Author: Gina Clifford

Orange Beach is set to become an even nicer spot to relax and soak up the sun. Thanks to a project that provides public access to additional beachfront and several new amenities to enjoy.

In a public-private partnership, the city of Orange Beach purchased four acres of beachfront property along with Orange Beach Land Company (OBLC) owned by John McInnis and Cameron Price who also own the popular Flora-Bama Lounge on the Orange Beach and Perdido Key, Florida line.

The entire 8.7-acre site with 800 feet of beachfront is across from Publix Shoppes at Palm Pointe. As part of the agreement, OBLC purchased an adjacent 400 feet of beachfront property for its CoastAL restaurant development. The project consists of three single-level buildings: a 20,000-square-foot restaurant, a 5,000-square-foot retail building and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor bar. All surround a 15,000-square-foot Gulf-facing promenade.

These three distinct buildings frame and create synergy around an intimate central greenspace, explains William Brantley, a partner at SMP Architecture, who, along with fellow SMP architect Brian Spencer created the design for Island Entertainment, a hospitality management company owned by McInnis and Price that will manage the restaurant. 

“With its broad overhangs, wrap-around covered porch, and iconic tower, the restaurant building design is rooted in coastal Alabama vernacular architecture,” Brantley explains. “Dining areas spill out onto the promenade and greenspace at the ground level.  The tower and a second level on the north façade establish a strong street presence along Perdido Beach Boulevard.”

Brantley says the retail building draws inspiration from historic southern market structures.  Merchandise counters on the north and south facades allow the space to open-up and engage the greenspace, as well as attract interest from Perdido Beach Boulevard.

The outdoor bar structure delineates the west side of the central greenspace.  The gable roof form, exposed wood trusses, and wood corner brackets are consistent with a traditional southern pavilion.  Brantley notes that west of the pavilion, palm trees lining the public walkway from the parking lot compose a pleasing “post card image” looking toward the beach.

McInnis says the goal is for every seat and space on the property to have a view of the beach and Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to the three main buildings, the project includes a landmark tower on axis with Alabama’s Coastal Connection (Highway 161) and a public restroom facility for beachgoers.   Construction begins fall 2021. City parking and outdoor venues will open spring 2022.  The restaurant is scheduled to open spring 2023.

“With its vernacular architecture and well defined, vibrant public spaces, we are confident CoastAL will deliver a memorable and authentic Orange Beach experience,” says Brantley. “Operable glass garage doors allow all the buildings to open-up, capture the cross breeze and provide a beach bar feel with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.”

The project, he adds, provides much-needed beach access, parking and restrooms for public use, and the CoastAL development will act as a catalyst for further growth and development. 

As part of the Orange Beach City Council’s aim to reduce density, the project replaces an earlier plan to construct two high-rise condominium towers on the site.

“This property was the largest piece of high-density condo land left on the Alabama Coast,” notes McInnis. “While not in the best interest of the developers financially, it was in the best interest of the community and the public.”

Article Written by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of SMP Architects

DesignAlabama is continually looking for ways to improve communities statewide and enhance quality of life. DesignDash – its latest program with those objectives in mind – recently launched in the town of Double Springs, the county seat of Winston County located inside William B. Bankhead National Forest.

Though DesignDash is a one-day community design blitz, much is accomplished in that single day. A facilitator leads discussions among community members, and design professionals focus on one design and planning issue. During the second half of the day, the design professionals work alone to create ideas, renderings and other images based on their findings.

DesignDash Double Springs took place on April 15 with one objective in mind: to study a way to transform a parcel of land along AL-195 into a pocket park that could also serve as a welcome center.  

The pocket park would function as a focal point near the downtown and provide an inviting multipurpose green space that conveys the history and identity of the town. It was noted that the park could be used for a variety of community events.

A saw mill and cotton gin were originally located on the site, which is close to the location of the double springs that existed before the road was constructed. Double Springs is named for what is considered a rare phenomenon, two natural springs located side by side.

Brandon Bias, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood community planner, led the design team composed of three Birmingham-based professionals. Bias notes that the park will serve as a reminder of the historical context of the community and provide “a point of pride for them” in downtown Double Springs.

“During the workshop, the design team also learned about the number of tourists who travel through Double Springs on their way to the Sipsey Wilderness and the Bankhead National Forest,” Bias says. “The location of the park can serve as a guidepost for them as they enter the community in hopes of drawing those tourists in to stop and visit the town, as well before entering the forest.”

Yet no amenity, no matter how appealing, is of much use if people can’t easily access it. Proposed ways to strengthen connectivity include more clearly defined walkways, barriers to separate the walkways from traffic, the use of planters and benches, along with stair access from Main Street.

The plan calls for using locally sourced materials in the development of the park such as local quarried stone for walls and buildings, field stone pavers and picnic tables made a local wood. But the first step would involve site clean-up, moving a power line and stabilizing the bluff.  

Yet as Bias points out, the town will first need to explore various funding sources in order to make the park a reality. Therefore, the first phase needs to focus on raising funds to implement the ideas that came out of DesignDash Double Springs. The proposed plan created during DesignDash can be used in the community’s fundraising efforts.

“There are other steps such as developing more refined plans and construction documents,” adds Bias, “but raising funding to implement these ideas is the first phase the town should undertake.”

Mayor Elmo Robinson, a lifelong resident of Double Springs, is pleased with the guidance DesignDash offered. “They provided us with the leadership we needed to formulate a plan and helped us organize our thoughts to achieve the goal we are all very happy with.”

Dash in and dash out, and leave communities with a workable strategy moving forward. That’s what DesignDash is all about.

Article Written by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of DesignAlabama

A few years ago, CNN declared: “Warehouse conversions are sweeping the globe.”

This adaptive reuse strategy began in Birmingham long before that CNN report, with derelict older buildings being turned into exciting livable spaces that meet the ever-changing needs and aesthetics of the evolving city.  

One of the latest projects in Birmingham’s warehouse renaissance is the aptly named Urban Supply, a redevelopment of historic buildings in the heart of Birmingham’s popular Parkside district. Urban Supply consists of about 100,000-square-feet of commercial space adjacent to Good People Brewing Company and is being developed by Birmingham-based Orchestra Partners.

“The overall project is part of a larger vision for Urban Supply, a two-block reimagined district that takes on a personality similar to its historical use – a supply district,” explains Senior Project Manager Matt Phillips of Dix.Hite + Partners, Inc.

Dix.Hite led a team of consultants through a visioning process to help Orchestra Partners realize the design opportunities as the district shifts to a vibrant commercial district, Phillips adds. Poole & Company Architects did the original space planning for the interior spaces and collaborated with the Dix.Hite team and Kimley-Horn to develop a masterplan for the district.

Phase 1 is called The Aisle, which was originally a service alley that is being developed into the heart of the district, Phillip says.  It is a linear, pedestrian-focused spine that connects Twelfth Avenue to Regions Park designed to be a dynamic spot for food trucks and outdoor events. The Urban Supply project also includes a market center to bustle with restaurants, bars and food emporiums – all in keeping with the original function of the buildings as grocery warehouses.

In addition, Urban Supply will become the launching-off point for fitness, fitness-focused businesses and provide a gathering place for people with active lifestyles. Historic warehouses will be readapted for use as a fitness center to include retail and studio space designed around a locker room to be used by all tenants. Space designed for bicycle or running shops, a yoga studio and a traditional fitness facility. And room for a pop-up juice bar, snack areas or other health and fitness uses.

While there is no residential component to the Urban Supply project, there is a significant amount of residential construction taking place all around it, Phillip observes. “Urban Supply will become the place where people living and moving to the area will shop, dine and socialize.” 

And, as he points out, the absence of residential space is actually true to the area’s historical use as a supply district for Birmingham.

The plan is designed to encourage social distancing with broad openings to the buildings so people can spread out.  Phillips says the overarching concept encourages social distancing with much of the design focused around outdoor activities and connections.

Also involved with the Urban Supply project are Matt Shelby of Shelby Company as general contractor, traffic engineer Clark Bailey and civil engineer Clay Smith of Kimley-Horn and branding by Derick Belden of FRED Communication by Design.

Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of DIX•HITE + Partners

Few towns can claim such strong community identity as Monroeville, where celebrated writers Truman Capote and Harper Lee grew up as friends. Set in Monroeville, Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird has brought worldwide attention to the town since its 1960 publication. In 1997, Monroeville and Monroe County were designated the “Literary Capital of Alabama.”

Unwilling to sit on its literary laurels, Monroeville recently participated in DesignPlace, a DesignAlabama initiative that provides communities assistance with design, planning and community identity. Design experts demonstrate how to enhance quality of life and community development through the design arts, and design professionals meet with citizens and city leaders who provide input.

Participants in Monroeville’s DesignPlace desire a gateway entrance at Clausell Road to clearly identify the arrival point into Clausell, the historically African-American community located west of the downtown, explains Roman Gary, vice president of CCR Architecture & Interiors who served as team facilitator.

Participants want the Union High School site used as a cultural center and to serve the entire city. Connecting Clausell Park to the potential Union High Cultural Center by clearing landscape overgrowth was suggested as a way to combine the two sites into a larger venue. Attendees also expressed interest in implementing an organized community-engagement process, Gray notes, that would involve diverse community stakeholders to address the town’s most pressing needs.

Identified as most in need of attention was commercial and residential development on both sides of West Claiborne Street and Highway 47, to establish a strong western connection of activity between downtown Monroeville and the entrance into Clausell.

Streetscape improvements, including a pedestrian and bicycle trail, were proposed along West Claiborne Street with enhanced LED lighting and signage to stimulate the western connection between downtown and Clausell. First be carried out are new signage, logo and branding graphics at the entrance of Clausell.  Commissioning Monroeville artists to provide logo murals in Clausell was suggested. 

“The first phase would be establishing the Clausell Gateway,” Gary explains. “Developing West Claiborne Street to strengthen the connection to downtown would be the next priority. Once there’s increased activity along West Claiborne, infill development of parcels with tourist housing and small businesses would be desirable. And finally, combining the Union High and Clausell Park sites into a larger cultural center.”

With its literary legacy and 40-acre historic district, there’s plenty to capitalize on in Monroeville such as increased opportunities for sculpture, painting, mixed media and the performing arts. An artist-in-residence program was proposed for the Union High Cultural Center to attract regional and national artists.

Former Monroeville Mayor Sandra Smith Alabama, who participated in DesignAlabama’s Mayor’s Summit and DesignPlace, says “tremendous progress” made to downtown Monroeville during the past few years, including renovating buildings for small business use.

“In attending the Design Place Mayor’s Summit in February of 2020, one thing that came up is the need to continually improve the downtown for livability in order to attract residents to this historic area, and to retain and attract young professionals.   We really focused on this concept during DesignPlace.”

One area that suffers from stormwater runoff could be developed into a “stormwater park” similar to Birmingham’s Railroad Park but smaller in scale. Other proposals include better defining other gateways such as South Alabama Avenue leading into the downtown and planting trees to improve this area. Developing the Vanity Fair Dye House will also enhance Monroeville’s gateways, while providing an economic boost, she adds. 

“This property, although not in the city’s Main Street district, is very accessible to the downtown and offers great options for development of an upscale motel property, rental properties and retail.  The city has entertained several options for this almost 11-acre site.”

Connectivity was also discussed during DesignPlace, connecting neighborhoods with the downtown and neighborhoods to the parks. Monroeville has added sidewalks citywide and continues to do so, Smith notes, with the goal being to connect all of these areas and make them safe for walking, running and biking.  

The annual “To Kill A Mockingbird” play was cancelled in 2020 and returns for limited performances beginning in May. In addition, a new play called “Hiram Becoming Hank” about music that influenced the young Hank Williams, is set for an April 2021 performance.

Monroeville needs more theatrical offerings for its young people and its residents, such as a community theater company, Smith says. A quilt museum and space for rotating exhibits and classes in the downtown was also discussed. 

Lee and Capote continue to be a strong draw, she adds.  The Old Monroe County Courthouse, home to the Monroe County Heritage Museum, was named a National Historic Landmark on January 13, 2021, because it’s the place most associated with Lee. Smith says there has also been discussion about a museum to dedicated to Lee and her writing. Capote and his legacy also offer “additional territory for expansion of local offerings.”   

Article Written by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of DesignAlabama

If in doubt about the need for safer streets, consider this: Traffic is a far greater threat to people walking on city sidewalks than crime. This is the case in many urban areas including Mobile, where efforts are being made to improve these conditions. 

An extensive study was conducted in Mobile to combat these problems. The result is the Street Optimization Plan, created by renowned city planner and urban designer Jeff Speck and Alyson Fletcher, a principal at Boston, Massachusetts-based Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates Inc. Using Google street view, their team studied every block in Mobile’s downtown street grid in order to make the city’s commercial core safer, more livable and economically vibrant.

Among the many proposed solutions are safer pedestrian crossings and improved signals, reduced speed limits, reducing the number of lanes, proper width of lanes, avoiding one-way streets and continuous on-street parking.

“Downtown Mobile has an over-supply of lanes on its streets, too many one-way streets, and streets that are wider than necessary even when the number of lanes is appropriate,” observes Carol Hunter of the Downtown Mobile Alliance, the nonprofit organization that assisted the Street Optimization team in their study. Even before the study began, Speck had visited the city several times because his brother Scott Speck is conductor of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

Discouraging speeding and calming streets so they become part of a walkable environment are also part of the plan, along with converting extra lanes into on-street parking or bike lanes, or both. Also, converting one-way streets to two-way where possible. Replacing traffic lights with four-way stops except on streets with more than 10,000 vehicles a day. And providing crosswalks and signals for pedestrian safety.

“The city converted one block of our widest one-way street a couple of years ago, and the process to convert the remaining blocks is fairly far along,” explains Hunter. “The other streets mentioned in the plan are being studied and we expect the conversion to begin in the fall.” Replacing unnecessary traffic lights with four-way stops is planned along the same timeline, she adds.

The team’s recent Mobile presentations were unveiled on Zoom. Fletcher said that the kickoff and the final presentations were two of the highest attended public events in the hundreds of meetings Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates has conducted nationwide this past year.

Clearly, Mobile residents are keen on safer streets.

A key project in progress is a joint effort by the city and ALDOT to transform the “ring road” that defines the downtown area. The six-lane highway has been reduced to four lanes and bicycle lanes are being added.

Undergoing significant change is Broad Street, the city’s western edge and the highway that separates downtown from surrounding neighborhoods. This Reconnect Mobile project is rebuilding the roadway, installing sidewalks and bike lanes, adding on-street parking and changing the traffic flow through certain intersections.

Hunter says, “The goal is to create a pedestrian-friendly environment that will encourage high-quality development along what has been a generally moribund stretch of road for many years.”

Cyclists are also working on safer streets in Mobile, including local bike advocate John Blanton who says after years of high incidents of cycling injuries the city is striving to improve its cycling infrastructure and taking other measures to improve cycling and pedestrian safety.

The city has passed the USDOT’s Complete Streets, a guideline for streets designed and operated to enable safe use and support mobility for all users. Additional 3-foot passing signs are being installed, and additional cycling lanes added downtown.

“Off road cycling paths are in the works and more are planned such as the 3 Mile Creek Project and the Crepe Myrtle Trail down by the Bay,” says Blanton. “One of the most noticeable challenges that affect cycling and pedestrian safety are car speeds and distracted driving. Adding more protected bikes lanes where feasible is another need.”

Article Written by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of the Downtown Mobile Alliance

“Architects are late bloomers,” writes architect and urban designer Matthew Frederick in his book, 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School. “Most architects do not hit their professional stride until around age 50.”

Amanda Loper is no late bloomer. She hit her professional stride much earlier and in doing so won a 2021 AIA Young Architects Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.

In 2006, just a year after graduating from Auburn University with degrees in architecture and interior architecture, Loper joined David Baker Architects (DBA) in San Francisco, where she became a senior associate in 2013 and made principal in 2014. After working in the Bay Area for over a decade, in 2016 the Decatur, Alabama native moved to back to her home state and now leads the firm’s Birmingham office, DBA_BHM.

DBA is a progressive architecture firm that describes itself as designing “thoughtful places that allow communities to thrive and that serve as a ‘multiplier of good’ – that is, that enable and support engagement, connection, and other neighborhood benefits.”

In the fertile Black Belt soil of Hale County, Alabama, Auburn University’s internationally renowned Rural Studio took root, driven by a similar call to action. As an alumna of the Rural Studio, it was instilled in Loper that architects should take a greater role in the civic advocacy of their communities, and that both the rich and poor are worthy of good design.

“From a design perspective, I can trace a consistent thread from the Rural Studio to my career at David Baker Architects and would characterize my design approach as a balance between contextual (place-reflective) high design and a healthy dose of pragmatism, with a sprinkling of joy and hand-made imperfections.”

No surprise that involvement in the Rural Studio would lead Loper to David Baker Architects. The firm participates in JUST, a voluntary disclosure tool for organizations to evaluate themselves and optimize their policies that improve social equity and enhance employee engagement. DBA staff is encouraged to be advocates for good design, equitable housing and sustainability within their neighborhoods.

Says Caroline Souza, also a principal at DBA: “Amanda’s insight and vitality broadens our horizons. She is connecting our urban and housing know-how to communities across the country… Not only is she doing amazing work, she’s paving the way for more great things to come.”

Loper works and collaborates on projects of all scales. She is presently collaborating on a community center for Hunters Views, a high-density affordable housing development in San Francisco, and lead a density study for the San Francisco Planning Department.  She specializes in rapid architectural prototyping and works to bring social awareness to issues of housing and density within the urban setting.

In addition to projects of significant scale, she is about to start construction on two modest projects that will have an impact on downtown Birmingham.

“One is the adaptive reuse of one of Birmingham’s oldest buildings into 2,500 square feet of ground floor activating commercial space with six rental units above. The other is a ground up 11-unit development that puts new three-story buildings on the street and alley with an urban courtyard nestled in the middle.”

Though much of her work is large scale, Loper is aware of the potential smaller projects have in contributing to the common good.

“I started talking about ‘small but mighty acts of urbanism’ because I saw the impact our work was making at places like Pepper Place in the Lakeview District of Birmingham. Adding a courtyard, a sheltered bus stop or even a sidewalk extension can make places more vibrant and pedestrian-oriented and when aggregated together, have a meaningful impact.”

These small but mighty acts that benefit Birmingham are clearly satisfying and her husband Brandon is also leaving his mark on Birmingham. A film and commercial director, Brandon was missing his favorite wines and neighborhood wine bars in San Francisco, so he partnered with Trent Stewart to open Golden Age Wine, a wine bar and retail shop in Mountain Brook. The couple has two children, Eleanor, 8, and Liv, 5.

On the professional front, Loper’s main focus right now is connecting with clients, city agencies and communities where the firm’s work and expertise can make a difference.

“I hope in five to 10 years, we are doing work with and in cities here in the Southeast to being well-designed housing to folks of all incomes. We are already working in Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville, and I would like to extend our reach to other growing cities in the region to design equitable, vibrant neighborhoods.”

She would also like to be involved with policy advocacy and pilot projects that explore not only how to preserve affordable housing in southern cities, but how to eliminate barriers to affordable housing.

“Currently, we are constructing a brick-and-mortar Southeastern studio where our current office of four will work. The collaborative space has room to grow so in five to 10 years, I hope we have up to 10 people working there. On the home front, my kids will be in their teen years, so I’m sure they will be keeping me on my toes.”

Article Written By Jessica Armstrong

A well-designed website is essential to the success of a small business, particularly those with little or no brick-and-mortar presence that rely exclusively on online sales. That’s the case with Two Hands Guitar Co. in Fairhope that produces hand-crafted, heirloom-quality acoustic guitars.

Montgomery-based Copperwing designed a website for Two Hands Guitar as part of Copperwing’s Giving Wings Project to help small businesses during the pandemic. The engaging new website launched in January.

Copperwing started the Giving Wings initiative in spring 2020 in response to the strain that the COVID-19 pandemic places on small businesses. Organizations selected for Giving Wings received a newly designed website free of charge.

“The call for entrants went out over social media and immediately brought an overwhelming response,” recalls Brian Key, Copperwing Partner and Director of Client Solutions. “Businesses were asked to explain what products or services they provided and why they should be chosen. There were so many deserving applicants that Copperwing chose three to receive their own website.”

Copperwing and Two Hands are a good match. Each bring a high degree of talent and attention to detail to their fields of creative endeavor. 

“Every guitar that I build is a totally unique, one-of-a-kind instrument which takes 200-250 hours to build, over a four-to-six-month timeframe,” explains Two Hands Guitar owner Joel Teel. “Due to the nature of my products, it’s impossible to market them in a retail environment or to keep a large inventory on hand.”

Although Teel builds a small number of “spec” guitars that are offered for sale after being built, most of his sales are commissioned and built specifically for each client.

“My business can’t be sustained solely through a local market; therefore, my clientele is generated from all across the United States, and potentially through international sales. So, it was imperative to offer a virtual portal for people to learn about me and my guitars.”

The website tells Teel’s story and showcases the quality of Teel’s craftsmanship. A business like his requires an artistically and skillfully planned website. One that will make people feel confident about purchasing a high-end bespoke instrument from someone hundreds, or even thousands of miles away.

What Teel wanted in a website, he got. A website that helps people feel comfortable enough to trust him to build their dream guitar, instill a desire to own a Two Hands Guitar, and finally, explain how to order one.

“As always, we allow the client’s story to lead where the design takes us, and in this case, the story was one of warmth, precision and passion for the arts,” Key explains. “The wood grain used in Two Hands Guitars provided texture and warm color. We used Joel’s, the guitar maker’s, handwritten notes, the shapes of the guitars themselves and visuals from the studio. You feel as though you are visiting his world. We also wanted the user experience to be easy and fluid. There’s a lot of information on the site that is necessary for people looking to have a custom guitar made. However, the motion and visuals keep it from feeling overwhelming.”

Article Written by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Copperwing

Everything and everyone need sprucing up now and then. Even Birmingham’s Innovation Depot, which was recently treated – metaphorically speaking – to a fresh coat of paint. The leading business incubation facility recently partnered with Telegraph Creative to refresh its brand.

And now has a catchy new tagline – “Where Startups Start Up.”

Operating in partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Innovation Depot offers programs that focus on the development of emerging biotechnology/life science, information technology and service businesses.

“We wanted to create more intentionality and cohesion between Innovation Depot’s branding and their incredible programs and services,” explains Seth Griffin, Chief Creative Officer at Telegraph Creative. 

Telegraph Creative assisted with two programs, Vision ID and Voltage, each designed to enhance and invigorate Innovation Depot’s brand. Voltage, which launched Feb. 9, is for entrepreneurs who have an idea for a tech or tech-enabled business. The nine-week program provides support as their idea evolves into a prototype.

Vision ID will be offered beginning this spring. The free, seven-day series of informative and interactive email is designed to explain the terminology and processes involved in launching a startup. 

“The updated look for Vision ID, Voltage and Velocity all work together to convey the consumer value of their programs,” says Griffin. “Vision ID’s purpose is to inspire innovators to solidify their vision. Then they can amplify their idea within Voltage by leveraging the Depot’s collaborative community. In Velocity, they push their idea forward into a scalable prototype. Likewise, there’s a visual progression that weaves through the program marks to show that they function as a growth track.”

Telegraph Creative also created a full internal brand kit to use as a communications playbook, Griffin adds, to help ensure messaging consistency and bring to life how the Depot is an innovation magnet for entrepreneurs.

“Innovation Depot’s community is one of its most attractive assets, so we wanted the branding to inspire entrepreneurs to continue investing in each other’s success and build momentum together,” Griffin continues. “They recently launched a new app for their community, and in the coming months you’ll see this energizing messaging executed by way of signage and a new website as well.

The Depot’s new website was created by Birmingham-based Kinetic Communications. Telegraph Creative worked with Kinetic to align the new website with the new branding, says Griffin, as well as to introduce creative interactions that enhance user experience for the page.

“We focused on ensuring Innovation Depot’s logo effectively communicated their focus on innovation and supporting energized entrepreneurs. That drove the creative direction for the brand. We introduced new collateral materials as well, including business cards, letterheads, outerwear and more. We are excited to continue to partner with The Depot on their main building’s interior, introducing digital tech for new, innovative experiences.”

Brit Blalock, the Depot’s Director of Marketing, says the partnership with Telegraph Creative was a successful one. The collaboration helped Innovation Depot translate its vision into an exciting and engaging visual identity.

“Innovation Depot has been an integral economic development force in Birmingham for decades,” says CEO Drew Honeycutt, “but we felt that it was time to give the brand an update to keep the look fresh and modern to align with the forward-thinking nature of our programs and services.”

Article Written by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Telegraph Creative and Innovation Depot

First came the artist atelier in mid-19^th century Paris. Then SoHo’s Cast Iron District in the 1950s-70s. In 2021, loft living is practically synonymous with Birmingham thanks to its many conversions of industrial and commercial space.

Among Birmingham’s latest conversions is the Thomas Building on Second Avenue North. The project was completed by Nequette Architecture and Design in 2018 and the firm moved into the building that year. In renovating the downtown building to house its studio, Nequette took on two roles as both client and designer.

The three-story commercial building was originally the William S. Brown Mercantile Building, a dry goods and grocery store built in 1905 by the building’s namesake, who served in the 10th Alabama Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. More recently the building was the longtime location of Harold’s Furniture.

“We converted the first three stories into a mixed-use building featuring retail spaces on the ground floor with garage parking behind,” explains Nequette’s Interior Design Team Leader Sarah Jelks. “The upper two stories were renovated into 10 large residential lofts, two of which can be used as small business offices. Nequette Architecture and Design’s office crowns the top of the historic building, creating a fourth floor with 360-degree views of the central business district of Birmingham.”

Building the new office space above the three-story building was not part of the initial plan. Not until the design team ventured to the rooftop and saw the “incredible potential” to maximize the views, Jelks adds. Large window galleries also frame sweeping views of the city.

The firm wanted to be invested in the downtown community and contribute to its urban revitalization. The move reflects Nequette’s commitment to “practicing what they preach” about community design, urban planning and redevelopment of mixed-use buildings

Making the old new again was fundamental to the design process. Original materials were reused for hardwood flooring. The original freight elevator grates were converted into steel railing components. And the desks the company now uses were constructed using refinished old-growth joists.

“Timeless new architectural elements in rich tones provide a striking contrast to the timeworn patina of the structure’s exposed brick,” Jelks explains. “Building with quality, time-tested, and natural materials allows the building to age gracefully over time. The enduring building finishes follow a black-and-white color palette. It’s also very English, and the building and the city it sits in originate from English precedence.”

A primary design objective was to add to the energy of the neighborhood with daytime and evening commercial activities, complemented by the large, modern loft apartments. Another objective was to respect of the heritage of the street and the building. Though located in an area experiencing robust transformation, the intent is that the building and its relation to the street appear as if minimal changes have occurred over the years.

Says Jelks, “No other downtown street combines small-scale historical buildings, residential living, thriving eateries and beautiful street trees like Second Avenue North.

Article Written by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Nequette Architecture and Design

Quite literally, alleys have long taken a backseat to other parts of town. These often-underused narrow spaces between and behind buildings are now being “activated” for public use. Efforts are under way to transform Merchant Alley in downtown Athens into a vibrant and functional space.

The Merchant Alley Revitalization Project will improve an alleyway located in the heart of town and turn it into additional space for outdoor dining, music performances and a place for people to relax, socialize and enjoy the use of free Wi-Fi in the downtown, which is known as The Square.  The alley connects North Jefferson Street with public parking on Market and Madison streets.

Athens Main Street plans to create a series of murals that tell the story of Athens and expand its identity. A committee is in the early stages of creating a theme for the murals and getting input from the community.  Featuring the work of a state muralist, Alabama artists and local students is also being considered.

Hardscape walking surfaces will be replaced with a lively pedestrian corridor that connects the municipal parking lot to the center of downtown as a way to encourage people to interact and spend more time downtown. Landscaping and seating will also invite people to linger and enjoy this small public space.

The design phase and the construction phase are taking place concurrently and the project is expected to be completed by early summer 2021. The side of the building where murals will be displayed was power washed to determine if the surface is viable for painting or if panels should be used, says Tere Richardson, executive director of Athens Main Street.

Merchants Alley is owned by Derrick Young, owner of U.G. White Mercantile, which since 1917 has been an economic anchor in the downtown. Young is a longtime supporter of downtown revitalization and growth, and is working with a team on the project, which is made possible through public/private partnerships.

Two historic buildings make up either side of the alley, and Richardson says Young plans to lease the southside building to Athens Main Street for a nominal fee. U.G. White Mercantile occupies the building, along with an Italian restaurant. The northside building was built in 1920 and has been used for a variety of businesses over the years. Athens Main Street occupies part of the building.

Richardson describes downtown Athens as “the heart and soul of our city and county” and the improved Merchants Alley will undoubtedly be a popular new amenity. The Merchants Alley Revitalization Project is one of several projects in recent years aimed at enhancing the downtown.

“Our courthouse was recently renovated and we have undertaken a marvelous streetscape project that improved walkability, ADA compliance, calmed traffic and restored historic looking light posts,” Richardson explains. “We have also instituted outdoor dining all around the Square to encourage dining out safely during the Covid crisis.”

Article Written by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Athens Main Street