[DallasTexan]

I'd almost rather have it in Hoover (in JeffCo) rather than Gardendale, if it came to that.

Why?

Let's see -- higher average incomes in the area, more entertainment options, existing luxury hotel properties, and a large corporate presence. Gardendale has no draw no bring people in at all.

[crash]

If it's truly a private investment, I say go for it...

Where's this info coming from?

[Blazer85]

I'd almost rather have it in Hoover (in JeffCo) rather than Gardendale, if it came to that.

Why?

Let's see -- higher average incomes in the area, more entertainment options, existing luxury hotel properties, and a large corporate presence. Gardendale has no draw no bring people in at all.

Had*

There are several mutli-million dollar projects (The Plaza, Caufield Square, etc) already under way in Gardendale that are completely and totally separate from this... both of which are mixed-use involving retail/condo/office space. This site, according to the people I've talked with, is about 120-acres. That's quite large and plenty enough room for luxury hotels, the dome/convention space, as well as 40-acres+ of retail/entertainment.

[Blazer85]

If it's truly a private investment, I say go for it...

Where's this info coming from?

Actually, several people now. The dome/convention part specifically is coming from one person close to the businessman proposing this. The large retail component appears to be more widely known about with a number of others confirming that aspect. Another guy has seen survey crews in the area (both private and ALDOT).

[Dystopos]

A major convention center and stadium in gardendale would, I would assume, completely kill the BJCC with no plan in place for what to do with the site.

I'm trying to see it as an opportunity, but it would take some real creative thinking. I know the city wants to relocate from Boutwell eventually - which, because they own it, they can host events like the prayer breakfast and other community events on the cheap - so they'd need an agreement to be able to do similar things in a suitable space at BJCC. Events currently held at Boutwell could move easily to the Coliseum, I think - Wrestling/Boxing/Concerts/Rallies/etc.

It's possible, though, that some of the exhibition halls and the concert hall would be obsolete. I wonder how feasible it would be to partner with a private developer to re-build those pieces creating a new hotel, cinema/retail and restaurant that makes use of the plaza space, provides new close-in secure parking, and enhances the entrances to the site. I think something like that could see some success -- and I HOPE it would reflect the City Center master planning ideas about dropping 20/59 below grade.

This leaves the area slated for Civic Center expansion to be redeveloped, and that means back to the drawing board Master-Plan wise. The size might make it a good site for a corporate HQ, a smaller stadium or baseball park, a casino, or a large apartment complex. You'd need to be sensitive to the interstate noise, but it could be a prime piece of real estate.

I'd really rather see the BJCC move forward with a serious expansion (dome or not) than have conventions moving out to Gardendale. There's something very attractive about having visitors in the thick of downtown instead of in the sprawl. I'd think the BCVB would have some real hurdles trying to sell Gardendale to convention planners. But if its going to be built with private money...

I don't know. Seems iffy.

[B'ham Bound]

A dome in Gardendale... Why? It, absolutely, makes NO sense. This would NOT be a victory for Birmingham. The only reason I would dare think about supporting a stadium in (or anywhere else in the metro) is if an NFL team has committed 120% to locating here. Doing something like this in Gardendale would not solve our need for more convention space and it would only help to undermine damn near everything BJCC officials have been working toward.

Oh, and greetings from New York :D

[Blazer85]

First off, remember folks... this is just what I've heard through several individuals and even they admit it isnt official yet.

Secondly, there are no guarantees that the BJCC will move forward even with these expansion plans. I hope as much as any of you that that happens. But the BJCC has had HOW many years now to propose and accept/reject a Plan B and yet still havent done it? The recent discussions have been promising regarding expansion however.

As I understand it, this one in Gardendale would not be mainly for conventions. This would be mainly for the stadium and retail district surrounding it. I dont know if that means they have anything lined up in terms of a pro-team or not.

At any rate... point being. This is not firm... nor is a BJCC expansion. What happens if they find some way to continue to screw the pooch on this whole BJCC thing? At what point will people be willing to attempt it elsewhere? If it's done with private money, the risk is all on them... doesnt matter how much it's promoted frankly because it will sink or float on their watch. Even if this happens, the BJCC would still be the primary convention site. I personally dont think this thing in Gardendale is about drawing conventions at all.

It's supposedly being put forth by a "well-known" businessman. Now who could that be?

Also just learned this development is not actually in the city limits of Gardendale. Now it is pretty much completely surrounded, but someone mentioned Birmingham may try to grab the land for the tax base. If any/all of this happens, it will come down to Gardendale vs Birmingham for the land probably. No other city up here could really compete for it. So while it may be "out in the suburbs," Birmingham could (if they acted) annex the land.... it's unincorporated land right now.

[HSVTiger]

Clarkson Sports Management, Inc

maybe??:shrug:
a quote from Art Clarkson in 2000
Clarkson says Birmingham must take a chance on building a dome or risk "going backward."

"As far as (becoming) a future home of a pro football team, a new stadium certainly would be a positive," says the NFL's Aiello.

"You're either moving forward or backward, and quite honestly, I feel we've been moving backward," Clarkson says. "Orlando, Jacksonville, Charlotte and Nashville have shown us that."


and this blast from the past
In fall 2003, sports team owner Art Clarkson gave up a two-year effort to build an $84 million arena/hotel/retail complex there when he couldn't come up with the $12.6 million purchase price.At the I-565/I-65 interchange.
The land is owned by Sam Frazier a Birmingham attorney

[Brown Duckz]

I had no idea Birmingham was even thinking NFL.. I thought all the talk was about a basketball franchise.

[neilson]

I had no idea Birmingham was even thinking NFL.. I thought all the talk was about a basketball franchise.
Word is we're gonna lure Buffalo once the old man dies.

The buzz is that the daughter hates Buffalo and wants to go someplace sunnier.

LA seems to be the long term plan for the Saints, so it seems to make sense that we could land ourselves the Birmingham Bills.

Sulley, see if you can find anything up there that would validate this.

[Blazer85]

Not saying it is an NFL franchise... just saying that I dont think the main objective of this was to lure conventions. I had heard rumor back some time before that Birmingham might stand to get an MLS team.

[Brown Duckz]

Not saying it is an NFL franchise... just saying that I dont think the main objective of this was to lure conventions. I had heard rumor back some time before that Birmingham might stand to get an MLS team.Soccer would be cool.

[dfwtiger]

A major convention center and stadium in gardendale would, I would assume, completely kill the BJCC with no plan in place for what to do with the site.

I'm trying to see it as an opportunity, but it would take some real creative thinking. I know the city wants to relocate from Boutwell eventually - which, because they own it, they can host events like the prayer breakfast and other community events on the cheap - so they'd need an agreement to be able to do similar things in a suitable space at BJCC. Events currently held at Boutwell could move easily to the Coliseum, I think - Wrestling/Boxing/Concerts/Rallies/etc.

It's possible, though, that some of the exhibition halls and the concert hall would be obsolete. I wonder how feasible it would be to partner with a private developer to re-build those pieces creating a new hotel, cinema/retail and restaurant that makes use of the plaza space, provides new close-in secure parking, and enhances the entrances to the site. I think something like that could see some success -- and I HOPE it would reflect the City Center master planning ideas about dropping 20/59 below grade.

This leaves the area slated for Civic Center expansion to be redeveloped, and that means back to the drawing board Master-Plan wise. The size might make it a good site for a corporate HQ, a smaller stadium or baseball park, a casino, or a large apartment complex. You'd need to be sensitive to the interstate noise, but it could be a prime piece of real estate.

I'd really rather see the BJCC move forward with a serious expansion (dome or not) than have conventions moving out to Gardendale. There's something very attractive about having visitors in the thick of downtown instead of in the sprawl. I'd think the BCVB would have some real hurdles trying to sell Gardendale to convention planners. But if its going to be built with private money...

I don't know. Seems iffy.

This sounds like one of those deals where there is a phantom proposal in the burbs in order to get lawmakers to act on the original project in downtown.

[Blazer85]

This sounds like one of those deals where there is a phantom proposal in the burbs in order to get lawmakers to act on the original project in downtown.

The exact details of the proposal may be phantom, but there is something going on. Surveying crews have been spotted in the area.

Even if it is made up (which who knows at this point), it wouldnt hurt if it speeds up BJCC officials on getting this stuff going.

[dfwtiger]

The exact details of the proposal may be phantom, but there is something going on. Surveying crews have been spotted in the area.

Even if it is made up (which who knows at this point), it wouldnt hurt if it speeds up BJCC officials on getting this stuff going.

I agree

[sabre0link]

I guess my reasoning for Gardendale over Hoover....

Spreading the wealth of attractions... Pelham Civic Complex is a MAJOR draw for concerts, and is roughly the same distance out from the BJCC that the Gardendale site is. It has also been host of a pro team.

I don't take this as correct, but it gives an idea of the cities... http://www.city-data.com/city/Gardendale-Alabama.html and http://www.city-data.com/city/Hoover-Alabama.html and http://www.city-data.com/city/Pelham-Alabama.html

Gardendale and Pelham are similar... Gardendale just happens to be half the land area that Pelham is.

Here's a PDF map of Gardendale.. http://www.cityofgardendale.com/gdalemap.pdf

IF this is a phantom to get the BJCC to wake up... it likely has touched a nerve in Hoover...

And really, who wants Hoover to eat B'ham for breakfast?

Also, Gardendale dev. would help to counter the southern drip effect taking place with B'ham... major factors including I-22 and the Northern Beltline, and making the area desirable to live... and for many people it's based on schools. That's one reason MB and Hoover are the way they are.. people want the good schools for their kids, no matter the classroom/school size, though bigger is better.

Let me end the rant.. lol. :\

[Blazer85]

^ True... one small correction though. Gardendale is only about 12 miles out from Birmingham. Pelham is a good distance further.

[sabre0link]

^ True... one small correction though. Gardendale is only about 12 miles out from Birmingham. Pelham is a good distance further.

Well...

I did distance from the BJCC... Gardendale site to Oak Mountain Ampitheater, via BJCC. Gardendale to BJCC was 14 miles. To OMA was overall 29 miles.

heh. :\

If that's wrong,t hen I blame Streets and Trips. lol.

[codyg1985]

Building a convention center in Gardendale would open up the city for development just as much as I-22 and the Northern Beltline is projected to do. However, regardless of where a convention center is built, if it built outside of Birmingham, it will only hurt Birmingham and the BJCC. If the BJCC was a much larger venue that was to capacity, then a smaller convention complex would be feasible somewhere else for the smaller conventions. However, right now with the BJCC only hosting small to medium-sized conventions, any nearby competing convention complex isn't going to deal into the cards of a successful BJCC.

I am against building anything that belongs in downtown Birmingham out in the suburbs. I'm sorry, but hasn't the city of Birmingham suffered enough from development to the south? Now it's time to watch Birmingham's population hemmorage even more so because of development in the opposite direction?

[Blazer85]

Building a convention center in Gardendale would open up the city for development just as much as I-22 and the Northern Beltline is projected to do. However, regardless of where a convention center is built, if it built outside of Birmingham, it will only hurt Birmingham and the BJCC. If the BJCC was a much larger venue that was to capacity, then a smaller convention complex would be feasible somewhere else for the smaller conventions. However, right now with the BJCC only hosting small to medium-sized conventions, any nearby competing convention complex isn't going to deal into the cards of a successful BJCC.

I am against building anything that belongs in downtown Birmingham out in the suburbs. I'm sorry, but hasn't the city of Birmingham suffered enough from development to the south? Now it's time to watch Birmingham's population hemmorage even more so because of development in the opposite direction?

Again... this site doesnt sit within the city limits of any city. If Birmingham made a push, they could annex the land at least for a tax base. It might not be downtown, but at least they could try to get the tax revenue if it does indeed happen. I'm for it downtown too, but if I have to wait 20 years to get it downtown vs. 3 years for this site, I'm for this site. Some are saying they've heard it's just a large Summit-style development with large hotels and such. Gardendale doesnt want conventions I'm sure... that's not what this would be about. It's about the retail and about the hotels mainly. This dome part I'm not sure about, but if they build it, the private investors must have SOMETHING in mind.

[neilson]

Building a convention center in Gardendale would open up the city for development just as much as I-22 and the Northern Beltline is projected to do. However, regardless of where a convention center is built, if it built outside of Birmingham, it will only hurt Birmingham and the BJCC. If the BJCC was a much larger venue that was to capacity, then a smaller convention complex would be feasible somewhere else for the smaller conventions. However, right now with the BJCC only hosting small to medium-sized conventions, any nearby competing convention complex isn't going to deal into the cards of a successful BJCC.

I am against building anything that belongs in downtown Birmingham out in the suburbs. I'm sorry, but hasn't the city of Birmingham suffered enough from development to the south? Now it's time to watch Birmingham's population hemmorage even more so because of development in the opposite direction?
Atlanta has the Cobb Galleria Convention Center on the Northside, the Georgia World Congress Center Downtown, and the Georgia International Convention Center on the Southside.

If anything, Birmingham should set the same model now with Gardendale-Birmingham-Pelham and have the structure ready a good 20-25 years ahead of max buildout in said areas.

[codyg1985]

Again... this site doesnt sit within the city limits of any city. If Birmingham made a push, they could annex the land at least for a tax base. It might not be downtown, but at least they could try to get the tax revenue if it does indeed happen. I'm for it downtown too, but if I have to wait 20 years to get it downtown vs. 3 years for this site, I'm for this site. Some are saying they've heard it's just a large Summit-style development with large hotels and such. Gardendale doesnt want conventions I'm sure... that's not what this would be about. It's about the retail and about the hotels mainly. This dome part I'm not sure about, but if they build it, the private investors must have SOMETHING in mind.

A Summit-style development would fit the bill...the retail developments would being some much-needed venues to the northern part of the Birmingham metro, which is needed so that everyone does not have to go over the mountain to obtain quality entertainment, dining, and retail. The added lodging space would be a plus too.

I'm just against moving everything away from downtown, but I agree that if this plan adds convention space quicker, than it should be pursued.

[Blazer85]

This is the latest info I got from my source... again... take it with a grain of salt. He's the only one I've heard thus far to say it will be a dome, convention center, hotels, retail, etc. Most of the rest of the folks have just said hotels and a large retail center like the Summit. But, this guy also claims to know the principle businessman heading up this proposal.

Sorry I haven't replied back I've been away from the computer. Initial reports have it in the $550 million range. This is for an all inclusive convention center, lodging, and multipurpose facility(domed arena). It will not compete with the BJCC, the plan is to replace it. That way our county tax dollars are no longer being pumped into a dying facility and they can be spent elsewhere(i.e. schools, roads, even maybe making the sewer system mess go away). The problem from day one has been who is going to pay for it. The various government (B'ham, county, state) have all been bickering over who is going to pay while all the time trying to figure out how to make it benefit them individually. Well these private investors have grown tired of the politics and whose pocket they have to "grease" in order to get approval. Take for example the story from Nov. 2004 - ( http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2004/11/01/daily18.html )This gentleman is still wanting to do this so "possibly" himself and a few others like him decided to "take the bull by the horns" and invest their money and reap the benefits. The local business man is known both locally and regionally but I would say that he's known locally more than the other.

[HSVTiger]

This is the latest info I got from my source... again... take it with a grain of salt. He's the only one I've heard thus far to say it will be a dome, convention center, hotels, retail, etc. Most of the rest of the folks have just said hotels and a large retail center like the Summit. But, this guy also claims to know the principle businessman heading up this proposal.
in Gardendale correct? If so then does everyone think this would kill downtown Birmingham? Sounds serious in any case,
still think a dome is wrong, an open air stadium is better, A dome is horrible for conventions, that's why a convention center is better. If this was willing to be done downtown before, why not now by this developer?

[codyg1985]

in Gardendale correct? If so then does everyone think this would kill downtown Birmingham? Sounds serious in any case,
still think a dome is wrong, an open air stadium is better, A dome is horrible for conventions, that's why a convention center is better. If this was willing to be done downtown before, why not now by this developer?

An open-air venue would be better for football games, I agree. Domes are also more expensive to maintain than an open-air stadium. The owners of the N.O. Saints and the Atlanta Falcons have wanted an open-air stadium to be built to replace the Superdome and the Georgia Dome, respectively.

Does anyone know if the developer is interested in courting an NFL franchise? I thought pulling the Bills from Buffalo was just speculation at this point.

[Blazer85]

This developer, supposedly, had talked with city and county officials, but they were unwilling to cooperate. Apparently more than anything, this is being held up by who will get to operate the dome. The private developer wants to have private firm handle it while both the county and city have been fighting for rights to operate it. So rather than continuing to fight with them over who will operate it, they've looked elsewhere (near Gardendale) where it will be within a mile or two of I-65, I-22, AND the Northern Beltline... and also in an area where this room for outward growth and development. Also, the land is cheaper and more readily available up north (as opposed to south of Birmingham) AND it's on unincorporated land where they wouldnt have to fight with the city of Gardendale, Birmingham, or any other city over ownership and operating the facility. It actually makes sense somewhat why this supposed developer would be interested in the site... but whether this is phantom proposal or not remains to be seen. What I am certain of is that something major is proposed to be built there.

[neilson]

This developer, supposedly, had talked with city and county officials, but they were unwilling to cooperate. Apparently more than anything, this is being held up by who will get to operate the dome. The private developer wants to have private firm handle it while both the county and city have been fighting for rights to operate it. So rather than continuing to fight with them over who will operate it, they've looked elsewhere (near Gardendale) where it will be within a mile or two of I-65, I-22, AND the Northern Beltline... and also in an area where this room for outward growth and development. Also, the land is cheaper and more readily available up north (as opposed to south of Birmingham) AND it's on unincorporated land where they wouldnt have to fight with the city of Gardendale, Birmingham, or any other city over ownership and operating the facility. It actually makes sense somewhat why this supposed developer would be interested in the site... but whether this is phantom proposal or not remains to be seen. What I am certain of is that something major is proposed to be built there.
I just want to know what Langford and Co. are gonna do once this Facility is built with private money.

What's gonna happen to the State's share of the Money now that there's no need for it? What's Birmingham gonna spend the money on if the Dome is not Publicly Financed? What's the County gonna do?

Frankly I think this is perfect and it sticks it to those in JeffCo that tried to make it into a major political/racial issue.

[Blazer85]

Neither the state nor county have officially committed money to the BJCC plan so there is no money there to figure out what to do with. Only the city currently has a plan in place for it.

Now I wonder who the developer/investor could be. Could it be Donald Watkins? Frank Haney? Somebody with deep pockets clearly...

[Dystopos]

I have a very bad feeling about this.

Sounds like another version of the same talk that has been threatening the railroad reservation park.

My perception is that we're probably on the verge of forcing some cooperation between local governments to make an investment in downtown. If this rumor is true, it has the potential to pull the supports out from under any cooperative project as well as fouling the waters for a long time. Suppose the city and county and BJCC refused to participate in securing bookings or backing ventures that would use a privately-funded facility. There's a real possibility of a spectacular failure that makes everyone look bad and casts a shadow over anything else we try to do to get past it. That could be a 30 to 50 year shadow.

Not to sound pessimistic...

[Blazer85]

^ Well... then the BJCC has a few months to get their act together... if they can agree on some sort of expansion plan, it might kill whatever this proposal is. The source says no announcement would likely be made until Sept. or Oct.

[HSVTiger]

you wonder too if this potential developer wants to build downtown
but the the current political situation in the city caused him/her to look north.
Sounds kind of like Dr. Bronner.
If(big if) this happens then Birmingham will become the suburb of it's outlying areas.

[neilson]

you wonder too if this potential developer wants to build downtown
but the the current political situation in the city caused him/her to look north.
Sounds kind of like Dr. Bronner.
If(big if) this happens then Birmingham will become the suburb of it's outlying areas.
If it worked for Sandton-Johannesburg, it can work for Gardendale/Hoover-Birmingham.

[B'ham Bound]

Being in New York these past few days has fed my anger toward Birmingham's current administration and its state of affairs. Anyone who has known me for more than two weeks knows that I would love nothing more than to see Birmingham take it's rightful place as one of America's most prominent and top-tier cities, but if this bullsh*t rumor turns out to become a reality, I will seriously have to reconsider what Birmingham is about and if I want any part of it.

[Blazer85]

City Federal condos are selling well
Birmingham Business Journal - June 23, 2006 by Kaija WilkinsonStaff

Transformation of the historic City Federal Building into luxury condos is on track, with the first several of 84 units scheduled for delivery in 2006 and the remainder going online in the second quarter of 2007, say the developer and general contractor.

General contractor Charles & Vinzant Construction Co. is starting at the penthouse and working its way down.

Real estate watchers often point to the $20 million renovation of the 27-story 1913 landmark at Second Avenue North and Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard as a true indicator of the health of the urban condo market.

With very little marketing done so far, developer Randy Herron is pleased with the response. More than 60 of the units have sold, including a $1 million-plus penthouse. Ingram & Associates is marketing the units, which will boast high-end finishes.

Herron is a principal with Synergy Realty Services LLC, an Atlanta company that specializes in real estate development, property management and advisory services.

Synergy announced plans to buy the City Federal in March 2005, closing the deal in June 2005 after 153 parking spaces had been secured from the city.

Herron says Synergy is working with Wells Fargo Financial to provide special financing for buyers of City Federal condos, such as one that has a 15-month rate lock.

Synergy began working with general contractor Charles & Vinzant in July of last year, formally signing a contract with the Birmingham firm to handle 100 percent of the renovation in January.

Synergy originally hired Brasfield & Gorrie LLC, but Herron says Charles & Vinzant, a veteran of downtown renovation, was simply a better fit and agreed to do the job at the right price.

Embracing big challenges
Charles & Vinzant co-founder Charles Ferlisi says projects like the City Federal are "the most fun," and most rewarding.

The 28-year-old firm also renovated the Kress building for law firm Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis LLC , the Clark building for law firm Lightfoot Franklin & White LLC, and is currently working on the Massey building, a condo renovation.

Ferlisi likens renovations to a puzzle where one must fit new to old.

"If you build a new building, you're building in dirt and air; but, when you do a renovation like this, you've got to take the existing structural capacity into consideration. You might have to relocate a wall to make cabinets or an electrical system fit.

"That's just inherent to this type of work," he continues. "(City Federal) is not different than any of the others."

Ferlisi says his team, which currently consists of 40 to 50 workers each day, is "at the end of the beginning" of the renovation, with demolition nearly complete, and will soon start building the interiors back.

Within several months, there will be 60 to 75 workers on the site.

The project manager is Harry Markham. Cohen Carnaggio Reynolds is the project architect.

Herron says another contract closed last week at City Federal, where prices start at about $250,000. He says Ingram has seen strong interest in all sizes of units.

City Federal also will have 13,000 square feet of commercial space on its ground floor that has garnered interest from restaurants and banks, Herron says.

If Synergy's Birmingham debut works out as well as Herron predicts, he doesn't rule out other downtown renovations.

"We're excited about the Birmingham market and will continue to look for opportunities here," he says.

kwilkinson@bizjournals.com • (205) 443-5637

[Blazer85]

BHA seeks 25 potential Fountain Heights homeowners
Monday, June 26, 2006
TORAINE NORRIS
News staff writer

The Birmingham Housing Authority is seeking potential homeowners for 25 new homes soon to be built in the Fountain Heights neighborhood.

The City of Birmingham and the housing authority have partnered to build the single-family homes at the intersection of 14th Avenue and 16th Street North.

The project is being financed as part of a $20 million Hope VI grant awarded to the Housing Authority for the Tuxedo Court development in Ensley. A construction company has already been tabbed for the project.

Construction should begin no later than August on the homes, said Juandalyn Givan, housing authority HOPE VI coordinator. The housing authority is still acquiring parcels of land for the project.

"It's going to be a great development," said Givan. "We're enthusiastic about it and we need the support of the community and the potential applicants."

Interested applicants must meet certain criteria in order to apply. They must have an annual income of at least $15,000 and be below 80 percent of the median family income for the Birmingham Metropolitan area.

The home buyer must have a good rental payment history and reasonably good credit for the past two years. Potential homebuyers must also agree to participate in the housing authority's Homeownership Education Program for the duration of the lease-purchase term.

Homebuyers must be a first-term homebuyer as defined by the criteria established by the housing authority. Potential homebuyers must also be U.S. citizens.

"We're reaching out to qualified applicants, regardless of their race or ethnic backgrounds," Givan said.

Interested parties are asked to contact the housing authority at 521-0628.

E-mail: tnorris@bhamnews.com

Very cool....

Neighbors can see Norwood growth plan
Monday, June 26, 2006
WILLIAM C. SINGLETON III
News staff writer

Norwood residents will get another chance to review a neighborhood plan at a Tuesday meeting.

Cheryl Morgan, director of the Auburn Urban Studio in Birmingham, will present more specific recommendations.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Norwood Community Center.

In May, Morgan's presentation included a walking trail, amphitheater, town houses and condominiums, and retail development for Norwood and its outer borders.

Morgan also recommended a greenway along Village Creek, which borders Norwood. The greenway would connect with Patton Park in East Birmingham.

The presentation also encouraged continued residential redevelopment, starting with housing on vacant lots.

The studio will work with an economic consultant to determine the financial feasibility of some proposals. More definitive proposals are expected at Tuesday's meeting, said Robert Gilmore, Norwood Neighborhood president.

Norwood has been identified as the next residential redevelopment hot spot as young, single professionals have returned to the community to reinvest in its historic but neglected homes.

Gilmore said the neighborhood wanted to be forward-thinking and plan for any anticipated growth so it hired a consultant to devise a neighborhood plan.

"We'll probably have one meeting after this to finalize the thing," Gilmore said.

E-mail: wsingleton@bhamnews.com

[HSVTiger]

Is Six Flags going to close? Maybe Alabama Adventures can get a good deal
on used roller coasters. Imagine in a year or so Atlantan's will be coming to Birmingham for entertainment:haha:

[crash]

Is Six Flags going to close? Maybe Alabama Adventures can get a good deal
on used roller coasters. Imagine in a year or so Atlantan's will be coming to Birmingham for entertainment:haha:
What?

[HSVTiger]

What?

Atlanta not on list

NEW YORK, Jun 22, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Following a comprehensive review of the Company's assets, Six Flags, Inc. (NYSE: SIX) today announced its decision to explore potential strategic options with respect to six of its properties. The properties are: Six Flags Darien Lake (outside Buffalo, New York); Six Flags Waterworld (Concord, California); Six Flags Elitch Gardens (Denver, Colorado); Wild Waves and Enchanted Village (outside Seattle, Washington); Six Flags Splashtown (Houston, Texas); and Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor (near Los Angeles, California).

Although the Company cannot predict when, or if, any specific transaction will occur with respect to these properties, potential options include a sale of the parks as going concerns in a single transaction or a series of transactions, dismantling and re-utilizing certain rides and attractions and selling the underlying land for real estate development purposes, as well as other potential alternatives.

In March, the Company's new management indicated that a key strategic initiative was to evaluate the disposition of non-core assets in order to reduce leverage and focus management resources on the Company's parks that have the highest strategic value.

Since March, the Company:

-- Sold the land where Six Flags Astroworld was located for an aggregate purchase price of $77 million;

-- Agreed to sell the assets of the Columbus, Ohio, water park to the Company's lessor, the Columbus Zoo, for $2 million at the end of the lease term (October 31, 2006);

-- Exercised the right to terminate the lease of the Sacramento water park following the 2006 season and is currently in discussions with third parties to sell the rides and attractions at that park;

-- Announced that it would be selling its two Oklahoma City parks, and has received multiple bids that the Company is currently evaluating; and

-- Is actively marketing certain parcels of excess land at its parks in Gurnee, Illinois, and Eureka, Missouri.

"We're making progress with our strategy to focus on the growth of our strongest assets, reduce the Company's debt, and generate increased value for our shareholders," said Mark Shapiro, who was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags in December 2005.

[crash]

Atlanta not on list

NEW YORK, Jun 22, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Following a comprehensive review of the Company's assets, Six Flags, Inc. (NYSE: SIX) today announced its decision to explore potential strategic options with respect to six of its properties. The properties are: Six Flags Darien Lake (outside Buffalo, New York); Six Flags Waterworld (Concord, California); Six Flags Elitch Gardens (Denver, Colorado); Wild Waves and Enchanted Village (outside Seattle, Washington); Six Flags Splashtown (Houston, Texas); and Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor (near Los Angeles, California).

Although the Company cannot predict when, or if, any specific transaction will occur with respect to these properties, potential options include a sale of the parks as going concerns in a single transaction or a series of transactions, dismantling and re-utilizing certain rides and attractions and selling the underlying land for real estate development purposes, as well as other potential alternatives.

In March, the Company's new management indicated that a key strategic initiative was to evaluate the disposition of non-core assets in order to reduce leverage and focus management resources on the Company's parks that have the highest strategic value.

Since March, the Company:

-- Sold the land where Six Flags Astroworld was located for an aggregate purchase price of $77 million;

-- Agreed to sell the assets of the Columbus, Ohio, water park to the Company's lessor, the Columbus Zoo, for $2 million at the end of the lease term (October 31, 2006);

-- Exercised the right to terminate the lease of the Sacramento water park following the 2006 season and is currently in discussions with third parties to sell the rides and attractions at that park;

-- Announced that it would be selling its two Oklahoma City parks, and has received multiple bids that the Company is currently evaluating; and

-- Is actively marketing certain parcels of excess land at its parks in Gurnee, Illinois, and Eureka, Missouri.

"We're making progress with our strategy to focus on the growth of our strongest assets, reduce the Company's debt, and generate increased value for our shareholders," said Mark Shapiro, who was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags in December 2005.
If I read that article correctly, it sounds like the properties listed are being looked at to be sold, not the other way around.

[Blazer85]

Hey Justin... ever been to that one in Buffalo?

[sabre0link]

Although the Company cannot predict when, or if, any specific transaction will occur with respect to these properties, potential options include a sale of the parks as going concerns in a single transaction or a series of transactions, dismantling and re-utilizing certain rides and attractions and selling the underlying land for real estate development purposes, as well as other potential alternatives.


I take this paragraph as Six Flags looking to sell the rides and then sell the land for redevelopment... or similar.

But Magic Mountain? Wow...

I'm happy to not see Six Flags over New Orleans on that list... SF bought Jazzland, and spruced it up... a lot. They made it a lot better.

[Blazer85]

Any rumors on what Bayer has in mind for the Pizitz building?

Really anxious to see something happen there as that Northwestern quadrant of downtown is really set for some major growth (SSA Building, Leer Tower, Theatre District, Civil Rights District, Federal Reserve project, etc).

[Blazer85]

This along with the renovating and revitalization of Century Plaza may make this area a very "happening" place once again.

Retail renaissance expected to accompany Wal-Mart at old Eastwood Mall
Birmingham Business Journal - 1:54 PM CDT Wednesday

Birmingham Mayor Bernard Kincaid and other officials are expected to announce key details about the $50 million redevelopment of the Eastwood Mall into a Wal-Mart-anchored retail center during a news conference tomorrow.

The event is scheduled at 10 a.m. at the old Eastwood Mall, currently in the early stages of demolition.

According to a press release that will be handed out tomorrow, the new, 50-acre development will be named Eastwood Village and will have several bank branches, restaurants and retailers, including Old Navy, Party City, and Ross Dress for Less.

There will be seven outparcels that will be developed by banks, restaurants and others. Ruby Tuesday will take one of those parcels, according to a fact sheet from the city.

The Wal-Mart Supercenter will cover 200,000 square feet on 23 acres, while the other retailers will occupy 150,000 square feet spanning 27 acres.

Eastwood Village is expected to create more than 700 jobs and generate $3.7 million in tax revenue for the city.

"Attracting new businesses, jobs, and capital investments are priorities of this administration and the Eastwood development exceeds expectations in all areas," Mayor Kincaid said in the press release.

Of the $50 million expected to be invested in the project, $39 million is private and $11 million is public. Eastwood Village developer is MAP Development of Birmingham.

The plan, according to the city, is expected to be catalyst for further development. The city's Crestwood-Oporto master plan envisions revitalization of more than 2 million square feet of retail space that encompasses Century Plaza Mall, Eastwood Festival and Village East shopping centers, all along Crestwood Boulevard in eastern Birmingham.

Scheduled to be on-hand tomorrow are representatives from MAP and Wachovia Corp., which plans to relocate its existing branch at Eastwood elsewhere on the site.

Built in 1960, Eastwood Mall is one of the oldest malls in the country and the oldest mall in the Southeast.

Construction of the new Eastlake Village is expected to start in January 2007; the center is expected to open in fall 2007.

[Blazer85]

From an April 2006 news article about retail around Birmingham:

Downtown, the Bayer-owned Pizitz Building is slated for development. The building was eyed by Sloss Real Estate for condos last year, but those plans fell through.

"We're working on a mixed-use project for Pizitz," Bayer said. "I really can't go into more detail on that right now."


Anyone heard anything?

[Blazer85]

I believe the DoubleTree is now opened, but there's been no grand announcement and the sign is still covered over with a tarp.

[pkp]

Does the Redmont have any hotel affiliation any longer? I have to stay there in a couple of weeks and am trying to figure if I can get points with any of my memberships.

[DallasTexan]

No.. and it pisses me off.

[Ted Ball]

Blazer- This now makes two reputable developers the Bayers have failed to come to terms with. I would love to know what the bones of contention have been. Perhaps it will take the City initiating condemnation procedures to get them motivated like with City Federal?

[Dystopos]

Background: BhamWiki:Redmont Hotel (http://www.bhamwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Redmont_Hotel)

[Randy Sandford]

I finally found some good renderings of the new Social Security Bldg. (all I've seen previously was that b&w rendering from the News):

http://www.pbase.com/randy4au/image/62692297/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/randy4au/image/62692299/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/randy4au/image/62692300/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/randy4au/image/62692302/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/randy4au/image/62692304/original.jpg

[DallasTexan]

I like it, except for the hokey looking flag up top.

[paladin]

Easy buddy!! With that kind of comment you might wind up on some "list!" ;)

[sabre0link]

I had a bit of fun with Photoshop... because the building should really be taller and I fixed the flag :)


The ORIGINAL, ACTUAL RENDER:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/sabre0link/original.jpg



My "Fix" :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/sabre0link/ssamine.jpg

[B'ham Bound]

Haha... thanks Sabre. I always said that building should be taller. It's in such a prominent location! Plus, it has way more square footage than the 11 story Concord Center but it's going to be about 2/3rd's the height. In any case, thanks for fixing that terrible flag in the rendering.

P.S. I don't know if you intended to only post the link but you can just have the image to show up in the thread using the tags. Not sure if you knew about that. ;)

[sabre0link]

Yeah, I know about BBCode, I just didn't want to confuse anyone.... :)

[Dystopos]

Parliament House to be razed by UAB
Friday, June 30, 2006
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has purchased the vacant Parliament House hotel for $3.7 million with plans to raze the building and use the site for future expansion of the university.

The UAB Education Foundation made the purchase, according to University of Alabama at Birmingham spokeswoman Dale Turnbough.

"While we don't yet have plans for the eventual use of the property, its proximity to the north side of our campus and to our medical center made this an important acquisition for future growth," she said.

Turnbough said the building will be torn down and new development plans will be drawn up.

"We do intend to raze the building but no timetable has been set for that," she said.

Michael Calvert, president of Operation New Birmingham, said leveling the building is probably the best option.

"I don't say this about many buildings but I think in this case the best thing to do is to take it down," he said. "The building is clearly obsolete."

The 11-story, 223-room hotel was built in 1964 by investors, including actress Doris Day. It has hosted celebrities such as former President Richard Nixon and O.J. Simpson.

It has had a troubled history, particularly in recent years when several owners have been unable to operate the hotel profitably.

An attempt four years ago to revamp it as a Courtyard Marriott never came to fruition.

[Blazer85]

Thank goodness. I dont want to see the lot become a parking deck or something, but I'd almost say it'd be better as a parking deck than the old Parliament House. UAB reminds of those maggots... in a good way. :haha: Come in and buy up unwanted buildings and lots and turn it into something productive for the university and city just like maggots come in and eat the dead flesh to allow wounds to heal. Graphic, I know but I love it and the analogy works.

[DallasTexan]

I'm (sort of) saddened. The Parliament House was one of Birmingham's finer pieces of jet-set architecture and was the city's first "modern" hotel.

[LSyd]

I'm (sort of) saddened. The Parliament House was one of Birmingham's finer pieces of jet-set architecture and was the city's first "modern" hotel.

me too. UAB'll probably put up another bland 8 story building in its place.

-

[Dystopos]

Remember, the Terminal Station was an eyesore when they decided to tear it down, too.

[Blazer85]

Remember, the Terminal Station was an eyesore when they decided to tear it down, too.

The difference IMO is that the Terminal Station was much more significant both architecturally and culturally to this city. I would have been ok with someone coming in there and renovating the building, but it's done nothing but sit there for years. Potential developers have looked at it time and time again and then withdrawn their interest after visiting the site. The site had sat vacant and empty long enough. I'd rather see the lot get some use rather than sitting around for a few more decades to see if a firm finally comes to revive the old Parliament House. Michael Calvert, king of pushing for revitalization over the new, has even said that the building should probably be leveled. Now whether he wanted UAB to get their hands on it, who knows, but I think it's clear he didnt think the building could be salvaged. From what I had heard, there was an asbestos problem with this building... very limited options if that's the case.

[B'ham Bound]

It's weird but I'm sort of indifferent. Probably because I don't know what will replace the site. If it's a 20 story UAB administrative tower, then I'll consider it a win. But if it happens to be a bland 6 story parking garage, then I'll feel like the razing was a bad idea. And I'm not too optimistic since UAB isn't exactly known for it's awe inspiring architecture or tall building heights (which leads me to believe that UAB doesn't want to construct a structure that's taller than the Jefferson tower).

[Dystopos]

Blazer, I don't have a strong opinion that the hotel should be preserved, but the arguments you're making are, in fact, the same arguments that did in the station. At the time of its demolition neoclassical architecture was widely seen as a tired relic. Train infrastructure was irrelevant to the modern city. People would have tolerated it if someone had renovated it, but the site had sat vacant and empty long enough. People were tired of waiting. The hotel, when it was built, was THE premier downtown hotel. You don't put a visiting President anywhere else. It spawned the restaurant row across the street (Michael's, Rossi's, etc) that became central to downtown culture for many years. And it's style is a classic example of postwar modernism which is currently out of favor and therefore, increasingly rare. I have NO doubt that in 20 or 30 years you could show almost anyone a photo of the Parliament House in its prime and they'd be shocked that we allowed it to go to seed and get torn down. I'm not saying the arguments in favor of demolition are wrong, but they are the same ones that we've regretted in the past. The people who allowed the terminal station to be razed weren't idiots.. they just had a short-term view of the situation.

B'ham B: I believe that UAB's preference for mid-rise is based on the current economics of land use and facilities operation more than on reverence for Jefferson Tower. Tall buildings are less efficient than mid-rise buildings unless land costs are so ridiculously high that no other option exists. UAB isn't constrained so much that building tall makes financial sense.

[Blazer85]

I dont know... I guess if it were possible to be saved, I'd be for that. I'm just tired of it sitting in its current state year after year after year. And every interested party seems to later withdraw interest. I'm wondering what UAB could use the lot for. It's clear they have SOME intention or I dont think they wouldve acted to buy it just yet. The Woman and Infants Hospital as well as the new Cancer Center are being built on the west side of the North Pavilion so neither of those would be valid uses. The North Pavilion was just recently completed, so I dont think the need for additional beds could be THAT great at this point. Several departments already moved into the old Healthsouth (now UAB Highlands). UAB has plenty of parking already with all of their decks as well, so I cant imagine what they would use this site for.

[DallasTexan]

I totally agree with Dystopos.

I've always envisioned the Parliament House fully restored (and by restored, I mean ripping off the 70s renovations and replacing the original facade and windows) and functioning as a boutique hotel that employs an innovative mix of retro and contemporary design.

Perhaps something like these?

http://www.standardhotel.com/

[Blazer85]

Any of you guys seen this mansion before? I love hearing about this type of restoration. This will be great for Bessemer--an area some were earlier deriding in LSyd's photo tour of Bessemer. Article also mentions some other good stuff going on for Bessemer. :tup:

Developer restoring Bessemer mansion
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
KIM BRYAN
News staff writer

David Nichols believes Bessemer is ideally suited for a place like the Donnelly House & Gardens on Highland Avenue in Birmingham, where weddings and other private events are held.

The 49-year-old real estate developer is backing that belief with commitment and capital, restoring the 5,000-square-foot mansion known as the Sweet House. Its original owner, Henry Sweet, was Bessemer's first mortician, Nichols said.

Nichols paid $86,000 for the Sweet House and estimates spending up to $400,000 to restore the 1830 Arlington Ave. home, he said.

The property, which had fallen into disrepair through the years, was built in 1906, Nichols said. It's a combination of Victorian, Queen Anne and Greek Revival architecture. Sweet's heirs lived in the home until 2003, with the place vacant since. Another year of neglect may have rendered the mansion unsalvageable, he said.

Residents and city leaders are thrilled with Nichols' endeavor.

"I can't say enough about people who have moved into these great historic homes and restored them," said Ronnie Acker, Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce president. "They take a risk investing in these deteriorated buildings. But the risks have proven sound because the values have skyrocketed."

Last year, city officials met with TVA, which has experience in city revitalization projects, Acker said. A master plan was developed, with renovation priorities adopted for several areas, including downtown Bessemer.

Saving the splendid home is an example of the vision of a group called Bring Bessemer Back - B3- which is determined to recapture the vitality that once marked Bessemer. Nichols is a B3 supporter and, along with others, committed to saving the architectural and historic integrity of buildings like the Sweet House, he said.

Susan Lehman, a B3 supporter and member of the Bessemer Historical Homeowners' Association, says Nichols' project is wonderful for Bessemer and particularly for residents of the city's Southside district.

"We consider the Sweet House a gateway into Southside," said Lehman, who lives in the neighborhood. "Once we get on the national historic registry, which we hope is soon, our property values will go up. That means codes will be enforced that restrict building certain construction and housing developments, allowing us to maintain the integrity of our property."

Members of First United Methodist Church of Bessemer, also on Arlington across the street from the Sweet House, are equally delighted.

"We are thrilled to death about the restoration," said Jane Mulkin, a lifelong member of the church. "We love our church. It means the world to have that corner attractive again."

Nichols last year completed a $150,000 restoration of the front of the building at 1823 Third Ave. North downtown, where Bessemer's phone company used to be. Several lawyers lease office space there.

Other recent preservation efforts in Bessemer include the $500,000 renovation of the 118-year-old Berney Bank building at Second Avenue and 19th Street. The 2,400-square-feet ground floor will be home of Tippi's Bakery, presently located a few blocks away.

The popular deli will be closed this week during the move. Tippi's officials say they estimate opening at the new site July 11.

The B3 group has submitted to the Bessemer school board a proposal to renovate Arlington School, built in 1908 and vacant for almost two decades, which would be another boon for Southside. The restoration plan includes developing office suites for non-profit agencies, the proposal states.

"You can buy these historic homes and buildings for almost nothing," Acker said. "It's unbelievable what you get back."

E-mail: kbryan@bhamnews.com

[Blazer85]

Didnt realize the Stonewall was going condo too. That's a good number of units. More than 100 new units mentioned in this article.

Two historic Massey buildings going condo
Ticheli brothers sell live-work concept
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer

The building that held one of downtown's oldest businesses will house some of the city's newest residents after a $3 million renovation.

Brothers Ed and Leo Ticheli are heading up the development team transforming the J.T. Massey Mercantile and Massey Corral buildings into condos and live-work lofts.

The 26,000 square feet that make up the three buildings in the 2400 block of Second Avenue North will be renovated into 10 condos with price tags that could approach $200,000. The storefront, ground-floor space will be revamped into five or six so-called "live-work" units, allowing for an owner to operate a business in the front while having their residence in the back.

"We think these kinds of units can work really well in that area," Ed Ticheli said. "It seems like a great way to make the best use of space downtown."

The developers decided to pursue the live-work market because they wanted to make use of the large storefronts. Up until last month, one of those storefronts was home to J.T. Massey Mercantile Co., which had been there for 107 years. The company decided to move to a new location in East Lake.

The live-work concept exists in a few other downtown buildings. The concept best fits service type companies such as architects and designers but can also lend itself to retail or even artists needing studio or gallery space.

Ed Ticheli, a New York real estate developer, said construction could be under way this fall and the condos could be ready in about six months after that.

Condos in the project are expected to cost up to $195,000. Final pricing and a condo sales company have not been determined.

Other projects:

Plans for the Massey buildings come as the Tichelis are finishing work on the Gallery Lofts, a $5 million, 32-unit project across the street where the two brothers will be residents. Leo Ticheli is known in Birmingham for his work in the advertising production field.

They also are in the planning stages of renovating the Stonewall building at the corner of 23rd Street and Fourth Avenue North. That building could have as many as 70 condos on the upper 10 floors and commercial space on the bottom two.

The Tichelis purchased the former Red Cross storage and garage buildings next door to the Stonewall and have demolished them to make room for parking. Ed Ticheli said construction documents on the Stonewall should be ready in the coming weeks.

E-mail: mtomberlin@bhamnews.com

[Blazer85]

A couple of good articles on revitalization plans of some old Birmingham neighborhoods (one Norwood, the other Avondale)

Planner details ideas for neighborhood master plan
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
WILLIAM C. SINGLETON III
News staff writer

Norwood's greatest opportunity for improvement involves developing a retail-commercial strip along 12th Avenue North, a greenway system and building new homes and protecting the character of the homes within the neighborhood, a consultant said recently.

"They're the most important steps, and they're the kinds of things that our particular expertise can have the most impact on," said Cheryl Morgan, director of the Auburn Urban Studio in Birmingham.

Morgan's studio has been developing a master plan for Norwood to help the community manage its growth and plan for the future.

She described more specifics of that plan last week in the second of a series of neighborhood town meetings held at the community center.

Morgan said the neighborhood could focus on a few areas as it embarks on its revitalization.

The development of Village Creek at the neighborhood's northern border would fit in with efforts to develop a greenway from one end of the creek in East Birmingham to the other in Ensley, she said.

She suggested a walking trail, an amphitheater and a ball park along with a scenic road that would draw people to the neighborhood and improve its quality of life.

"Having people live along the path and having people drive along the path will ensure that the greenway is a safe place for you to be," Morgan said.

She also recommended retail development along 12th Avenue North on the neighborhood's southern border. It now consists of "a smattering of businesses and a lot of vacant land," she said.

Morgan proposes a mini-outlet center to capture downtown shoppers and conventioneers visiting the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

She also said retail development along 12th Avenue would create a border to prevent commercial encroachment into the neighborhood.

Morgan also recommended "traffic calming" features to prevent cars from speeding along 28th and 31st Streets. That can be done by extending the sidewalks at pedestrian crossings to create the appearance of narrower streets, she said.

Morgan also recommended a mixture of housing development including duplexes and a high-rise tower for elderly residents.

The neighborhood, she added, should seek historic preservation status, which would allow it to protect its historic homes and give it more say in the type of homes built in the neighborhood. It would also allow the neighborhood's incorporated community development group to apply for federal funds to help in the historic preservation of homes.

Robert Gilmore, Norwood Neighborhood Association president, acknowledged that implementing the plan will be challenging.

"You look at it and say, `Well, is that possible?'" he said. "But I've been working at this thing long enough to know if you put the right thing in place then everything is possible. I think we can do that greenway. Not only will that greenway be good for Norwood, it will change the complexion of the whole northside."

Morgan said a master plan allows Norwood to compete with other communities vying for federal, city and private dollars.

"We know that there's a lot of resources out there," she said. "And money follows ideas, not the other way around."

Morgan said another town meeting will be held before the studio drafts a final plan.

E-mail: wsingleton@bhamnews.com



Workshop explores Avondale's future
Commercial district could have sculpture, walkways
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
VICTORIA L. COMAN
News staff writer

Avondale's commercial district could someday be dotted with sculpture, have walkways of decorative brick and boast a waterway and median along 41st Street South.

The changes would be designed to awaken a former bustling downtown in what used to be the Town of Avondale, a mill town built east of Birmingham that served the families and workers of Avondale Mills. The area currently has more than 30 businesses.

As part of an effort, organizations including Design Alabama Inc., Main Street Birmingham Inc., Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham co-sponsored A City of Neighborhoods workshop to help craft a new vision for Avondale.

A City of Neighborhoods is a program of the Smithsonian Institution's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. It encourages civic participation, particularly among young people, and promotes public involvement in the design of neighborhoods. Similar workshops have been in New York, Washington, Charlotte and San Jose, Calif.

Any plan to revitalize Avondale would have to go through a public hearing process and meet City of Birmingham approval.

Participants in the workshop toured parts of Avondale, discussed the area's history, researched changes by looking at maps and brainstormed improvement ideas.

They also produced streetscape models to illustrate improvements they would like to see made along the 41st Street commercial corridor. The models will be on display at the Avondale Public Library through July 21, said Mary Allison Haynie, Main Street Birmingham's director of neighborhood initiatives.

Catherine Browne, a Forest Park-South Avondale resident and a historian who participated, said the workshop's emphasis on studying the town's history helps make the push to invigorate the business district meaningful.

"It was just enough to let them see that they were people like you and me," Browne said. Residents "were building a community and going to the businesses and churches."

Merchants who studied the models said they would like to see more lighting, better and fewer signs and more improvements at Avondale Park.

"That's our jewel," said Tim Burt of the park.

Burt is a neighborhood resident and owner of Parkside Home & Garden, a furniture and housewares store, and The Agency office building, both of which are in the commercial district. Burt said he would like to see the fountains that once graced the park's pond restored.

Fran Nagy, owner of Imagine Partners in Art, said she would like to see Avondale have its own signature to set itself apart from other places.

"I would like to see immediate things that could be noticed," Nagy said. One suggestion was to place signs with the area's name at main intersections.

Marc Bondarenko, owner of Bondarenko Photography, said that 25 years ago he was attracted to the area by Avondale Park, the area's proximity to downtown and affordable rent.

"It's home now," he said. "I like it because I'm 15 blocks from downtown, five miles from home (Homewood). It's a nice neighborhood."

Dan Graves is a lawyer who moved his office into Avondale from Riverchase about a month ago. Once he visited, he saw how close the area was to lofts and condominiums near downtown.

"Everybody was optimistic about this area," he said.

The emphasis on revitalizing the area is on how to create an ambiance in a community involving the past, the present and the future, said Mary Allison Haynie.

"Basically, you integrate history into future economic growth," she said. "You're maintaining a sense of identity and place that reflects how the area developed over time and builds on it."

Victor Blackledge, the City of Birminaham's urban design administrator, said the city would take suggestions into consideration.

E-mail: vcoman@bhamnews.com

[LSyd]

i could easily see Bessemer becoming some type of Bohemian enclave in the next 10-15 years as that typical demographic gets pinched out of Birmingham proper. there's plenty of cheap space around and it's a fairly healthy hood.

-

[B'ham Bound]

I wish Bessemer would've retained its original name, Brooklyn. Something about "Brooklyn" just seems so much better/cooler than "Bessemer."

[sabre0link]

How did Bessemer get it's original name? I found numerous places that say it was renamed, and even where it was said "We are calling this area Brooklyn" but no reason, so I assume there was really no reason, they just did. :\

http://www.bessemeral.org/Henry_DeBardeleben.html

It would have been interesting any differences throughout the years, had it retained it's name of Brooklyn. That, however, we will never know.

[B'ham Bound]

Thanks for the articles, Blazer. It's wonderful and encouraging to see how redevelopment is beginning to encircle downtown which will one day help the entire area become an attractive and burgeoning region.

[Blazer85]

No problem B'ham Bound... always a pleasure to have positive things to post. Speaking of which.... hopefully this will become a very nice little neighborhood.

Birmingham approves easements for sewer lines to $25 million development

The Birmingham City Council voted today to grant 13 of 15 easements needed to construct a sewer line to support a $25 million development along John Rogers Drive.

Just two parcels are now needed before a new sewer can be installed to serve a new 1,600-seat sanctuary for Guiding Light Church and its commercial and residential developments.

City attorney Tamara Johnson said her office had resolved most of the land issues, but titles for two final pieces of property must be cleared before sewer work could begin. One parcel is owned by a railroad and the other is owned by a private landowner.

The estimated cost for the project was $3.1 million, according to the city's 2005-2006 five-year capital budget.

Bishop Jim Lowe said he has an agreement from the Jefferson County Commission for the county to pay for half of the project. The city is waiting for official notice of that agreement.

Joseph D. Bryant

[LSyd]

I wish Bessemer would've retained its original name, Brooklyn. Something about "Brooklyn" just seems so much better/cooler than "Bessemer."

no way, "Bessemer" is cooler. "Brooklyn" is so common, and so NYC...Bessemer is much more unique and history-nerdy cool.

-

[Blazer85]

A few notes from the ONB Newsletter:

- At least 2 deals (and more "certainly on the way") are in the works as a result of the Untapped Opportunities meeting in 5 Points South.

- The success of the meeting has led to the planning of a similar meeting to focus on a new area-- "The Entrepreneurial District." The $17M Innovation Depot will be at the heart of this district, and Calvert has hopes of attracting growing high-tech and bio-tech firms. The Untapped Opportunities for the Entrepreneurial District meeting is tentatively set for Sept. 28th.

- Corporate Realty is investing $130M over the next year or so in downtown (which that number sounds low considering the proposed 16-story mixed-use project was, alone, supposed to be in the neighborhood of $125M). The City of Birmingham and Corporate Realty have struck a deal in which they would, together, buy the block bound by 1st and 2nd Avenue South, and 20th Street. Half of the block will be developed by Corporate (ie, the 16-story mixed-use project). Corporate will hold on to the other half-block to sell ...the city of Birmingham would recover any costs.

- $2.5M is being spent to renovate the Red Cross' old garage at 3rd Avenue North. The building will house a growing tech firm (Revenue Discovery Systems) which expects to employ about 150 people.

- Work has begun on Athens Flatts

- The 20-story Cabana is indeed expected to be converted to condos regardless of who wins the court settlement... the issue is just who will win the case.

- With nearly $200M in construction going on along 14th Street (University House development, Railroad Park, SSA Building, etc), ONB is advocating significant streetscaping. (I hope this would be something along the same lines as 20th Street)

- The Downtown Business Association now has a new website up and running. Check it out: http://www.downtownbirmingham.org/

[dfwtiger]

3,000 houses planned at foot of Oak Mountain
Chimney Rock using New Urbanism ideas
Friday, July 07, 2006
NANCY WILSTACH
Birmingham News staff writer

The village of Chimney Rock, a massive residential development with a mixed-use town center, is proposed to rise on 1,650 acres of verdant valley and hillsides at the foot of Oak Mountain, mostly south of the Jefferson-Shelby county line.

Ridgeview Development Co., associated with Destin, Fla.-based Exquisite Development, and Brian Wright of Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative are looking at building more than 3,000 houses and as many as 400 units with combined residential and commercial space on the west side of Shelby County 41. The site is south of Alabama 25, north of Fowler Lake Road and east of Lake Purdy.

The project is to be an example of the school of design known as New Urbanism, a return to traditional neighborhood developments where residents live, work and shop in the same area without necessarily having to drive from one place to another.

The development's town center is to include retail shops and restaurants, according to Exquisite's operations manager for development, Mike Dooley.

Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock said he was impressed with the company's initial efforts to create a community that complies with the county's comprehensive plan.

That plan, approved in 2004, strives to combat suburban sprawl through development of walkable communities where automobile trips are kept to a minimum and housing is clustered around shops and restaurants.

For all age groups:

Dooley said the community would combine aspects of such developments as Mt Laurel in Shelby County and The Villages in central Florida. Wright was a part of the 1988 Kentlands development in Gaithersburg, Md., considered the first New Urbanism neighborhood intended for year-round living. Today, thousands of people live and work there.

"We want to create a community to serve all age groups," Dooley said. "Our thoughts are to include an area for assisted living, but we have to make sure an assisted living company is interested in coming in."

He said the developers recognize the strains development imposes on existing transportation networks

"We have plans to improve Grants Mill Road," Dooley said. Those plans include extending the road to the western edge of the Chimney Rock property. "We have discussed this, but it is by no means a done deal," Dooley said.

That arrangement would relieve some of the additional strain on crowded U.S. 280.

"We will be following the guidelines of the new comp plan, with green spaces and parks," Dooley said. "We plan to have 50 percent green space with the majority in a conservation easement, which means it cannot be developed in the future. A lot of the land along the ridge will be involved in that easement."

The land on the Alabama 119 side of the ridge lies in the Lake Purdy watershed, he said. About 20 acres of the site is in Jefferson County.

Brainstorming time:

Dudchock, county planners, engineers and public safety and school officials, along with neighbors from such developments as Shoal Creek, have been invited to a planning charrette that starts tonight and continues through Wednesday.

"Charrette" is planner-speak for an intense brainstorming session in which the developers solicit ideas from participants to shape the master plan for a project.

Dooley said the general public can attend the sessions that start at 7 tonight with an opening presentation at the Birmingham Grandview Marriott.

Workshops continue Saturday with a public meeting at 9:30 a.m. and a session with county and school officials at 2 p.m. Designers then will work with the information they have gathered to present a "Pin-up and Review" at 3 p.m. Sunday for public examination.

Subsequent meetings will involve public works, transportation, fire, police, builders and architects, with a grand final presentation set for 7 p.m. Wednesday.

E-mail: nwilstach@bhamnews.com

[Blazer85]

Too bad it cant be mostly inside Jefferson County instead of mostly inside Shelby County. It certainly does beat the alternative cookie-cutter subdivision though. I am curious though... is this going to be within the Birmingham City limits or Hoover? Birmingham City limits do go down into Shelby County around that area. Even if it's not in the CBD, it'd be nice to get a boost of 3,000 new homes to the Birmingham City limits.

[Blazer85]

Plans for Bruno's Brookwood
Saturday, July 08, 2006
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer

The departure of Bruno's from Colonial Brookwood Village is paving the way for a redevelopment plan for the shopping center there.

Colonial Properties Trust was waiting for a deal with Bruno's before pursuing its development plans for that space, said Charles McGehee, a Colonial executive. Bruno's said Thursday the store will close July 15.

McGehee said leases with other tenants in the shopping center are structured to allow Colonial to do a complete or partial redevelopment.

He said the company is negotiating with other retailers that might be interested in being part of the project. Possibilities include a multi-story development that includes retail, residential and even a hotel as part of the same project.

The company has already started construction on the $35.8 million, nine-story Colonial Center office building nearby.

[LSyd]

Plans for Bruno's Brookwood
Saturday, July 08, 2006
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer

The departure of Bruno's from Colonial Brookwood Village is paving the way for a redevelopment plan for the shopping center there.

Colonial Properties Trust was waiting for a deal with Bruno's before pursuing its development plans for that space, said Charles McGehee, a Colonial executive. Bruno's said Thursday the store will close July 15.

McGehee said leases with other tenants in the shopping center are structured to allow Colonial to do a complete or partial redevelopment.

He said the company is negotiating with other retailers that might be interested in being part of the project. Possibilities include a multi-story development that includes retail, residential and even a hotel as part of the same project.

The company has already started construction on the $35.8 million, nine-story Colonial Center office building nearby.

RIP...i used to shop there regularly. oh well, it'd be cool to see some residential there.

-

[sabre0link]

Speaking of Brookwood Village, both tower cranes are now erected... the second went up beginning on Thurs, I believe.... and both are operational. :)

[Blazer85]

Hope these meetings are productive... good to hear that they're actively pursuing this in any event. This wont solve everything because we'll likely need federal funds as well, but it'd be a good start.

Transit chief to lobby for needed funds
Monday, July 10, 2006
JOSEPH D. BRYANT
News staff writer

The head of the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority will spend the rest of July in meetings with area mayors and county commissioners, stumping for extra money for mass transit.

BJCTA Executive Director David Hill said he will explain why more money is needed from participating governments in the 2007 fiscal year.

Hill will meet with the mayors of Bessemer, Tarrant, Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook in addition to Jefferson County commissioners.

He will ask the partners to increase their annual allocation to make up for rising fuel and operating costs, the loss of a federal grant and continued debt payments.

"The percentage of increase is based on the amount of service hours that each municipality gets," Hill said. "It isn't a point of being optimistic, it's what the service cost. We can't provide the service for less than it costs."

The city of Birmingham last month added $2.18 million in its 2007 BJCTA budget to total more than $7.2 million.

Hill said that sum represents a large portion of what is needed to maintain existing service amid rising operation costs. Birmingham residents represent the largest bus ridership, and the city is the largest municipal partner.

"The city of Birmingham has set the stage for the funding partners by increasing their contribution to the correct levels to maintain service at its current level," he said. But that increase includes no money for new buses.

Hill will ask the Jefferson County Commission for about $1.88 million in matching funds to purchase new buses for the aging fleet.

E-mail: jbryant@bhamnews.com

[Blazer85]

Homes-retail plan to be taken up tonight
Hoover panel to consider shopping center, 250 homes
Monday, July 10, 2006
DAWN KENT
News staff writer

A proposal to build a retail and residential development at Interstate 459 and Alabama 150 is expected to go before the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission tonight, but plans for more than 3,500 houses on the city's southwest side are likely on hold for now.

Commissioners are to consider Apple Development LLC's proposal for The Grove, which includes a 550,000-square-foot shopping center and roughly 250 houses. The $80 million project was postponed in June to give the developer and city officials time to reach an agreement over road and site improvements.

They have since negotiated a plan that calls for the developer to do about $15 million in work up front, and the city would reimburse the cost over time through sales tax rebates, Hoover Executive Director Allen Pate and Apple Development President Derek Weaver said.

Projects include additional acceleration lanes, turn lanes and interstate ramp lanes at I-459 and Alabama 150 and the construction of the Sulphur Springs bypass road.

Weaver also plans to seek sales tax rebates from Jefferson County to cover the cost of the improvements, which he says are needed now, according to a traffic study.

"This helps alleviate a current problem probably much quicker than it would be if it were a public project," he said.

Weaver said he could not pinpoint a timetable for the improvements, because he could not predict how long the permitting process would take.

But plans call for the shopping center to be complete in the summer of 2008, and he thinks the road work could be done by then or sooner.

Pate said the financial plan will be handled by the Hoover City Council, which also has the final say on the development plan. At tonight's meeting, commissioners are expected to stick to the development plan for The Grove.

Last month, residents said they were concerned about traffic, drainage and blasting. Commissioners may address those concerns by putting conditions on blasting and requiring a bond in case of environmental damage from erosion.

Meanwhile, city planners say they need more time to study two proposals that would put up to 3,540 dwellings south of Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.

D.R. Horton wants to build up to 2,790 dwellings in a development called Hoover South, while USS Real Estate wants to expand the Trace Crossings neighborhood with up to 750 dwellings.

The developers would work together to extend Stadium Trace Parkway from its existing dead-end near the Met to connect to Shelby County 52, creating a new path for commuters. Their plans, which cover nearly 2,000 acres, also include land donations for schools and parks.

In a work session last week, Hoover planning consultant Bob House said city staff needs to review a traffic study and other aspects of the proposals. Environmental factors also are a concern, he said, since a lot of the property is on the Cahaba River.

House said he talked to the developers about postponing their requests, and he said they were agreeable.

E-mail: dkent@bhamnews.com

[Blazer85]

Looks like there's scaffolding or a tower of some kind beside City Federal. It may have been there a little while, but it's my first notice of it.

[Blazer85]

Somewhat surprising news here. I dont think this was expected to be approved... at least not yet.

Planning board OKs retail, residential development

A developer’s plans to build a retail center and residences at Interstate 459 and Alabama 150 won approval tonight from the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission, but he must abide by a list of conditions on road and site work.

The commission approved a rezoning request for 180 acres at the high-profile intersection, the site of several failed development attempts. Apple Development LLC plans a 550,000-square-foot shopping center and about 250 dwellings.

The Hoover City Council will have the final say on the development plans, as well as a financial plan negotiated by the developer and city officials.

For complete story, see Tuesday’s Birmingham News.

Dawn Kent

(Posted at 8:01 p.m.)

[Blazer85]

I believe I heard Kincaid announce that Birmingham will be building 2 new police precincts ...one on the east side and one on the southside.

[Blazer85]

Plans for Century Plaza pick up with stores' exit
Redeveloping for mixed use
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer

The closing of anchor stores at Century Plaza is opening the way for a major makeover of the declining mall.

Owner General Growth Properties Inc. of Chicago, one of the nation's largest mall operators, was working on a redevelopment plan before JC Penney Co. and Belk Inc. decided to close their Century Plaza stores. A Rich's-Macy's store closed there in 2004.

"Right now, everything is open for consideration," John Benton, Century Plaza's general manager, said Tuesday. "We're looking for the highest and best use of the property going forward."

Benton said General Growth, which also owns a share of the Riverchase Galleria, is taking into consideration suggestions that emerged in a recent city-commissioned master plan that envisions the mall property being revamped into residential, office and retail components, along with restaurants and entertainment venues. That plan is likely to get renewed attention with the closings of JC Penney and Belk, reported this week.

Under the KPS Group Inc. proposal, a redesigned Century Plaza would take cues from The Summit and Colonial Brookwood Village as solid brick walls are turned into more inviting storefronts.

`Main Street':

The plan also calls for these storefronts to be oriented to fit into a "Main Street" that is meant to link Century Plaza with the former Toys R Us site via a bridge over Oporto-Madrid. The former toy store site could one day hold a hotel, according to the proposal.

The Main Street would continue around the redeveloped Eastwood Mall property and link Village East shopping center back around to Century Plaza.

"The district as a whole needs to be reinvented," said Amy Smith, vice president at KPS leading the master planning. "We think that's possible and we think it's important."

Adding residential and office components, Smith said, would give the area's retail centers a built-in customer base.

"We think it has great potential as a mixed-use development," Smith said of the Century Plaza site. "Mixed use is recognized more frequently now as a good business solution."

She said KPS market studies have shown a substantial market exists in the area for condo and apartment developments as well as a new hotel.

Benton said General Growth has created mixed-use developments in its overhauls of other retail properties around the nation.

"We are very open to the changing climate in the retail business and how to adapt properties to those changes," he said.

Eastwood example:

Just across Crestwood Boulevard, big changes are already taking place.

Eastwood Mall, the city's first enclosed mall, is fast becoming rubble, to be replaced by a $50 million redevelopment anchored by a Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Griffin Lassiter, economic development liaison for Mayor Bernard Kincaid, said now that work is under way on Eastwood, the focus is shifting to Century Plaza. The City of Birmingham is putting $11 million into incentives and improvements as part of the project.

"We have worked with General Growth Properties over the years and will continue to do so as the redevelopment of Century Plaza moves forward," Lassiter said. "The city would be very interested in assisting with those efforts."

E-mail: mtomberlin@bhamnews.com

[DevinLee]

Shelby Building Version 2.0 ready to go now. I can't believe this dump I am in now costed $140 million.

Panel approves funds for UAB

Wednesday, July 12, 2006
MARY ORNDORFF
News Washington correspondent
WASHINGTON - UAB is in line to receive another $20 million installment from Congress for the next phase of its massive new research complex named for the Alabama senator who directs federal spending on science programs.

It's still a few steps from becoming law, but U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby's subcommittee approved the UAB money Tuesday along with dozens of other Alabama projects. They're part of a 2007 spending plan for commerce, justice and science related agencies - a $51.2 billion endeavor.

The second phase of the Shelby Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building will cost about $120 million and add 300,000 square feet of research space, a 10 percent increase for the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said Richard Marchase, vice president of research. The first phase of the complex cost $140.8 million and was officially dedicated this spring. It was paid for in part with $50 million in federal funding directed by Shelby.

The construction near 18th Street and University Boulevard will make room for a comprehensive neurosciences center for translational, basic and clinical research into neurological diseases, one of six priority areas cited by the School of Medicine's new dean, Robert Rich. The work will involve faculty from neurology, psychiatry, neurobiology and psychology, said Marchase. UAB also received a National Institutes of Health grant for $10 million over five years that "will serve as the glue to allow us to assemble an interdisciplinary research program in the neurosciences," he said.

Shelby, R-Ala., has been a powerful advocate for the urban institution, promoting its goal to be in the top 10 of NIH grants.

As chairman of the commerce, justice and science subcommittee on appropriations, Shelby has great leeway in directing money to the state. But the process has come under increased scrutiny lately as members of Congress try to curb spending, cut the deficit and get past recent scandals involving the appropriations process and well-connected lobbyists.

"There is scrutiny on the earmarks, and there should be," Shelby said in an interview Tuesday. "You shouldn't have frivolous earmarks and they should have a purpose and whoever offers them should be able to defend them. We're very careful with what requests come from members, what they ask for, and what we support."

Some of the other projects included in the bill approved Tuesday, according to a tally from Shelby's office, are:

Red Mountain Park Development Project, $1 million.

University of Alabama Science and Engineering Complex, $30 million.

Aliceville federal prison complex, $25 million.

West Alabama Shrimp Aquaculture Program, Auburn, $1 million.

Alabama State University science facility, $5 million.

National Textile Center, Auburn, $13 million.

Huntsville Museum of Art, $500,000.

Drought Research Study, $2 million, for UA, UAH, Auburn, Alabama A&M, and Tuskegee University.

E-mail: morndorff@bhamnews.com

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/115269715174860.xml&coll=2

[Blazer85]

^ Two important things that stand out for me... the $20M for UAB obviously... but also that $1M towards Red Mountain Park. :tup:

[crash]

Shelby Building Version 2.0 ready to go now. I can't believe this dump I am in now costed $140 million.



http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/115269715174860.xml&coll=2
How is Shelby 1 a dump?

I've never been in it, but it's a brand new building, how can it be a dump already?

[RNAdomTask]

How is Shelby 1 a dump?

I've never been in it, but it's a brand new building, how can it be a dump already?

Its not bad, but it certainly wasn't any better than what UAB already had.

Rest assured, the same design mistakes won't be made for Son of Shelby.

[LSyd]

I believe I heard Kincaid announce that Birmingham will be building 2 new police precincts ...one on the east side and one on the southside.

there's already a precinct in southside...it's by where Highland turns into Arlington.

Looks like there's scaffolding or a tower of some kind beside City Federal. It may have been there a little while, but it's my first notice of it.

is it on the backside? it's been there a while...the real trick is to see if the elevator on it's being used (i've only seen it once.)

-

[Blazer85]

there's already a precinct in southside...it's by where Highland turns into Arlington.
-

Either it's an additional precinct or it will be a brand new one. Either way, there will be a new precinct on the southside and east side.

[Dystopos]

I had heard that the South Precinct was moving to the other side of 20th (14th Street maybe?). I had not heard about any new precincts.

[Blazer85]

See... it's beginning to spill over into new areas. Not many, but it sounds like they'll be cool.

Architect to revive Famous theater in historic black area for office, lofts
Thursday, July 13, 2006
JOSEPH D. BRYANT
News staff writers

Shortly after Nolanda Bearden gave birth to her son Nickolas two months ago, she also began bringing new life to a long-held ambition.

Since she was a child, the Birmingham architect has wanted to own a building downtown.

She finally made good on her dream this month when she bought the old Famous theater at 1717 Fourth Ave. North.

"This is a good start," Bearden said, looking around the lobby of the theater that was once a main attraction for Birmingham blacks.

Bearden plans to redesign the 14,000-square-foot, 79-year-old former movie theater into offices downstairs and six loft apartments upstairs. The project would bring the first lofts to the historically black Fourth Avenue Business District.

New office space and the prospect of lofts on Fourth Avenue North is evidence of renewed attention to the district, said Nathan Hicks, executive director of Urban Impact, an organization created by the city to promote revitalization.

After success in central downtown, Hicks said, he is pleased to see redevelopment finally spreading to downtown's western section.

"When we talk about economic development at this time, they only have one direction they can go," he said. "That is a plus for this district."

The cost of Bearden's project could top $1 million, with the $250,000 purchase price and more than $700,000 planned for renovations.

"We're the first down here and we're happy to be the first," Bearden said. "The loft space is just an added bonus on the second level."

The building was last used as headquarters for the Birmingham Urban League and has been vacant about five years. It was owned by Owens and Woods Partners Architects.

Bearden financed her project in part through the Birmingham Business Resource Center, which specializes in aiding small and minority-owned companies acquire loans and form business plans.

Moving from Homewood:

"A couple of years ago we allocated some funds for people who wanted to purchase and renovate downtown property," executive director Bob Dickerson said. "When she approached us she met all the qualifications."

Bearden will move her business from Homewood into her new building. Renovation is expected to be completed in February.

"We just want to move in as soon as possible," Bearden said. "The ultimate for me was to own a building where I would lease space."

Along with Bearden, her partner in the development, Jay Eirling, plans to relocate his mechanical engineering firm to the building.

Bearden will design its new look. Although the project won't restore the building to its original layout, Bearden said she will research historic elements from the theater's early days to possibly include them in the renovation.

The Fourth Avenue District stretches from Eighth Avenue North to Second Avenue North, and from 18th Street North to 15th Street North.

Hicks' agency helps prospectors like Bearden by finding suitable locations and identifying funding sources.

Hicks said the Famous project joins the historic Grand Lodge Masonic Temple, scheduled for a multimillion-dollar restoration, as an anchor for the district.

Talk about restoring the 84-year-old structure began in 2003. Hicks said more than $1 million has been raised and a historical preservation grant has been awarded to refurbish the exterior of the tower.

The building, which is the state headquarters for the Prince Hall Masons, housed several black-owned professional companies before the district's decline in the early 1970s.

Years ago, the temple's grand ballroom was the place where big-name entertainers such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie played after they finished performing uptown.

"This sort of brings back what we lost," Hicks said. "We're very excited about the future of Fourth Avenue."

Fund raising for the temple's restoration continues, he said.

Bearden said location and price made Fourth Avenue appealing. And she doesn't mind taking the risk by being the first mixed-use landowner in the area.

"It would take somebody like me who is from Birmingham, who has done work in downtown Birmingham," she said. "I'm not afraid of the area."

E-mail: jbryant@bhamnews.com



Also....

Six homes proposed on Red Mountain
Thursday, July 13, 2006
VICTORIA L.COMAN
News staff writer

The Birmingham Planning Commission's Subdivision Committee has backed a request by developers to enlarge six lots and take ownership of a city alley to make way for the development of new homes atop Red Mountain.

Steven Schencker, his brother, Richard Schencker, and Charles Rich want to develop the lots on property at 1801 22nd St. South. The land, owned by Versal Spalding Jr. and his wife, Florence Spalding, sits on the east side of the Elton B. Stephens Expressway above 20th and 21st avenues South, an area known as "Diaper Row."

The committee backed the men's request to have the city relinquish ownership of a city alley for the development and resurvey the six lots to take in half of an abandoned railroad bed south of the site. The vote came with a caveat that a planned road leading into the subdivision would meet the approval of the developers and residents in the area.

The Schenckers said the group's plans are preliminary and prices for the six homes had not been set.

Some residents along 20th and 21st avenues and other parts of the neighborhood spoke out against the plan. They were worried about runoff flooding homes south of the site, the land being too steep for a road and the planned road being too small for emergency vehicle access.

The land is the same property eyed for development six years ago. That project was withdrawn after opposition by Redmont Park residents. Their concerns included runoff causing flooding in homes on the south side of the mountain.

The developers agreed to come before the Redmont Park Neighborhood Association July 25.

The Birmingham City Council must give final approval.

Victoria L. Coman --

[Blazer85]

City Federal work starts at the top
Friday, July 14, 2006

Workers for Charles & Vinzant Construction are taking the restoration of the City Federal Building to new heights - 27 stories to be exact.

Renovation of the former bank and office building into condos is moving from the top of what was once the South's tallest tower downward.

Realtors with Ingram & Associates' Condominium Shoppe have secured sales contracts on 51 of the 83 condos, including the penthouse on the 25th floor, says Bart Abstein, principal over development with Synergy Realty Services, the Atlanta developer handling the $20 million project.

The 25th floor penthouse went for about $1.8 million. The 23rd floor has two units still for sale: One for $1 million and the other for $850,000.

Interior demolition and asbestos removal are complete and construction work has started, Abstein says.

Care is being taken to preserve many of the more ornate elements of the building, such as the terra cotta exterior features and the ceiling panels in the ground-floor lobby.

Abstein says there have been talks with high-end restaurants for a location in the basement. The lobby and former bank area of the building are likely to hold another bank, he says, though the possibility remains for some other commercial use.

The first condos should be ready by the first quarter of 2007. The entire renovation project is expected to be finished by the end of next summer.

Michael Tomberlin

[DevinLee]

How is Shelby 1 a dump?

I've never been in it, but it's a brand new building, how can it be a dump already?


The building has more than the normal "bugs to work out." With 2 major floods causing damage on floors 1-10 and water pressure being completely gone from the building for days at a time now (Can't use toilets or sinks on any floors above 6) and just being poorly designed for research use.

I am very glad UAB continues to build its research and hospital divisions but throwing contracts out ot the absolute lowest bidder doesn't always grant you wonderful results.

[Dystopos]

Since I'm not sure what it means, I'll quote in full the tidbits from this month's "Synergy" (ONB):

RR Park Update:Tom Leader, the world-renowned landscaped[sic] architect who was retained by the City to develop a master plan for the property on 1st Ave S between 14th St and 18th St, is now working with a local landscape architect and engineering firm to transform the conceptual plan into detailed construction plans. City officials are projecting that construction could begin on Phase I in as little as 12-18 months from the beginning of design.

Also:
Railroad Park Recognized: The Railroad Reservation Park Master Plan developed by Tom Leader is already garnering international praise. Design publications from as far away as Australia have written about the project and the plan has been selected for recognition by the Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt Museum for adaptive reuse of industrial wasteland.

And from the Birmingham News
Birmingham to hire coordinator for railroad park: The Birmingham City Council is expected Tuesday to hire a project coordinator for the development of the Railroad Reservation Park.
The council's Administration Budget and Finance Committee today endorsed a $875,000 proposal to hire Brantley Visioneering of Birmingham to manage the first phase of the park construction. The first of four phases is expected to cost $10 to $15 million.
Mayor Bernard Kincaid said one of Brantley's first jobs will be to secure the purchase of two remaining pieces of land needed to complete the park layout.
The park plan includes a 14-acre site from 14th to 18th Street South and from First Avenue South to Morris Avenue. The railroad park is expected to be a draw for residential and commercial development with projects already planned along its route.

[Blazer85]

^ Good news all around on the Railroad Park. I had hoped we'd see work begin much sooner, but I'm optimistic that plans are still at least moving forward. Was a little concerned for a while having not heard anything about it.

[CrimsonARC]

Seems like the city is moving unconceivably slow on this project. First they were supposed to break ground last spring, then I heard this coming March -- and now "as little as 12-18 months from the beginning of design"? Hopefully they will begin soil remediation and general preparation of the site in the meantime. If not, I'm assuming this is the end of the Standard project since they've had difficulty securing enough interest without any progress to the park. If you notice, their advertisement on the site has already been removed.

[Dystopos]

My perception is that the mayor spoke out of turn when he alluded to a March groundbreaking, since that remark was made at a presentation of very schematic master-plan photoshoppery. Construction documents of any sort take a long time to put together, especially when you're dealing with a phased project and juggling any uncertainties (and this one has some major uncertainties regarding partners, programming, and budget -- Apparently they still don't know if they can purchase those two warehouses that sit on the middle of the site (even though that seems to be a clear case for eminent domain even under the new state law).

There's no doubt the project is moving forward. Everybody wants it. It's the pace that has been frustrating. Ducks that need to be in rows seem to be waiting for the other ducks to get in line before they commit. And even more frustrating has been the lack of communication about the issues at play and the project schedule. These are serious problems and seem to have caused a lot of headaches. I have hope that once we're past the trip-ups, the park WILL get built and, even if the adjacent development is delayed, it WILL flourish when it does come.