OMG! PF Chang's would be perfect for downtown! I love going to PFC. It also got the perfect atmosphere for a downtown location.

[| BRAVO |]

It would certainly be quite the coup d'état for the Hyatt to land a PF Changs. The presence of a national chain would be huge. Do we have any?:shrug:
Does Mellow Mushroom count?

[philopdx]

Tell me, is there any ground-floor retail in that parking deck?

[| BRAVO |]

:previous: One spot for a restaurant at the base of the angled structure... there was supposed to be more... but we know how that goes.

[| BRAVO |]

This didn't create a lot of press but it seems to be a promising start.

Monday, May 18, 2009, 5:24pm CDT | Modified: Tuesday, May 19, 2009,

Alabama Legislature approves statewide transit commission
Birmingham Business Journal - by Aneesa McMillan Staff


The Alabama Legislature passed a resolution Monday that will create a statewide transit commission, which will serve to generate state-dedicated funding and study transit from both an urban and rural prospective for the entire state.

“The commission would look at how we build a system that would connect county lines, “ said Chris Lewis, chairman of the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority. “We also wanted to look at what would be the economic impact on the counties and how we would fund the system so that we can all benefit.”

The commission will consist of members from the Alabama House and Senate, along with several other appointees, he said.

“The commission will also address what the transportation needs are across the state and marry those needs,” Lewis said. “It will also allow us to look at a funding solution that is not just driven by Birmingham.”

The commission was a result of state leaders being encouraged to find a way to address the needs of transit through the state legislature, he said.

“From our experiences, we have seen that things have the best chance to be passed when they have gone through a commission,” Lewis said.

Cathy Crenshaw, president of Sloss Real Estate and BJCTA stakeholder committee member, added that the commission creates an opportunity to prevent falling behind on the transit front with regard to stimulus funding.

“Historically, in Alabama about 85 percent of funding goes to roads and bridges and only 15 percent goes to transportation but with the stimulus, it’s about 60 for roads and 40 for transportation,” Crenshaw said. “We have to have a way to capture those funds that are coming.”

Pascal Caputo of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce added that the commission will get more people involved in the transit conversation.

“It’s hard to get the local match for federal funds, so state funding will get more people to the table,” Caputo said.

The resolution comes on the heels of the establishment of the Alabama Transit Association, which was also formed to shore up funding for transit-related issues in Alabama. Before its formation, Alabama was one of only four states without an association. Unlike the commission, the association is comprised of the 10 transit authorities around the state.

[tredici]

Thank the good lord! People always say that mass transit can't work in Alabama. I beg anyone who says that to go to the University of Alabama and look at the bus system during peak class times...

[| BRAVO |]

What on earth?
I thought this was one of Langford's pie-in-the-sky ideals. I guess we'll have to see if it gains traction.


Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 5:10pm CDT
Birmingham City Council OKs taxing district for Daniel Payne development
Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff


The Birmingham City Council approved Tuesday the creation of a “cooperative district” in North Birmingham for a proposed mixed-use development.

The district is designed to facilitate the Daniel Payne Town Center – a proposed mixed-use project on 1,500 acres off Coalburg Road.

The project could serve as a major tourist attraction for Birmingham and include residential, commercial, retail, an aquarium and a planetarium, among other tourism highlights, said local developer John A. Richard, president of Genesis Development Corp.

A capital improvement cooperative district operates like a small government with its own taxes and ability to issue bonds.

With the district approved, Richard said activity on the project could begin in the coming months. That includes buying the nearly 1,500 acres near the city’s Daniel Payne Industrial Park and the new Interstate 22, which is slated to extend east to connect with Interstate 65 and a driver for this project.

Development Capital International of Chicago is the private investor for Daniel Payne Town Center, he said.

Richard, a local firefighter and residential investor from Pleasant Grove, said he’s been working on the project for more than five years and has put about $100,000 of his own money into it for feasibility studies and architectural renderings.

Daniel Payne Town Center is proposed to have 600,000 square feet of retail space, 550,000 square feet of office, an 800-room resort hotel and golf course, a 150,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 10 million-gallon aquarium and 350 single-family residences.

[phoenixboi08]

Interesting...where exactly is this location?

[| BRAVO |]

Somewhere in this general area...

http://s181.photobucket.com/albums/x264/hallman02/Coalburg-1.jpg

[codyg1985]

What on earth?
I thought this was one of Langford's pie-in-the-sky ideals. I guess we'll have to see if it gains traction.

If this gets built it may be a catalyst to growth in that area, in addition to I-22 being completed. An aquarium would be better suited closer to downtown IMO, but it is nice to see this moving forward.

[tredici]

So... a 10 million gallon aquarium? Uhmmmmm... that would beat the Georgia Aquarium by, if I'm not mistaken, 1.3 Million gallons...

[| BRAVO |]

I would highly doubt an aquarium would actually go up. Those things are a bit oversaturated in the Southeast anyway... :haha:

Have we ran out of new ideas?

[Rail Claimore]

They really need to extend I-22 all the way to 20/59 near the airport. The interstates immediately around downtown are packed as it is. Does ALDOT really think that simply adding a lane in each direction on 65 is going to help much?

[neilson]

They really need to extend I-22 all the way to 20/59 near the airport. The interstates immediately around downtown are packed as it is. Does ALDOT really think that simply adding a lane in each direction on 65 is going to help much?

My question is, how logistically feasible is it to acquire ROW from 31 to 59/20 at approx. AL 75? I know it's mainly industrial land, but you gotta think if it's something that can easily be done relative to what alternatives exist to extending I-22.

[Rail Claimore]

My question is, how logistically feasible is it to acquire ROW from 31 to 59/20 at approx. AL 75? I know it's mainly industrial land, but you gotta think if it's something that can easily be done relative to what alternatives exist to extending I-22.

I don't think that's the hard part so much as it is expanding 20/59 near the airport for about a mile to meet I-22. A collector-distributor system will probably be necessary.

[neilson]

I don't think that's the hard part so much as it is expanding 20/59 near the airport for about a mile to meet I-22. A collector-distributor system will probably be necessary.

I see it being such that Westbound 20/59 can get on 22 and 22 eastbound can get to 20/59 Eastbound(with ramps to 20 east or 59 north).

There's no need for 22 east to 20/59 south or 20/59 north to 22 west. That's what I-65 is for.

[codyg1985]

I don't think that's the hard part so much as it is expanding 20/59 near the airport for about a mile to meet I-22. A collector-distributor system will probably be necessary.

I invisioned at one point I-22 being extended from it's current proposed ending to I-20/59 at AL 79. I thought that ramps from I-22 could run along the outside of I-20/59 between AL 79 and I-20 east. So that means that if you were traveling west on I-20 and you were bound for I-22 west you could choose that before arriving at I-59. You'd travel along the outside of the freeway. Similarly, if you were on I-22 east and you were bound for I-20 east, you would choose that before arriving at I-20/59. You'd travel along the outside of the freeway. Movements to I-59 north from I-22 would still be possible via a slip ramp between the outer and inner lanes.

Speaking of I-22, the Birmingham News reports that construction on the I-22/I-65 interchange could start this fall (http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/metro.ssf?/base/news/1243325715144810.xml&coll=2). Then again, they said it would start this spring, too, but that obviously didn't happen. Also, interesting note in that article that the Birmingham Northern Beltline would be designated I-422 when completed.

[B'ham Bound]

I picked up on that I-422 reference as well. I'm understand the fact that it'll cost the state less since it'll now become part of the Appalachian Regional Commission plan. However, I'm not sure I can decipher the statement that naming it I-459 would cause confusion. But, at the end of the day, if it saves the state money, it gets my seal of approval. Six interstate designations... that's quite a bit for a city.

[tredici]

I think the reason they say it would be confusing is because they'd have to renumber the exits to make it not confusing. They plan to start construction on the Beltline at the 459 and 20/59 interchange. Currently, that is the mile 1 mile marker for 459. So, they begs the question, what do you do about the exit numbers for 422??

Sure, you could look at what Atlanta did with their bypass, but the thing is, the Beltline kinda spirals, so this situation is a bit different.

I hope I was clear. I'm not sure if I even understood what I said...

[| BRAVO |]

I thought I read somewhere the first section to be completed will be from AL79 to I-59 in Clay?

[tredici]

Maybe I was mistaken then.

Wherever they start it, it would still be confusing by calling it 459. If it's started on the eastern side of Bham, then that would mean overlaying 459 on 59 for a certain amount of miles. And, judging by ALDOT's past, that's something they're gonna wanna avoid.

[| BRAVO |]

:previous: Oh. I agree. I was just wondering about the start location.

[| BRAVO |]

I invisioned at one point I-22 being extended from it's current proposed ending to I-20/59 at AL 79. I thought that ramps from I-22 could run along the outside of I-20/59 between AL 79 and I-20 east. So that means that if you were traveling west on I-20 and you were bound for I-22 west you could choose that before arriving at I-59. You'd travel along the outside of the freeway. Similarly, if you were on I-22 east and you were bound for I-20 east, you would choose that before arriving at I-20/59. You'd travel along the outside of the freeway. Movements to I-59 north from I-22 would still be possible via a slip ramp between the outer and inner lanes.

Speaking of I-22, the Birmingham News reports that construction on the I-22/I-65 interchange could start this fall (http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/metro.ssf?/base/news/1243325715144810.xml&coll=2). Then again, they said it would start this spring, too, but that obviously didn't happen. Also, interesting note in that article that the Birmingham Northern Beltline would be designated I-422 when completed.


I think the bigger question is if Aldot plans to improve the I-20 viaduct between the I-59 split and Oporto Madrid. It is in terrible condition and only 2 lanes in each direction. Also... they need to address I-20 from Leeds to Pell City. That needs improving if it is going to carry increased traffic.

[| BRAVO |]

Check out Dystopos' info about Daniel Payne Center on Bhamwiki. It's interesting.

http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Daniel_Payne_Town_Center

[tredici]

Wow... if this thing is ever built... I don't really even know what to say.

[UrbanLover]

I'm flabbergasted. The players--from the developer, to the architect--all seem way under-qualified to attempt a project like this. And the aquarium needs to be downtown, not sequestered in this new development. Wow.

[neilson]

I'm flabbergasted. The players--from the developer, to the architect--all seem way under-qualified to attempt a project like this. And the aquarium needs to be downtown, not sequestered in this new development. Wow.

What about what's her name? You know, the woman that had the plan for the Dome?

[| BRAVO |]

What about what's her name? You know, the woman that had the plan for the Dome?

I was wondering about her myself?

[B'ham Bound]

That project is DOA. If dirt is moved, it'll be for something significantly scaled down from the original concept.

[phoenixboi08]

I agree, the aquarium ought to be downtown...but the idea seems interesting.
I just keep thinking, if the idea is to get people back into DT, why not focus a few more development projects there? I think the retail center should be DT as well, but that's what I think.

[tredici]

Well, the thing is, this is a private developer, so their main interest isn't to attract people downtown.

I'm convinced that any development is good development, as long as it's done correctly and in an orderly fashion. So, I'm thinking that as long as this is done in a healthy manner, it can only help the city. After all, a redeveloped downtown won't do much good unless you can attract people not only from Birmingham but from other areas.

If this is built, and people visit it, they're likely to spend the night. Cause I don't think there's anyway that you can enjoy this thing in just one day.

What I would like to see is a partnership between this thing and Alabama Adventure. I think it would greatly help both parties.

[Port_of_Bama]

Check out Dystopos' info about Daniel Payne Center on Bhamwiki. It's interesting.

http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Daniel_Payne_Town_Center



I love the idea of an in door waterpark. Great move by the city of Birmingham,they would put a development like this on the Eastern Shore or out west in Mobile instead of downtown. I commend Birmingham for putting the breaks on suburban dvelopment and allowing the city core to get development as well.


I hope our area hop on board very soon and attract more retail and other amenities downtown as well.

[phoenixboi08]

Well, the thing is, this is a private developer, so their main interest isn't to attract people downtown.
.

Duh! For some reason, I thought it was also the city...I'm not against the development, just wish the location was better...speaking as a student, I would LOVE to be able to go to ONE area (DT) and be able to shop, etc., etc...

[| BRAVO |]

I was downtown this morning and there seems to be a lot of activity going on around 20th street. I noticed a lot of antique stores and cafes I have not noticed in the past. Hope I see more next time.

Also, I was in the BJCC Arena looking at the remodel and they have certainly done a lot for the old lady. They painted all the walls and tan and taupe and completely refinished the floors with a funky tile that is tan, light green and a red swirl. They will be upgrading their signage soon as well.

I saw the new BJCC Skywalk which links the Arena to the North Exhibition Hall and South Exhibition Hall to the Sheraton and ultimately the 22nd Street Parking Deck without having to brave the elements. All this coupled with last years remodel of the Concert Hall is a vast improvement over a couple of years ago.

Now if only they could do something about that interstate...

[| BRAVO |]

Potential Norfolk-Southern hub has potential for 8,000 new jobs in Greater Birmingham.

Norfolk Southern eyes Birmingham area for major hub
Posted by Michael Tomberlin--Birmingham News June 12, 2009 5:45 AM

Norfolk Southern is scouting sites in the Birmingham area to build a terminal as part of a rail corridor stretching from the Northeast to New Orleans. The project could mean thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in investment for the area.

Norfolk Southern is seeking incentives and is talking with state and local officials about the facility, seen as a key element in the company's $2 billion Crescent Corridor expansion. The company believes as many as 8,000 jobs could be created in the area as a distribution hub develops around the project.

"We are certainly looking in the Birmingham area for constructing a new terminal that will hopefully be part of a larger logistics hub," said Rudy Husband, spokesman for Norfolk Southern. "Intermodal terminals in and of themselves have some jobs, but the real job growth is the surrounding companies that are involved in logistics and distribution."

Ted vonCannon, president of the Metropolitan Development Board, said his organization has been working for nearly three years to land the intermodal terminal, where trucking containers would be loaded onto train cars.

"If we're fortunate enough to get the project, it could mean Birmingham will be a key point for moving goods in and out," vonCannon said. "It could be a great boon for our area."

Norfolk Southern said the Crescent Corridor aims to use a network of terminals and railway improvements along a 2,500-mile rail line from New Jersey to New Orleans to take as many as 1 million trucks off interstates by transporting their cargo via train. In Alabama alone, an estimated 300,000 trucks could be taken off the interstates each year, the company says. That would help alleviate congestion on the roadways and reduce emissions, saving an estimated 100 million gallons of fuel each year, it adds.

"Right now, more than 90 percent of the freight moving from the Southeast and the Gulf Coast up into the Northeast is moving by truck," said Rudy Husband, spokesman for Norfolk Southern. "If you look at the line segment between the New York metropolitan area and Chicago, it's about a 50-50 split. We believe there is an enormous opportunity to shift freight that's moving via the interstates over to rail."

The project also will be a boost to economic development efforts in Birmingham area, according to the company and local officials. Norfolk Southern rail lines have played a role in Alabama's recruitment of key projects, including Mercedes-Benz, Honda and ThyssenKrupp.

"We think once the Crescent Corridor is fully developed and operating in the next 10 years or so, there will be somewhere between 500 and 600 railroad jobs created in the Birmingham area," he said. "Then, if you look at surrounding development what we think will evolve when that intermodal terminal is built, we're looking at somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000 jobs that will be positively impacted."

That would be on top of Norfolk Southern's existing operations in the state. The railroad company's Alabama operations are based in the Birmingham area. It operates 1,370 miles of track in the state, has 1,800 employees with a $102 million annual payroll, and makes $134 million in annual purchases and payments.

VonCannon said Norfolk Southern has evaluated six or seven sites in the greater Birmingham area.

Husband said terminals can cost between $60 million and $90 million, depending on size and fluctuations in construction costs. The intermodal facility would have multiple lines of railroad tracks and transfer points allowing containers to be moved from rail cars to truck beds, and vice versa.

Because of the promised benefits, Norfolk Southern has been asking states for financial support to expand the Crescent Corridor and develop new terminals. In February, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell proposed a $30 million boost to rail infrastructure in his state, while Virginia has given $45 million to aid the Crescent Corridor expansion.

"Where there are clearly identified public benefits to a project we're embarking on, we would like to get some public funding to assist in that," Husband said.

Neal Wade, executive director of the Alabama Development Office, said Norfolk Southern has made presentations about the Crescent Corridor to state officials but so far has not asked for a specific contribution.

"It appears it could be a real important infrastructure asset to the state," Wade said. "I've been in several meetings with them and from what I've heard, it could be an excellent project for Alabama."

Husband said Norfolk Southern is talking with Alabama and Tennessee officials about the Crescent Corridor and is having discussions with elected officials in Washington. He said the project might qualify for federal stimulus funds through the Alabama Department of Transportation.

"Those talks are ongoing, both locally and in Washington," he said. "We're just trying get people both from a political standpoint and from an agency standpoint educated about what is involved with this project -- what the benefits are and getting them more comfortable about being involved."

VonCannon said no specific timetable has been laid out for the intermodal terminal, though Norfolk Southern has indicated it would like to have it operating in the next two or three years.

"This could be one of the most significant projects we've seen -- in the same category as Mercedes and Honda when you consider the spin-off jobs," he said.

[tredici]

Birmingham would probably be the best location for this thing. I believe that the chances of us landing this are strong.

[OCA REP]

I was reading a post in the Huntsville Updates thread and stumbled upon the following quote:

Remember, shopping center developers are hurting now, with one of the largest, General Growth, in bankruptcy causing Nordstrom to pull out of Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham.

The entire post is here (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4311316&postcount=3650)

Is this correct? I had not heard that the deal to get Nordstrom to the Galleria was 100% dead. I was looking forward to them coming to Alabama.

[| BRAVO |]

Supposedly, it was because General could not afford the required improvements to the property because of bankruptcy.

I'm tired of bad news. :( When will it stop?

[Port_of_Bama]

Potential Norfolk-Southern hub has potential for 8,000 new jobs in Greater Birmingham.









Good article, but what about the truck drivers ? I`m glad to know that Birmingham will be getting 8,000 jobs,but we will be losing so much more.

[| BRAVO |]

Good article, but what about the truck drivers ? I`m glad to know that Birmingham will be getting 8,000 jobs,but we will be losing so much more.


Would it be possible many of the long-distance drivers would simply convert to more short distance deliveries once the product reaches their area?

[| BRAVO |]

I've been waiting to hear about this. :tup:

UAB to bring jobs, research through Stem Cell Institute
Birmingham Business Journal - by Jimmy DeButts Staff


The University of Alabama at Birmingham has created a Stem Cell Institute that has the potential to be a major economic driver for the region, industry experts said.

The creation of the UAB Stem Cell Institute is scheduled to be voted on Friday at a University of Alabama Board of Trustees meeting in Tuscaloosa. The vote comes after UAB placed ads on May 7 seeking stem cell researchers to fill “junior” and “senior faculty” positions.

The newly created institute could attract top national and international researchers, boost the region’s talent pool and entice biotech manufacturers to the area, according to Biotechnology Association of Alabama Executive Director Kathy Nugent.

High-tech jobs and the ancillary support jobs and resources are already on schedule for the Stem Cell Institute. Nugent said the creation of a specialty institute in a high-growth sector will solidify UAB’s research reputation. It also will be able to leverage Birmingham’s existing biotech resources to attract highly trained workers.

“This is definitely what we need to continue to grow the industry here,” Nugent said. “Having a Stem Cell Institute is another piece of the puzzle and adds to the world class research UAB is known for.”

Tim Townes, chairman of UAB’s biochemistry and molecular genetics department, is serving as the Stem Cell Institute’s director. His ad seeking researchers offers nationally competitive salaries and startup packages. Attempts to reach Townes were unsuccessful by press time.

Laurence Baker, professor of health research and policy at Stanford University, said the new institute’s economic impact on Central Alabama will depend on its research success rate. By adding jobs, the local area will see a modest immediate impact, he said. However, if a treatment for sickle cell anemia or Parkinson’s disease is a byproduct of research conducted at UAB, the impact could be monumental, Baker said.

“The real economic impact is tied to whether they have breakout research that leads to real benefits to society,” Baker said.

UAB could benefit from licensing fees associated with treatments developed at its facilities. The Birmingham area also could see an infusion of federal stem-cell funding and companies looking to base their operations near UAB if the Stem Cell Institute produces therapies to ease or cure diseases, Nugent said.

In addition, Alabama-trained researchers would be more likely to remain in the state if they have a place to put into practice what they’ve learned at UAB or Huntsville’s HudsonAlpha Institute.

“It is something we have to have,” Nugent said. “We want to keep the talent here in the state. This would help do that.”

The resolution to establish UAB’s Stem Cell Institute cites the high rate of sickle cell anemia in the African-American community. UAB has been researching sickle cell anemia for two decades and has had some success, with research using adult skin cells that produced a cure for sickle cell disease in mice.

UAB said the use of cells in this manner is an important first step toward curing other acquired diseases. A key to the institute’s success is educating the public on the difference between using adult cells opposed to controversial embryonic cells, Nugent said.

If UAB can proactively highlight the use of adult cells so the public’s initial reaction to stem cell research isn’t negative, the institute could lay the foundation for significant economic development opportunities, Nugent said.

“It furthers the name of UAB as a global leader of cutting-edge research,” Nugent said. “It expands job availability to keep our talent in the state. The more talent we have, the more we’ll be able to attract better opportunities including raising the likelihood manufacturing companies would come here.”

Stanford’s Baker said a Stem Cell Institute is a wise use of resources.

“Stem cell research seems very promising and investing in stem cell research infrastructure is a good bet,” Baker said.

jdebutts@bizjournals.com | (205) 443-5628

[phoenixboi08]

I've been waiting to hear about this. :tup:

YES! PERFECT!!!!!

[Port_of_Bama]

Would it be possible many of the long-distance drivers would simply convert to more short distance deliveries once the product reaches their area?



I thought about that and you make a good point, I hope short distance doesn`t mean a short work week. My dad and uncles have been driving trucks for years now. I thought about them and others when reading this article.


One thing I do know Birmingham knows how to handle business right, so we shall see and i`m pretty sure they thought of that already I hope any way,lol .:tup: