[tredici]

Well, since no one else has reported this...

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/metro.ssf?/base/news/1246263309186490.xml&coll=2

The region is looking for the federal government to fund a new electric (or environmentally friendly) fleet of buses to connect Birmingham's neighborhoods to the downtown area.

I'm wondering how this is going to be any different than the area's past ventures with bus systems.

[UrbanLover]

I think the difference is that the implementation money is pure Federal stimulus dollars, with no local match required, and it's #1 on the southern region's priority list, at least in terms of being "shovel ready"--so it has a much better chance of happening than past plans.

Operating money is another matter, which still must be resolved. But I'm hopeful.

The animation is worth posting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbgczUOG-yA

[phoenixboi08]

I think the difference is that the implementation money is pure Federal stimulus dollars, with no local match required, and it's #1 on the southern region's priority list, at least in terms of being "shovel ready"--so it has a much better chance of happening than past plans.

Operating money is another matter, which still must be resolved. But I'm hopeful.

The animation is worth posting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbgczUOG-yA

I'm kind of confused. So the stadium hasn't been written off as a straight-out NO!? I thought it had...is it a "stadium" or arena?

[sabre0link]

I see someone already posted the video from ITP...

It is AWESOME and I hope what's mentioned in it (beyond just the BRT system) actually happens...

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1174373524037 is another link to the video

http://www.itp-project.com/ is the website for the project (no video link off the website that I saw)

(Please note that I loved the animation BEFORE they showed 3rd Ave N....)

The only question I've thought of regarding the system, is how would it affect DART?

Oh, and they mention the Entertainment District at the BJCC... hmm...

[TimCity2000]

wow, thanks for posting that video! pretty cool.

[sabre0link]

Not exactly building-development, but..

http://www.1055thevulcan.com (and 105.5) is now http://www.talkradio1055.com/main.html

what is up with music stations getting replaced with talk radio?

[| BRAVO |]

Norfolk Southern to invest over $100 million in Southwest Jefferson County.

Update: Norfolk Southern will spend $112 million on McCalla terminal
Posted by Michael Tomberlin -- Birmingham News July 10, 2009 11:12 AM

Norfolk Southern said today it will invest $112 million on a new cargo-loading terminal on 316 acres in McCalla. The railroad company said construction will start early next year and the facility is set to open in 2012.

The economic impact on Alabama could reach $4 billion by 2020, a Norfolk Southern spokesman told reporters at a press event this morning. In that same time period, the railroad company is expected to add 600 jobs, while the project could generate as many as 8,000 spin-off jobs.


The intermodal facility will be built on land adjacent to its existing rail line in what is currently mostly farm land. The southwestern edge of the site is adjacent to the McAdory Elementary School.
The facility will be served by six intermodal trains a day, two more than currently run on the Norfolk Southern tracks through McCalla. It will have three loading tracks, 1,440 paved trailer/container parking spaces with a capacity to handle 165,000 truck trailers and shipping containers per year.

Rudy Husband, spokesman for Norfolk Southern, said the company has either purchased or has options to purchase all of the land needed for the project.

The site plan revealed today calls for an access road to run along the railroad right-of-way to another piece of property the railroad has already purchased behind the Sadler Ridge subdivision. That piece of property will give the new facility access to McAshan Drive for the hundreds of trucks that could end up visiting the facility daily.

The facility moves shipping containers between trucks and rail to make the shipping of goods more efficient along the railroad's 2,500-mile Crescent Corridor from New Orleans to New Jersey. The facility hopes to reduce the number of long-haul trucks needed to carry the cargo, reducing the amount of fuel used and increasing safety on interstate highways.

A group of residents in the area have formed No Hub 4 McCalla, an opposition group that fears the new facility will bring unwanted noise, traffic and pollution, driving down property values in the rapidly growing area and making the neighborhood unsafe

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Mass production of Honda's signature Accord sedan begins in Alabama

by Dawn Kent -- Birmingham News
Sunday July 12, 2009, 5:45 AM

The car that helped put Honda on the map in the United States 30 years ago will get a "Made in Alabama" stamp this week, as the Japanese automaker's assembly plant in Lincoln begins mass production of the popular Accord.
The state-built model will be a V-6 Accord sedan, and its addition to Honda's local lineup marks the Alabama factory's metamorphosis from a site that builds only light trucks to one that can turn out cars, too.

Continue reading "Mass production of Honda's signature Accord sedan begins in Alabama" »

http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2009/07/mass_production_of_hondas_sign.html

[Blazer85]

Norfolk Southern to invest over $100 million in Southwest Jefferson County.

That is big news for this region. One publication I saw said that the actual number of jobs created over a 10-year period could be closer to 8,600. And of course, many of these massive projects such as this often have untold indirect effects as far as local business and residential development. In an economy like this, this is even particularly good news.

[tredici]

I'm glad that they selected Southwest Jeffco. It's about time that there's some growth towards Tuscaloosa.

[ttownfeen]

I think rail yards are ugly. I certainly wouldn't want one of these in my backyard.

[| BRAVO |]

I view it as a necessary evil - it just needs to be well hidden with berms and trees and have enough buffer to reduce noise pollution. I couldn't help but wonder if there isn't a better location - but I would imagine it's difficult to find such a large tract of land in a more developed area.

[tredici]

I think rail yards are ugly. I certainly wouldn't want one of these in my backyard.

Yea, these things can always be hidden. For example, I didn't know that Decatur had a massive rail yard in the middle of the city until Google Maps came into existence. Even if you're driving right by the rail yard, you can tell that there are any more than three rails wide.

[Blazer85]

It might not be a nice, shiny skyscraper, but I think it's big news nevertheless.

It's big in the way of federal investment dollars. Big in terms of jobs. Big in terms of spin-off potential for supporting infrastructure and businesses. Potentially big business for the cargo traffic at BHM Intl. Big in terms of perception as far as Birmingham playing an integral role to the Southeast region, not just the state.

[tredici]

What I really like about this is that it provides a bit of a springboard towards connecting Birmingham to a more national rail network such as passenger trains. That is something we really need.

If it was cheap enough, I would definitely take a train from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham at least once a month. I still haven't gotten to making that train trip to New Orleans that I've been wanting to take :)

[dfwtiger]

Birmingham City Council commits $8 million a year to dome stadium
Posted by Thomas Spencer -- Birmingham News July 15, 2009 5:45 AM
Categories: Must See

More than 140 readers weighed in on the City Council action and the dome plans after the action on Tuesday. You can see the earlier report and their comments.
After more than a decade of civic debate, the Birmingham City Council on Tuesday made the first monetary commitment to a $630 million domed stadium in downtown Birmingham.
At the urging of Mayor Larry Langford, the council authorized giving $8 million a year to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex's governing authority to begin the design and construction of a stadium and convention center that can seat at least 57,500 people and could be expanded to seat 70,000, according to Langford.



"Let's build a dome," a relieved Mayor Larry Langford said after about two hours of council debate. "The project is real. Let's get started."

Langford scored another success later in the day when the council authorized him to contract with firms that will handle the renovation of historic Rickwood Field and build a new museum there dedicated to the histories of Negro League and Southern League baseball.

"I'm as happy as a kid in the candy store," Langford said. The mayor said he planned to hold a ceremonial groundbreaking next Tuesday at 5 p.m. on the site of the planned dome. Backers hope to have the stadium completed in five years.

The dome project is being paid for with $19 million generated annually from increased business licenses fees. For the next 2½ years, the city will contribute about $666,000 a month to the BJCC to pay for architectural designs and other aspects of the projects, and will use the remaining $11 million to pay for other city projects such as street paving. When the BJCC issues bonds in 2011 to pay for the dome, it will include $22 million that it will pay to Birmingham for additional paving projects.

Logistical questions
Passage of dome funding was anything but certain Tuesday with council members questioning the agreement with the BJCC from several angles. Councilmen Steven Hoyt and Roderick Royal asked repeatedly about how the city was going to ensure participation in the project by businesses owned by women and minorities.

Langford said an oversight committee composed of Birmingham Council members, a representative of the mayor's office and the members of the business community will ensure that involvement. A compromise stipulating that the council approve each month's distribution won over their votes.

Council President Carole Smitherman and Councilwoman Valerie Abbott both expressed concern that they hadn't seen a plan to pay for the building's operations once it is built.

Abbott said she was wasn't convinced that conventions will be attracted and sport tenants will take up residence in the facility.

"'Build it and they will come' only works in the movies," Abbott said.

"Don't build it and nothing happens," Langford retorted. "That's reality."

Ultimately, Abbott cast the sole vote against the dome agreement. Councilman Joel Montgomery abstained.

Later in the day, the council authorized Langford to execute a $175,000 contract with Davis Architects for the restoration of Rickwood Field; a $310,000 contract with Exford Architects for design of the new museum; and a $750,000 contract with Woods Contracting Services for construction management on the project.

The City Council in May approved spending a total of $7.5 million to restore the century-old ballpark and build a museum dedicated to the city's baseball heritage.

Langford said he has almost completed his slate of campaign promises after just two years on the job. The lingering issue that needs attention, mass transit, will now be the focus of his administrative staff, he said.

[tredici]

I like that he's putting more responsibility in the hands of the council instead of trying to grab it all for himself. I hope this is a sign that he's actually going to work with the council instead of viewing them as a road block. In many ways, they have been a roadblock, but that can always change.

[tredici]

Well, groundbreaking on the dome is supposed to take place in about thirty minutes. Let's hope that they actually get moving on it this time.

Anyways, after I went to my post-op appointment at The Kirklin Clinic yesterday, I drove around downtown. Using my new Blackberry Storm, which I'm in love with BTW, I shot up some construction sites on two of the most popular projects going on.

Railroad Reservation Park

A view towards the NE
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3741554497_80bbe780f7_o.jpg

Views towards the NW
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3741553927_6262ef0461_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3742343488_3c2f92e013_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3742341824_60387d13d5_o.jpg

Cityville Block 121

Looking towards the SE
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3742340208_a6456aa8a5_o.jpg

Looking towards the SW
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3740976244_99ef2da351.jpg

[| BRAVO |]

Good pics... thanks for sharing. I need to take some pics.

[sabre0link]

Hmm...

I've heard that "where's the operational budget" money line before... and not in regards to the Dome, but to the museum at Rickwood... :\

Maybe it's a thing that "we'll concern ourselves with it when it arises"..

Hmm.. :\

On another note.. RRP looks like it's got some great views going for it... hehe..

Can we get grass planted, please? LOL

[| BRAVO |]

Corporate Realty continues to be forward-thinking with their development ideas. I would love to see what these guys could do for downtown if their financing was unlimited.

Friday, July 24, 2009
Developers pitching downtown ballpark
Birmingham Business Journal - by Jimmy DeButts Staff

A local developer wants to bring minor league baseball back downtown by luring the Birmingham Barons to the city center with a new stadium.

According to sources familiar with the plans, Corporate Realty is behind a push to build a new ballpark downtown that would relocate the Barons from its home in suburban Hoover and help revitalize a portion of Birmingham’s ailing urban core.

A site being considered is Merita Bakery’s First Avenue South campus, which sits across 13th Avenue South from the Birmingham Railroad Park, according to sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because the project’s details have not been finalized. The first phase of the railroad park is slated for completion in early 2010.

Returning baseball to downtown Birmingham – 21 years after the sport left historic Rickwood Field on the city’s west end – with a new multimillion-dollar stadium could be another cornerstone of the city center’s economic revival efforts, industry experts said.

Similar projects in Montgomery, Memphis and Greenville, S.C., have spurred economic development in the surrounding areas – and drawn big crowds downtown.

The proposed project hinges on the city’s ability to acquire the Merita Bakery building and entice the Barons out of Hoover. Sources say the city doesn’t yet have the mechanisms in place to obtain the bakery, which is still operating. Merita’s parent company, Interstate Bakeries Corp., exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February and lost $78 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2009, according to published reports.

Corporate Realty President Robert Simon said the concept of downtown baseball is great but no formal proposal is on the table.

“We would encourage baseball downtown and we’d like to be a part of that project,” Simon said.

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, whom sources say is supportive of a downtown ballpark, declined to comment.

Bringing the Barons downtown could spark a fierce battle with the city of Hoover. The Barons, owned by former Time Inc. CEO Don Logan and his family, are the main occupants at Regions Park and consistently draw more than 250,000 fans annually, including 303,000 in 2008. The Barons’ contract with 10,800-seat Regions Park expires at the end 2010, but the team has an option to renew for five more years at the Hoover stadium.

Barons co-owner Stan Logan said his family has been approached on multiple occasions about moving back downtown since they purchased the team in 2005. He said no one has made a specific proposal and ownership is happy with its partnership with Hoover.

“We’d be open to listening to any proposal, but it would be hard to turn our backs on a community that has supported us,” Stan Logan said.

Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos said the city has invested millions of dollars renovating Regions Park in recent years. It is conveniently located with ample parking and in close proximity to multiple restaurants and hotels, he said.

“With the upgrades we’ve made the last several years, we’ll be in a good position to extend that contract for five more years,” Petelos said.

Former Barons owner Art Clarkson moved the Class AA team to Hoover in 1988 after the city of Birmingham balked at renovating historic Rickwood Field. Rickwood is the nation’s oldest ballpark still in use and its relationship with the Barons dates back to 1910.

Regions Park is the second-oldest Southern League stadium. Eight of 10 Southern League parks have been either built or renovated since 1997.

The Barons have been told efforts to relocate downtown are designed to spur economic development, Stan Logan said. It’s a model developers in Greenville, S.C., say works. Greenville lost the Atlanta Braves Class AA affiliate to Mississippi because the city was unable to finance a replacement facility for the stadium located on the edge of town.

Greenville officials worked with private developers to secure land downtown and today a former lumber yard next to railroad tracks is home to the $15.5 million privately financed stadium that houses the Boston Red Sox’s Class A affiliate, the Greenville Drive.

The stadium, a replica of Boston’s Fenway Park, debuted in 2006 just 11 months after construction started. The downtown stadium set a new single-season attendance record with 330,078 fans passing through the turnstiles. That mark surpassed the previous record by 60,000 fans.

Greenville spent $8.5 million in land acquisition and streetscaping for the baseball project and adjacent mixed-use complex. Greenville’s Economic Development analyst Greg Strait said the new stadium has been a catalyst for the city’s revitalization efforts. Increased traffic flow has drawn retail, restaurant and condominium living to the Greenville’s previously dormant West End.

Montgomery’s downtown received a boost in 2004 when it opened 7,000-seat Riverwalk Stadium. The brick facade facility is an anchor in a district undergoing a facelift and was built by the city for $26 million. It attracted an average of 307,000 fans the past three years.

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

[tredici]

Wow... now there's talk of building new stadiums in two of the big four... I think that the company would stand a great chance at getting the bakery land. Land in downtown is valuable and probably expensive to run operations on. I think they could easily convince them to move to a more suburban location and get to a more efficient bakery further from downtown.

[phoenixboi08]

Wow... now there's talk of building new stadiums in two of the big four... I think that the company would stand a great chance at getting the bakery land. Land in downtown is valuable and probably expensive to run operations on. I think they could easily convince them to move to a more suburban location and get to a more efficient bakery further from downtown.

However, something is telling me the Hoover people will make damn sure to piss and moan and give everyone a hard time about this...:haha:

[TimCity2000]

as much as i would love to see the barons in downtown birmingham, i do have to hand it to hoover. they've really created an amazing atmosphere and fan base down there at the met. i don't see them letting the barons go without a fight.

if it did happen, though, i would hope the metro area would give the team the same support it does now.

[TimCity2000]

However, something is telling me the Hoover people will make damn sure to piss and moan and give everyone a hard time about this...:haha:

let's not forget that hoover took the barons out of the city of birmingham in the first place. they used to play at rickwood field. so the city of birmingham should not feel bad about wanting to get the team back.

[phoenixboi08]

let's not forget that hoover took the barons out of the city of birmingham in the first place. they used to play at rickwood field. so the city of birmingham should not feel bad about wanting to get the team back.

Oh, I agree with you completely! However, there WILL be blood, no doubt in my mind...

[sabre0link]

O_O


The only issue I see with a downtown ballpark is parking... but it could be part of the plan, anyway.. If my brain (and Google Maps) works correctly, the location would be a block out from RRP.. It's in a corner, with 2nd ave s and 14th st being the "ways out" and the borders of the corner (along with the tracks)... looks like it's 2 blocks off 65, which would be good visual advertisement, and it's close to UAB, so they could likely also use the park, if needed...

I like the location, if you couldn't tell by my drab analyzation of it.. I hope they pick a unique look, but I have a feeling they'll pull from Rickwood some...

One thing about the Met.. if you live in Hoover, you don't have to get on 459 to get home..

I kindda missed the memo on why a MiLB ball park was built in a subdivision, though..

I think the location downtown would be better as there might be those weird yayhoos (like me) that don't keep up with the ball schedule, and see the park lights on and go find out what's going on. I don't think that happens a lot in Hoover.. it'd be more of a "on the way home I see the park lights on" type deal... :\ But I know it's generally more of a destination event anyway...

I like the idea, it seems to make more logical sense to me... :\

Here are my (nighttime) photos of Greenville, SC (from April '07).. I stayed in the West End area that was mentioned in the article, at the new Hampton Inn that is part of that mixed-use area.. I loved it there, due to the revitalization that occurred on that main road, and how well done it looked and how filled in everything was (3 stories of retail, all occupied.. sidewalk cafes/eating areas... it was awesome...)... http://www.flickr.com/photos/sabre0link/sets/72157600089836515/

[B'ham Bound]

A downtown ballpark would be vastly greater than the current offering. I doubt parking would be an issue... no more than it already is for other events. Like you said, the proximity to UAB would be a huge draw. This is also an opportunity to build a mixed use village in conjunction with the facility. University House would be adjacent to the ballpark and the area is mostly industrial. It's prime space for a residential and retail makeover. I honestly cannot think of one negative to pursue this. Hoover, will be mad. And as a resident of Hoover (in fact, I live in the neighborhood the Met is located), I can understand why. As a citizen of Greater Birmingham, I say move it downtown. At the end of the day, I think it's a winnable battle. If anything, it just highlights the stupidity of having 30+ different municipalities all with their own -- and sometimes, competing -- agenda.

[tredici]

Are there any updates on the status of the downtown hotel in the old regions tower?

[sabre0link]

Re: Merita... it's actually not in the place I thought it was, and is quite literally across the street from RRP...

Now it's something I want to happen. lol..

Re: Renaissance Downtown aka Regions Tower Hotel...

I don't know. Wanted to post a re: showing I wasn't ignoring the question, though.

[tredici]

Haha, I wouldn't have assumed you ignored it.

[| BRAVO |]

I heard that project was on the skid due to financing... I'll try to get an update.

[phoenixboi08]

If anything, it just highlights the stupidity of having 30+ different municipalities all with their own -- and sometimes, competing -- agenda.
That was one of the things that really surprised me the most when I first moved to Birmingham...

[| BRAVO |]

Can't believe nobody posted anything on Birmingham's Barber Motorsports Park landing an IndyCar race. :banana:


Alabama officials see IndyCar race at Barber Motorsports Park as big break for state's economic development
Posted by Michael Tomberlin -- Birmingham News July 28, 2009 5:30 AM

Indy racing in Birmingham could kick Alabama's economic development efforts into a higher gear, industry hunters say.
Economic development officials turned out in force at the official announcement Monday that the Barber Motorsports Park has landed an Indy Racing League event on April 9-11, 2010. The Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will be the third stop on the IndyCar Series schedule and two races before the Indianapolis 500 in 2010.

The three-day event is expected to draw around 100,000 race fans and have an economic impact of $30 million, according to the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, which helped recruit the event. Races will follow in 2011 and 2012, boosting the impact.

An even bigger splash could come from using it as a recruitment tool to lure companies from the U.S. and around the world to Alabama.

Gene Hallman, president of Zoom, said the race at Barber will be broadcast in more than 180 countries and will include video vignettes of Alabama and its growing automotive industry.

Gov. Bob Riley said that's powerful exposure.

"When we do economic development today, we can't buy the type of good publicity this is going to bring," Riley said in an interview after Monday's official announcement. "It highlights, it underlines, it capitalizes on all of the real positive aspects of living in and doing business in Alabama."

Riley thinks the race may open avenues for the state in countries with emerging auto industries.

"To a lot of the world -- a China or an India -- they don't know Alabama, they don't know Birmingham," he said. "To sit there for two or three hours and watch them talk about Alabama and Birmingham gives us a leg up on just about everyone in the automobile business."

Roger Wehner, director of international economic development at Alabama Power Co., said the race presents a great chance to showcase the state to decision-makers in different industries.

"This is an opportunity to bring everybody from the aerospace industry, automotive industry, anyone concerned with high-end manufacturing, performance -- this is an unparalleled opportunity for us," he said Monday.

Patrick Murphy, head of economic development for the Birmingham Business Alliance, said the hard sell will be on at the IndyCar race.

"We will certainly use this venue to host and entertain prospects that could come into the community," he said.

Because of Indy's international popularity, Murphy said recruiters will be able to pull in firms from around the world on race day.

"Obviously, with our automotive presence here internationally, this is a great opportunity for us to take advantage of that."

Honda's Performance division is the official provider of engines for cars in the IndyCar Series, and Chuck Ernst, manager of the Honda plant in Lincoln, pointed out that has advantages for the automaker. He said when IndyCar racers did testing runs at the Barber Motorsports Park earlier this year, racer Dan Wheldon came to visit the plant.

"I think we've got a really good base of volunteers that we could encourage to come and help support the event," Ernst said. "From a business point of view there are a lot of marketing advantages, too."

At Monday's announcement, Riley joined Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford in praising George Barber's vision to invest his own money developing the $70 million facility, making it possible to win the event.

Barber said an event like the IndyCar race is what he hoped for when he built the facility.

"I'm really pleased for what this is going to mean to Birmingham and Alabama," he said.

[tredici]

Haha, I read that article, but I must say that I'm more interested in where the roads go than what's driving on them.

[Bogue]

I think the Barons downtown (specifically that PART of downtown) is a great idea for all the reasons stated above. At least these guys have half a brain as to where to put what if they manage to pull it off.

In addition to the Barons the Hoover Met also annually hosts the SEC Baseball tournament which could be another major event that B'ham could lobby for should they manage this.

[sabre0link]

I heard that project was on the skid due to financing... I'll try to get an update.

An article from 2 months ago...

Harbert Realty exec says Marriott Renaissance Hotel project in downtown Birmingham remains viable
Friday, June 05, 2009

Harbert Realty says hotel still viable:

Harbert Realty Services is committed to pulling off the downtown Marriott Renaissance Hotel despite not having financing in place two years after the $61 million project was announced.

The 261-room hotel is slated for the 18-story former Regions Financial Corp. headquarters at Fifth Avenue North and 20th Street.

"The project is still very viable, and we're working diligently," said David Williams, Harbert's chief operating officer.

He said Regions is giving the company more time to put together financing and is assisting with the lending.

Williams said the delay and troubles at Starbucks haven't hurt the coffee company's plans to open a location in the hotel. But Harbert is having to look at other options for a fine dining restaurant, most likely having to operate the restaurant itself.

The hotel was originally going to open late this year.

The delay has a bright side, however: "It's actually been beneficial for us because construction costs have come down," Williams said. Michael Tomberlin --

And from BhamWiki...

In January 2009 developers announced a delay in completing the project as they negotiate with banks for financing. In June of that year, Harbert restated its commitment to the project as it continued to assemble financing.

I was reminded today during a discussion I overheard to look up what I could about the hotel... :S

I don't see any newer articles...

:\

[tredici]

Thanx for posting! I think the project will eventually get going, I don't see it never happening.

[DevinLee]

Okay guys, has anyone heard why UAB razed the 11th Avenue United Methodist Church Friday? I assume it to appease their never-ending appetite for parking but thought maybe one of you had heard.

[UrbanLover]

Okay guys, has anyone heard why UAB razed the 11th Avenue United Methodist Church Friday? I assume it to appease their never-ending appetite for parking but thought maybe one of you had heard.

My understanding is that the church was torn down to indeed make room for a new parking deck which will serve the proposed art center and Alys Stephens (the current parking lot will largely disappear with the new art center).

It's a real shame they couldn't have found a way to incorporate this small, historic church into the master plan for this block.

[SnakeHandler]

These look great. Check out the images of the skyline in the background.

[SnakeHandler]

http://blog.al.com/developments/2009/08/more_views_of_railroad_park_am.html

[tredici]

Welcome to the forum Snake! Where are you from?

BTW, the stage looks AMAZING. It's nice to know that there's gonna be a substantial, unique, building in downtown.

[| BRAVO |]

I like it. I'm glad to see they're stepping outside the box with design. I look forward to seeing more detailed plans. :tup:

[B'ham Bound]

Welcome aboard Snake.

[WEMO]

Most of you do not know, but I am a Mortgage Lender and Rates should be dropping tomorrow. If you need help refinancing or purchasing a home PM me and I will be glad to share information with you. This is on Commercial as well.

[SnakeHandler]

I live in McCalla and work downtown. I've lurked here for a while. Just decided to post that link.

[| BRAVO |]

A few developments from this week...

Friday, August 14, 2009, 5:07pm CDT
Hotel, manufacturing plant planned for Birmingham
Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff


Birmingham’s finance committee is set to vote Monday on several major economic development projects in the city.

According to the committee’s agenda, a redevelopment agreement has been struck with Birmingham Hospitality LLC for a new 110-room national brand hotel at 1900 Third Avenue South.

According to the Alabama Secretary of State Web site, Birmingham Hospitality LLC is registered under John Tampa. Media reports said he recently announced plans for a Fairfield Inn in Montgomery and has developed other Hampton Inn hotels.

And the committee also will vote Monday on a project agreement with Green Solar Manufacturing LLC.

The city plans to give incentives for a new manufacturing facility at 31 First Avenue North, where Green Solar Manufacturing plans to develop a 70,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that also would include an incubator and a training center. Total investment is $11 million.

Also on the agenda, a company called Fair Park Retail Partners LLC plans to redevelop a portion of Fair Park in Birmingham for an investment of $11 million and create about 65 jobs.

Redevelopment would include a national pharmacy, a quick service restaurant, a retail center and other commercial buildings.

Also at Fair Park, the city plans to enter into a ground lease agreement with AMT LLC, which plans to develop a hotel on the leased site.

[| BRAVO |]

This part of Jefferson County is going to be booming if this takes shape...


Developers line up retailers for $127 million Leeds outlet mall
Posted by Michael Tomberlin -- Birmingham News August 09, 2009 6:20 AM

Daniel Corp. and two partners are ready to build a $127 million outlet mall in Leeds that's meant to rival upscale centers in vacation destinations, and they already have lined up nearly three dozen retailers for the center.
The team plans to open the mall in time for the holiday shopping season of 2010, moving ahead with the project at a time when other developers are retrenching. Its design and layout are similar to outlet centers in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Destin, Fla.

"This is the type of large center you would usually see built in a resort location," Daniel President Chris Brown said. "We feel like we have a captive audience with the Barber Motorsports Park and the Bass Pro Shops, both of which draw people from miles away."
The mall, a centerpiece of the 6,500-acre Grand River development, will eventually have 500,000 square feet of shops and restaurants. The Shops of Grand River, as it will be called, will start with 330,000 square feet and expand as retailers are added to an initial line-up that includes Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic and others.

The outlet mall will be the equivalent size of 10 football fields when complete.

Daniel, USS Real Estate and the Retirement Systems of Alabama are working together on Grand River, after collaborating on Hoover's Ross Bridge development. Both the pension fund and USS Real Estate are investors, helping to clear the way for the project in a difficult time for financing.

RSA chief David Bronner admitted that the pension fund does not normally invest in retail. RSA also is providing financing, while USS Real Estate has put up land as collateral.

"I feel comfortable with the level of collateral and the two other players that are involved," he said.

'Fabulous opportunity'

Bronner said he believes the location next to the Barber Motorsports Park and Bass Pro Shops will generate traffic for the center. More than 73,000 vehicles pass daily by the interchange on Interstate 20 and other roadways.

"That location is probably the only reason we would do it," he said. "I just think it's a fabulous opportunity."

Daniel officials have previously given few specifics about the retail project, which was proposed in 2007. The developer is accelerating efforts after a consortium set up by St. Clair County, Leeds and Moody moved to issue bonds so developers can pay for work to get the site ready.

Daniel officials said the mall will create the equivalent of 650 full-time jobs and have a $170 million net economic impact on Leeds and surrounding areas in the first 25 years. Around $32 million is expected to be generated for Leeds City Schools, officials said.

"We see Grand River as a real opportunity to drive economic growth for the area, in much the same way that Ross Bridge has for Hoover or Mercedes and Honda have for the state of Alabama," said Daniel's Brown.

Daniel Chief Executive Charlie Tickle said the timing is right to move ahead with the project.

"The buying habits of America have changed," Tickle said. "Discount buying is on the rise, and we believe shoppers are going to look for better places to do their discount buying."

35 commitments

The Shops of Grand River already has commitments from 35 retailers including Gap, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, Brooks Brothers, Jones New York, Gymboree, Carters, OshKosh and VF Outlet, according to Doug Neil, one of the Daniel developers heading the project. Another 30 retailers are in negotiations to take spots, and 100 more are on Daniel's list of prospects. All are national chains.

When fully built, Neil said the center will have space for around 120 stores and restaurants, including four stand-alone sites away from the mall. At least one hotel operator has expressed an interest in a stand-alone site, he said.

"Our tenant mix will be consistent with other upscale, successful factory outlet centers," Neil said.

Neil said the design of the Shops of Grand River borrows elements from so-called "lifestyle centers" such as The Summit in Birmingham and the pedestrian-friendly nature of traditional malls. It will be built in a "racetrack style" meaning the parking will encircle the shops and shoppers will walk between clusters of stores and courtyards.

"Today's outlet centers are about providing the upscale look and feel the public has come to expect with the value component outlet malls are known for," he said.

Development of the rest of the Grand River project will flow from the outlet mall, Brown said.

"Grand River is going to be a huge project that takes many years to complete," he said. "This is the first step."

The development of new schools will help drive the development of thousands of homes planned for the Grand River project. Around 700 acres have been slated for commercial development, including more retail and offices.

Tom Howard, head of Southeast development for USS Real Estate, said the company has taken the unusual step of investing in the outlet mall because of its significance in the overall Grand River development.

"We're excited not only about it, but for what it means to the Grand River project," he said. "This is a major opportunity that will play out over a long period of time."

Hoar Construction is the general contractor on the retail center, which is being designed by CMH Architects Inc.

[| BRAVO |]

Good news for the corporate scene...

Wednesday, September 9, 2009, 11:05am CDT | Modified: Wednesday, September 9, 2009, 2:47pm
Walter Energy moving HQ to Birmingham
Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff


Tampa, Fla.-based Walter Energy announced Wednesday it plans to move its headquarters to Birmingham and named its local subsidiary leader, George R. Richmond, to a top corporate spot.

Office site selection is underway in the Birmingham area for a space to fit about 50 corporate employees, said Michael A. Monahan, a spokesman for the company. It’s expected to be open in Birmingham by the first half of next year, said a news release.

Monahan said Walter Energy (NYSE: WLT) employs about 2,100 people total and 2,000 of them are already in Alabama. With $1.2 billion in annual revenue, the move will make it one of the top five public companies based in Birmingham.

Dalton Smith, CEO of Birmingham Business Alliance, said the agency is "looking forward" to Walter becoming the region's latest corporate headquarters.

"We’re certain Walter Energy will find the Birmingham region an ideal place to call home,” Smith said.

Walter Energy, which changed its name earlier this year from Walter Industries to reflect its focus on natural resources, produces and exports metallurgical coal for the steel industry. All of its mining operations are in Central Alabama.

Speculation arose in the media last year about the company moving its headquarters to Birmingham, as it shed its manufactured home and financing arms to become a “pure play natural resources and energy company.”

Richmond, CEO of the company’s Jim Walter Resources subsidiary in Brookwood in Tuscaloosa County, was named president and chief operating officer for Walter Energy, said a news release.

And Victor P. Patrick was named CEO of the company. He previously served as vice chairman, chief financial officer and general counsel. He will continue his role as CFO until another is found.

[DallasTexan]

But Tampa is soooo cool.

[WEMO]

Good news for the corporate scene...

Good news For BAMA!!

[tredici]

VERY good news. Birmingham has really been lacking when it comes to recruiting corporations. I think it says a lot that the city was able to attract a large corporation to the city.

[SnakeHandler]

Walter Energy moving HQ to Birmingham
Also names new CEO and COO
Thursday, September 10, 2009
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer
Walter Energy Inc. will move its corporate headquarters from Tampa to Birmingham, giving the Magic City a boost with 50 white-collar jobs and a publicly traded company with $1.2 billion in annual revenue.

Walter Energy, which operates the Jim Walter Resources coal mines in Tuscaloosa County, said Wednesday it plans to complete the move by July 2010. The company also said Victor Patrick had been promoted to chief executive from his post as finance chief and that George Richmond, head of Jim Walter Resources, was the new president and chief operating officer.

"We're very excited to be making the move to Birmingham," Patrick said in an interview Wednesday. "It's a wonderful place."

Birmingham beat out Atlanta for the move.

Patrick said Birmingham makes sense because all of the company's operations and nearly all of its 2,100 employees are in Alabama. He said quality of life and robust engineering and financial-services companies also were lures.

Jim Searcy, industrial recruiter for the Birmingham Business Alliance, said it was a fast-moving project.

"These are 50 corporate headquarters jobs, which means they are real well-paying jobs," Searcy said. "The company has also indicated there will be opportunities for that number to grow."

Jim Walter officials are meeting with commercial real estate brokers to help find a site in the metro area. Patrick said the company would like to have good access to the airport, other professional services, its mines and other operations in the state. He said offices that are convenient for employees also will be a factor.

The move to Birmingham completes a metamorphosis Walter Energy has undergone over the past year. The company shed its Jim Walter Homes spec home development business and spun off its mortgage-financing business. Before that, it was part of the old Walter Industries, which included Mueller Water Products, parent to Birmingham's U.S. Pipe and Foundry.

What remains for Walter Energy are its core businesses of coal and coke mining and natural gas wells.

Jim Walter Resources is its largest division, focusing on coal mining and shipping. It is one of the nation's Top 25 coal producers with 6.3 million tons of coal sold in 2008. The company operates two deep-shaft underground mines - No. 4 and No. 7 - in Tuscaloosa County.

Walter Coke, formerly Sloss Industries, produces metallurgical coke and mineral fibers for use in blast furnaces and foundries.

Its Walter Minerals division includes companies engaged in surface mining for coal for the electric utility and other industries.

It has a unit with 400 wells that captures methane gas from coal-bed seams and sells it to Birmingham's Southern Natural Gas, a unit of El Paso Corp.

Patrick has been with the company seven years and has served as general counsel and other roles. Prior to joining Walter Energy, Patrick was deputy general counsel of Honeywell International Inc.

Richmond joined the company in 1978 and held various positions at Jim Walter Resources prior to becoming president of Jim Walter Resources in 1997 and then CEO in February 2006.

The company was founded in 1946 by the late Jim Walter in Tampa as a home-building company. Much of its growth came from acquiring the operations of Birmingham industrial stalwarts, including Sloss Industries and U.S. Pipe.

E-mail: mtomberlin@ bhamnews.com

[| BRAVO |]

It's good to hear BB&T plans investments in the Birmingham market.

BB&T focuses sights on Birmingham region
New owner of failed Colonial looks outside of Montgomery base
Birmingham Business Journal - by Crystal Jarvis Staff

BB&T Corp., acquirer of failed Colonial BancGroup Inc., plans to make hefty investments in the Birmingham-Hoover metro area.

The Winston-Salem, N.C.-based banking behemoth plans to expand its work force in the local market to launch its lines of businesses in Birmingham not currently offered to its new customers, including payroll services, 401 (k) services and merchant services, said BB&T Alabama President Dontá Wilson.

“We’re definitely going to invest a lot more in north Alabama and specifically in Birmingham than Colonial did,” said Wilson, who will be based in Birmingham instead of Montgomery where Colonial focused its operations. “We’re hiring people that will physically sit here (in Birmingham) to work as product and solution experts.”

Larry Harper, director of graduate programs at Samford University’s Brock School of Business, said since Birmingham is known as the economic center of the state, it would make more sense for BB&T to grow its operations here.

Also, when compared to other large banking competitors, Colonial had a small presence in the metro area, experts say. For example, the bank operated 26 branches across the six counties – Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount and Chilton County – while Regions Financial Corp. ran 86 branches, Wells Fargo & Co. operated some 40 branches and BBVA Compass operated 29.

The acquisition by BB&T will give former Colonial customers more resources. Also, with another large bank in the market, competition will become stiffer for big banks in the state also vying for more customers and to make profits in today’s harsh climate, Harper said.

Before Colonial’s failure last month, BB&T – one the top 10 largest banks in the nation – operated two branch offices and a loan production office in Alabama. Now the bank owns 102 branches and is classified as the fourth largest bank in the state based on deposits. In the deal assisted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the bank took over $20 billion in deposits and $21 billion in assets from Colonial.

BB&T is formulating a strategic plan that could include branch expansions and filling in key areas in Birmingham where Colonial might not have had a high amount of saturation, Wilson said.

The company plans to start rebranding Colonial branches within the next two months and permanent signage will be placed on the buildings within a year, Wilson said.

While the bank is adding new jobs on the retail banking side of its operations, back-office positions once ran by Colonial in the Birmingham market are still up in the air, Wilson said.

Some positions and employees are under evaluation and could be eliminated. Some employees could move into new positions created by the company, Wilson added.

Alabama was attractive to the BB&T franchise because it is known as a “very consistent” market for steady growth. Also with booming pockets of economic activity in Huntsville, Mobile and Birmingham, it was a win-win for the bank, Wilson said.

Mike Ross, Alabama president of Mississippi-based Renasant Bank, agrees that it is important to have a presence in the Birmingham market to boost market share.

“As far as were concerned, it’s clear that Birmingham is the business hub of the state of Alabama and it made sense to have our state headquarters here in Birmingham,” he said. “Picking up percentage points in market share in Birmingham is a big deal versus market share in smaller metro areas.”

[| BRAVO |]

:cheers:

Let's take a moment to applaud the good news from this summer!

1) BB&T plans investment in the Birmingham market

2) Walter Energy announces relocation of corporate headquarters to Birmingham, making it one of the top five publicly traded companies in town with $1.2 Billion in annual sales

3) Indy Car racing is coming to Birmingham

4) Daniel Corp announces plans they are moving forward with Grand River, a $127 Million investment

5) Birmingham Hospitality announce plans for a new 110-room national brand hotel at 1900 Third Avenue South

6) Children's Hospital broke ground on their $450 million dollar facility

7) Aldot bid the landscape and sidewalk improvements for 14th Street. Hopefully... this will become Downtown Birmingham's "improved" western border.

8) The Railroad Park is finally under construction.

Oh yeah, there was that Norfolk Southern announcement too, $114 million facility in Southwest Jefferson County to create 600 jobs and potentially create 8,000 jobs by 2020.


Lot's of good things to be happy about in Birmingham despite the stupid economy.

I wish Randy were around to comment...

[B'ham Bound]

Good news, indeed. And ditto to your last comment.

[Roy McDowell]

Yes, lots of good development to look forward to in the Magic City. My dad who banked with Colonial also told me about the changes. I was going to join BB&T while living in Winston Salem but my loyalty is still with B'Ham based Regions. ;)

[DallasTexan]

Alabama will finally have a nonstop flight to South Florida.

American is starting twice daily service to MIA next year.

Yay.

[Roy McDowell]

^ You live in South Florida now? I use to live down there

[| BRAVO |]

I have friend in Miami that will be very happy with this news.

Dang... it's hard to keep straight who you are Justin.

[| BRAVO |]

Operation New Birmingham has some great pics of Birmingham on their Facebook page. This is probably against the rules... but check them out.

Link (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Operation-New-Birmingham/95391801165?v=box_3#/pages/Operation-New-Birmingham/95391801165?v=photos)

[Roy McDowell]

Thanks for posting this, BRAVO. You know I was just wonder if the CiTYViLLe (Block 121) building will be mixed used. I see that they have already laid the foundation and erected the support columns for it. I've yet to venture into downtown Birmingham since I got here last week. Eventually, I will make my way down there to see what has changed in the last 3 years. After I get my car all hell's gonna break lose...that's "if" I don't break down. ;)

[| BRAVO |]

20th Street is supposed to have seven retail spaces. I saw those on the preliminary plans - haven't seen the final plans yet.

[downtown blogger]

Dallas Texan, you do get around! I met you at a Nashville forum meet when Tyson, Dave, Myself (John), Mike and others walked around Nashville one rainy day in 2005 I think it was. You moved from Birmingham to Nashville to Buffalo to somewhere else as I recall. I think you also worked at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel. I was at the Renaissance and then switched to the Sheraton after you went to New York. Anyway, good seeing you're still around. Get back to Nashville! Since you have been gone we finished Encore, Viridian, Pinnacle, Suntrust, Icon, Terrazzo, Rhythm, Adelicia all at 200 feet or more and many other projects in the 10 story range including a couple new hotels.

I am sure you are enjoying Florida.

[| BRAVO |]

More good news for North Central Alabama :yes:

Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 11:07am CDT
Reports: Mercedes to make sedan at Vance plantBirmingham Business Journal - by Aneesa McMillan Staff

German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung is reporting the automaker is planning to move manufacturing of the C-Class car to the Alabama plant to allow the company to save in the form of lower labor costs and “avoid swings in the value of the U.S. dollar against the euro.”

Speculation of re-tooling the plant’s focus from SUVs to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars increased as sales of the models produced in Vance fell drastically this year.

The Vance plant is the only Alabama auto manufacturer that exclusively builds sport utility vehicles, which generally use more fuel than other types of cars. As a result, the low demand has left the once-booming sector of the auto industry struggling to find ways to stay afloat amidst the downturn.

Mercedes makes both a two-door and four-door sedan C-Class as well as a station wagon, however, the report does not specify which model would be involved in the move.

According to comments made to the Associated Press, members of Daimler’s German employee council aren’t happy with the prospect of losing nearly 3,000 jobs to the Vance location.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman Feliycia Jerald told the BBJ the company will not comment on the speculation. According to Jerald, the Vance plant has not received information regarding the matter.

[tredici]

Thank goodness!!! I think the sedan would allow for more stable employment at the plant.

[| BRAVO |]

I was relieved to see the article as well. Now we have the Mercedes sedan to our west... and the Honda sedan to our east. :notacrook:

[neilson]

Thank goodness!!! I think the sedan would allow for more stable employment at the plant.
And if some of the Germans are upset, then we'll be more then happy to allow them to relocate to Alabama too. It worked out well for Huntsville 60 years ago, no reason why Germans wouldn't dig living in B'ham or Tuscaloosa.

[| BRAVO |]

Heavenly days!?! Does this sound as significant as I think? Could Birmingham be the next prototype for development or am I as crazy as a monkey on a cupcake? :banaride:


Experts trying to develop Birmingham Charter for planning cities
By Kent Faulk -- The Birmingham News
September 27, 2009, 2:31PM

A group of planning experts from around the nation and world met in Birmingham this weekend to take steps toward developing a new model for cities that would be more efficient and cleaner places for people to live, work, travel, and play.
The group of about 20 experts met at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to make plans for developing the new city prototype — to be called the Birmingham Charter.
The group hopes to eventually get a core group of about 150 involved in developing the charter that could be voted on at next year’s Green Building Focus Conference in Birmingham, said James Smith president of Green Building Focus. The group would then urge Birmingham, followed by others, to adopt it, he said.
Every two weeks enough buildings are built around the world to fill a city the size of Birmingham, Smith said at a press conference this afternoon at the Civil Rights Institute.
"How long is that sustainable? ... We have to find a better way — a better way of developing, a better way of growing," he said.
The idea for a new model was born in July when top names, including India’s Karan Grover, in the green building and sustainable development movements came to Birmingham for the Green Building Focus Conference and Expo.
The charter would be modeled after one created by architects in 1933. That one is known as the Athens Charter.
The Athens Charter has served as blue print of how cities needed to be designed in order to be functional, Smith said. That plan separated the four functions of life — living, working, recreation and transportation. And that resulted in people living in the suburbs and commuting into cities to work.
But it hasn’t worked, Smith said. "All you have to do is drive down U.S. 280 ... on a Friday afternoon to know the model is inadequate," he said.
Instead of separating the four functions, the new Birmingham Charter would focus creating cities where people’s jobs, homes and recreation are all nearby.
"It will start off here in our region. It will become a model and a prototype ... Because if we can do it here we can do it anywhere," Smith said.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

^ That's pretty sweet. Keep us updated. :banana:

Maybe they'll use downtown Mobile as another test site. :tup:

[Roy McDowell]

Interesting plan..I would like to see more of the residential migration ratio shift more towards the city from the 280 corridor. Does anyone know if the City Federal building downtown has been converted into a mix use yet? It kind of resembles the Birmingham's version of the Book Cadillac Building in Detroit. Just wondering

[UrbanLover]

The City Federal is indeed a mixed-use building, primarily residential condos, but with 2 floors of commercial/retail space at the bottom. As far as I know, none of that commercial space has been rented, and the condos remain about 50% sold, I think. Mainly a victim of the recession and frozen real estate market.

The railroad park coming online in the spring should hopefully revamp interest in downtown, of course within a tighter commercial lending market things may still be slow. Though I hope not.

[stargazer]

Does anyone know what is happening at the corner of 8th Ave N and 17th ST (adjacent to Alabama Power)?

[OCA REP]

Does anyone know what is happening at the corner of 8th Ave N and 17th ST (adjacent to Alabama Power)?

I am pretty sure that is the new location of the APCO Credit Union. Here is a link to the story:

http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2009/09/apco_employees_credit_union_bu.html

[stargazer]

Thank you for replying and posting a link to the news article.

It's wonderful to see new development occuring in that area of downtown as well as growing investor confidence as withnessed by the sale of the new SSA building: http://birmingham.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/10/05/story1.html?b=1254715200^2199581#

[| BRAVO |]

I've been waiting for this... hope it happens

$193 million overhaul planned for Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport terminal
By Ginny MacDonald -- The Birmingham News
October 04, 2009, 12:37PM


The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is planning a major renovation of its terminal, which will add a new boarding gate and customs office, with construction to begin in January 2011.
Remodeling the terminal is estimated to cost $193 million. The parking deck also will be refurbished.

The airport master plan calls for $351 million in improvements by 2014, but airport officials are hesitant to put a price tag on the planned renovations until money is secured.
"Funding is the key," said airport director Al Denson. "We really do not have a definite cost yet. We have to set priorities and determine funding."
The authority must negotiate with the Federal Aviation Administration, Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration to get funds. It is also seeking approval of the proposed renovations from the seven airlines that use the airport. Officials must also determine how passenger facility charges, which are estimated to bring in $5.8 million this year, will be used in the renovation. Then officials head to the bond market.
The authority has hired construction firms Brasfield & Gorrie and Formation Methods to determine the extent of the renovations and the cost. That should take about a year, with construction beginning in 2011.
Key changes

Highlights of the planned renovations include the addition of a concourse near the existing cargo terminal; a new apron, the paved area to park planes; and offices for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Security checkpoints and concessions will be moved to the first floor. Passengers leaving and arriving will be separated, and passenger and luggage screening will be centralized and concealed.
"Birmingham needs this project," Denson said. "I am very bullish on what we can do at this airport. It's not just an airport project, but a community. This is the hub of the community."

New boarding gate, customs office in $193 million project
Plans for the circular parking deck include major cleaning, improved lighting and new elevators, Denson said.

More security lanes will move passengers through checkpoints faster, said Gaynell Hendrix, chairwoman of the Birmingham Airport Authority.

"Passengers will be able to leave the parking facility and enter the airport without having to navigate stairs or inclement weather," because new covered walkways will be built, Hendrix said.

The remodeled airport will not increase energy consumption and will feature lots of glass.

Local art and cultural exhibits will be displayed to make the airport unique to Birmingham, Denson said.

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford said the customs office will show the airport in a new light. "The name says Birmingham International, we all know it's not international. To be international, it must have a customs division," he said.

The airport does not have international flights, except through connector flights at other U.S. airports.

Langford said Birmingham had the chance to snag a major airport when Atlanta got Hartsfield in 1925. "But the attitude back then was that people didn't want the loud sound of planes taking off and landing. Well, thank goodness, we have matured to a point where we have a global perspective about our city."

The mayor said Birmingham is growing up and that applies to the airport and the city. "To be like other cities we have to shed our archaic thinking. If you want to walk on water, you got to get out of the boat," he said.

"It's time for Birmingham to get out of the boat."

[B'ham Bound]

Study underway to determine feasibility of building a new downtown baseball stadium and return the Barons to Birmingham. http://bit.ly/gVYzP

[tredici]

That would be AMAZING!! If it actually went through, I might actually drive to Birmingham occasionally to see a game :)

So, on another topic. I know it's been mentioned before, but what is being built next to I-20/59 near the Arkadelphia Road exit?

[DallasTexan]

I'm so happy the airport is finally being upgraded. As it is, it's so... Birmingham.

[| BRAVO |]

Funny DallasTexan, you would sing Birmingham's praises when you were in Buffalo?

[| BRAVO |]

Study underway to determine feasibility of building a new downtown baseball stadium and return the Barons to Birmingham. http://bit.ly/gVYzP


I'm curious to hear your views on this considering where you live.

[DallasTexan]

Funny DallasTexan, you would sing Birmingham's praises when you were in Buffalo?

I still love the Ham, however, BHM... eww. I've complained about it ever since I had to start flying out of there weekly. If it were up to me I'd tear down the entire thing and start over. However, I doubt the conservatism and self-hatred in the area would allow for such a thing.

Now BUF - that's a nice, new airport. Too bad it was built mainly for the Canucks as YYZ is too expensive for most leisure travelers.

http://www.stvinc.com/portfolio_images/Greater%20Buffalo%20Airport%20Terminal.jpg

[| BRAVO |]

Sounds about right...

Fox 6 reported this is the largest SuperTarget in the US. I couldn't find anything to back it up though.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 1:45pm CDT
New Target opens at The Grove
Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff

After three years of planning, Hoover’s first SuperTarget opened Tuesday in the city’s newest shopping center, The Grove.

Target is one of the first major retailers in the 600,000-square-foot shopping center to open at Interstate 459 and Alabama 150, while a few of the smaller retailers have been open for weeks, said Derek Weaver of Apple Development.

Pet supplier Petco also is set to open its doors this month, he said, and Kohl’s and Lowe’s, which have invested in property on the site, will start construction on their stores some time next year.

Target will hold its grand opening this Sunday, he said.

Weaver said The Grove stands out on a national level and speaks volumes about Hoover’s retail environment, particularly in a soft economy.

“It’s one of the only shopping centers that has a Target, a Kohl’s and a Lowe’s,” he said. “In each of their categories they are best-in-class and to have those three speaks to the strength of the Hoover market and sets us apart on a national basis.”

Weaver’s Apple Development partnered with Kimco Development on the project. To handle traffic around the retail development, part of Alabama 150 was widened and a bypass currently is being constructed on nearby Sulphur Springs Road.

[tredici]

It wouldn't surprise me if it was. When the Super Wal Mart in Decatur was built, it was one of the largest in the country.

[tredici]

Well, I was in Birmingham Monday for an appointment with my oral surgeon. So, I drove around aimlessly to check on some stuff.

The parking deck addition for the former Regions Center:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/4009380706_c3fa7b17ef.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/4008601773_093292d28a.jpg

Cityville!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/4008628907_4d473950f1.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/4009369986_3f31727269.jpg

[ttownfeen]

Very exciting news about the airport!

I don't understand it completely though. Why are they moving security checkpoints to the first floor? Does this mean you will enter the airport on the first floor, check in any baggage you may have, go downstairs to pass through security and then come back upstairs to go to the gates? Am I reading it right?

Also, how are they building an entire new concourse but only one new boarding gate?

[TimCity2000]

i wonder how dirty that glass is gonna get with all the auto fumes... seems like a weird choice to me. i got to see that building go up since i go to the Y a couple of times a week... it's diagonally across the street.

[DallasTexan]

Doesn't look too bad for a deck... I haven't been to Birmingham in over a year now.

[tredici]

Doesn't look too bad for a deck... I haven't been to Birmingham in over a year now.

If you're talking about my pictures, you're right. I actually drove around the block searching for the deck multiple times, but I didn't realize that the building that looked like a brand new office building was actually the deck. They did a great job.

[| BRAVO |]

It does look pretty nice... and there is a retail space on the YMCA side I think.

[tredici]

It does look pretty nice... and there is a retail space on the YMCA side I think.

There is, there were signs announcing that it was for lease. Looks like a really good location, especially if the hotel project goes through.

[Roy McDowell]

Has anyone driven on Hwy 78 (corridor X future I-22) lately? Which exit is the freeway suppose to terminate on I-65? Exit 264? anyone know the answer. I driven this multiple times when I drove a truck. It seems like they are still working on the east leg of it. Eventually it will become I-22 which finally connects Birmingham and Memphis. (long over due if you ask me). I think they did a pretty good job on the Alabama side. Mississippi needs to pave those graveled shoulders. (horrible)

[tredici]

I'm about 99% sure it's supposed to be at exit 266. That would be the best place to put it, plus I've seen some dirt being moved around that area. Also, the description of the land features in some news articles that the contractors have to deal with exactly match that exit. The landfill, the historic bridge, the creek, the pipelines.

[Roy McDowell]

I wonder if they will build flyover ramps at the I-65/I-22 junction or use the cloverleaf method. Maybe this will help justify the need to extend 459 with enough development in the area.

[tredici]

A cloverleaf would be to bulky. There are going to be something like 14 bridges, so it sounds like there are going to be flyovers.

The Northern Beltline is already going to be built, they're just being slow about it.

[Roy McDowell]

I hope they make them high like the ones you see over in Texas.

[tredici]

I hope they make them high like the ones you see over in Texas.

hahaha, only we would fantasize about something like that...

[| BRAVO |]

From what I've read they are technically rerouting a portion of I-65 and it will pass over I-22.

[Roy McDowell]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/I-22.svg/600px-I-22.svg.png