Category: Uncategorized

The firing at Fort Sumter was still 14 years away when the Grand Hotel in Point Clear was constructed in 1847. The 40-room hotel overlooking Mobile Bay not only survived the Civil War, but many natural disasters over the years and was recently renovated by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, who also managed previous renovations including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

On the Alabama Historical Commission Register, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is now part of the Marriott’s exclusive Autograph Collection of independent-style properties. The Grand has grown to include 405 guestrooms, all refurbished during this latest award-winning renovation said to be the most extensive in the hotel’s long history.

The property encompasses over 30 acres heavily populated with mature live oak trees and over 400,000 square feet spread across a dozen buildings ranging from 25 to 100 years old, notes Jacquelyn Hart, one of the lead architects/interior designers on the Grand Hotel renovation.

Each building represents a different era of the Grand’s history and was renovated in a style distinct to its era. Outdoor spaces, landscaping and vistas across Mobile Bay tie the buildings together.

The design team was instructed to protect the legacy of the Grand, celebrate its rich history and storied traditions, while at the same time modernize accommodations, venues and amenities to appeal to new generations, Hart adds. Another challenge was to keep the resort in operation during the three-year design and construction process.

The heart of the resort is the main building, encompassing the Grand Central reception desk, the historic Hearth Room with its renowned hexagonal two-story fireplace, Bucky’s Bar & Lounge, The Grand Hall, Oak + Azalea gift shop, the new 1847 Bar and two new restaurant venues.

Guestrooms in the historic Main Building are inspired by the hotel’s early years including its military past. The Bay and Marina House guestrooms provide a contextual mid-century aesthetic with nods to an important nautical history. The Spa Building guest rooms and suites reflect a modern-day Fairhope residence.

“This storied and historic Queen of Southern Resorts,” adds Hart, “has been thoughtfully rejuvenated for generations to come.”

Image 1 – The Grand Hotel’s conference center was part of the most recent renovation of this storied resort that overlooks Mobile Bay. Goodwyn Mills Cawood was careful to retain the Grand’s historic character while updating its many venues and amenities.

Image 2- Like the Southern Roots restaurant, the ambiance of the Grand Hotel’s Bayside Grill also offers mid-century modern ambiance. The Bayside Grill outdoor patio is an ideal spot to enjoy the resort’s exceptional waterfront setting.

Image 3- A focal point of the newly renovated Grand Hotel is the Grand Hall, where visitors can enjoy high tea and other amenities that reflect the resort’s bygone elegance.

Image 4-Described as “chic yet casual,” the Grand’s Southern Roots restaurant features mid-century modern furniture and lighting. Its row of large windows offers panoramic views of the property and the bay.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Goodwyn Mills & Cawood

Not merely a spot for students to hang out between classes, student commons are a fundamental part of campus life and serve many functions. TAG/The Architects Group, Inc. recently completed the new Student Commons Building at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, an independent, parochial, co-educational preparatory school in Mobile.

The two-story, 25,000-square-foot Student Commons will serve as a hub of student activity on the St. Paul’s campus. The new facility includes offices, classrooms, innovations lab, and a kitchen and dining area, which was expanded to accommodate St. Paul’s growing student population.

“It is so rewarding to design a building that the students love,” says David M. Barr, AIA, TAG Principal-In-Charge. “Students have already watched the NCAA Tournaments during their lunch hour and the class of 2019 has enjoyed Senior Grandparents Day and other exciting events in the new building.”

Though, as Barr points out, the new Student Commons is not “all fun and games.” The building also houses an innovations lab and a writing center, which provides space for collaborative learning with advanced technology, and new and improved space for the school’s community service program, counseling services and admissions office.

Expanding the dining area took precedence, says Daniel J. Borcicky, AIA, TAG Principal Architect/Director of Design: “Lunch waves were getting to be very hectic and the need for expansion and upgrades was a priority. The school’s colors of blue and red were also incorporated in the furniture, fixtures and equipment to let the students know that this is their place and to promote school pride.”

St. Paul’s Episcopal School is part of a residential neighborhood and is adjacent to historic Spring Hill College. Because of its location, a design challenge was to maintain the neighborhood feel and minimize disruption during construction.

While most construction was scheduled during the summer, the final phases took place during the fall, which included the school’s football season. Despite this challenge, the work flowed smoothly and credit is given in large part to the efforts of TAG’s Construction Manager Tom Kelly, CM, CFM, LEED AP and the builder, Ben M. Radcliff Contractor, Inc.

 

Image 1- TAG/The Architects Group, Inc. recently completed the new Student Commons Building at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, an independent, parochial, co-educational preparatory school in Mobile. The two-story, 25,000-square-foot Student Commons will serve as a hub of student activity.

Image 2 – The new facility includes offices, classrooms, innovations lab, and a kitchen and dining area, which was expanded to accommodate St. Paul’s growing student population. On the wall in an area designed with seating options is a display devoted to donors who helped make the new Student Commons possible.

Image 3 -Tables in the dining hall are moveable so the school can utilize the space for multiple events such as Grandparent’s Day lunch, student dances and lectures. Its primary use, however, is to serve students meals and is located directly next to the cafeteria.

Image 4 -Various materials were used for the walls and floors, which make for a pleasing and distinctive space. The new facility includes offices, classrooms, innovations lab, and a kitchen and dining areas, which was expanded to accommodate St. Paul’s growing student population.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of TAG Architects

Years before her name was synonymous with the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks worked as a seamstress in downtown Montgomery. A new city park has opened on the site of the former Montgomery Fair department store where Parks worked in the alterations department during the mid-1950s.

Located at 29 Dexter Ave., Lower Dexter Park was designed by Chambless King Architects to be a “playful urban space.” One that replicates the look of the 1940s building with a new façade that serves as the entry to the open-air park and features a limestone paver engraved with a quote from Parks.

“The City of Montgomery took a huge step to invest in this project and enable our team to bring a fresh urban experience to the site, while also respecting and bringing attention to its important history,” explains project manager Mike Show of Chambless King Architects.

The city decided to demolish the building, which was in disrepair and structurally unsound. The award-winning park – along with the replica of the Montgomery Fair department store façade – was created to provide egress for adjacent buildings and is part of the revitalization of the Dexter Avenue area.

Facing Dexter Avenue, the façade was recreated using reclaimed materials from the original building. It is held up with piers and a steel subframe, and the street-level area is open to connect to street activity. Most of the large vitrolite glass tiles were salvaged from the original façade. This pigmented structural glass was commonly used on storefronts during this era. Many of the large glass blocks in the center window were also salvaged.

Window frames were recreated without glazing in order to reduce wind load on the free-standing façade structure and to maximize breeze and light. The deck, designed like observation space, was built with tough, dense garapa hardwood that’s resistant to decay and insects. Native grasses were planted to create movement.

Chambless King Architects won the AIA Alabama 2019 Honorable Mention Award for the 29 Dexter Pocket Park. A juror called the park “a beautiful use of remnant space, transforming it into something useful and attractive with economic means.”

 

 

 

Image 1- Native grasses were planted to create movement and bring a touch of nature to this urban setting. Lower Dexter Park opened in June 2018 and is part of the revitalization of the Dexter Avenue area.

Image 2- The focal point of Lower Dexter Park is a replica of the Montgomery Fair department store façade. Facing Dexter Avenue, the façade was recreated using reclaimed materials from the original building. Salvaged glass block and white and blue vitrolite tiles from the original facade create an eye-catching entry to the public park.

Image 3- The deck, which overlooks neighboring tall buildings in downtown Montgomery, was built with resilient garapa hardwood. The façade/park project was developed to provide egress for adjacent buildings at 25 Dexter Ave., 35 Dexter Ave. and into the ornate historic Kress Building at 39 Dexter.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Chambless King Architects

Opportunities to enjoy the Alabama outdoors just keep getting better and better. Plans are under way to connect three north Alabama counties with the Singing River Trail, a 70-mile trail linking Huntsville, Madison, Decatur and Athens.

A master plan has been drafted which will determine the trail routing, and the trail could eventually wind through all of north Alabama. Public input is encouraged to identify locations to connect to the trail and visit www.singingrivertrail.com to take a survey. Once the master plan is complete, the design and construction will take place over several years.

A meeting was recently held to look at “low hanging fruit” – segments of the route that can be implemented easily and quickly without too much funding or engineering, says Shannon Keith, planning associate with the Durham, N.C.-based Alta Planning & Design. One example of this would be through the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge where there are current trails and roads that would just need an improved surface and signage, continues Keith, who adds that the municipalities along the trail are already helping fund the master plan.

With so much enthusiasm for the trail, it is hoped that the municipalities will remain committed to assisting with funding along the way, Keith points out, and fundraising will also continue through corporate and private donations.

“I think one way the municipalities can continue to support this is to keep the Singing River Trail in mind with their current road surfacing plans in order to facilitate bike lanes. If they can keep the routing in mind as the planners and engineers update their road, sidewalk and greenway plans, we can incorporate the SRT where it makes sense to do so.”

Alta has proposed a bike and pedestrian bridge that would connect the Space and Rocket Center segment with the Redstone Gateway.
“Designing a bridge for that span over Rideout Road could potentially be something a designer could have some fun with. Since this trail runs through rural and urban areas and could change surfaces based off location and use, there is quite a few places where someone could get creative,” observes Keith.

“Greenways are full of stops along the way to include splash pads, farmers markets, eateries, coffee shops, parks, outdoor art displays, historical interpretation locations and anything else that would add to the experience of living and learning in the outdoors would need to be taken into consideration as developers plan and design spaces along the trail route.”

This Native American heritage trail was given the name used by a Yuchi Indian tribe who lived along the Tennessee River and called it the “Singing River” because they believed a woman lived in the river and sang to them.

 

Image 1: Biker riders and hikers will enjoy the greenways along the 70-mile trail that cuts through three counties and four municipalities in north Alabama.

Image 2: A master plan has been drafted which will determine the trail routing of Singing River Trail, which could eventually wind through all of north Alabama. Once the master plan is complete, the design and construction of the trail will take place over several-year period.

Image 3: Input is encouraged in order to identify locations that the public would like connected to the trail. Citizens are also urged to visit www.singingrivertrail.com to take a survey.

Image 4: This Native American heritage trail was given the name used by a Yuchi Indian tribe who lived along the Tennessee River, which they called “Singing River” because they believed a woman lived in the river and sang to them.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Alta Planning  & Design

 

For the past 20 years, Sidewalk Film Festival has brought new independent movies to downtown Birmingham and MovieMaker magazine named it one of the nation’s coolest film festivals. Now the nonprofit Sidewalk is getting a permanent home in Birmingham’s historic theater district.

The new 11,400-square-foot center will be in the basement of the 1920s Pizitz building and includes two 100-seat theaters, lounges, a bar, concession stand, classroom and offices. The $5 million project has been funded through capital campaigns and other fundraising efforts. Davis Architects designed the new cinema and film center and project architect Kurt Funderburg expects it to be completed by the end of July.

“The sight lines are paramount to a theater experience so we excavated a pit, due to the existing floor above, to provide the largest screen possible,” Funderburg explains. “We are isolating the vibration between spaces with a double acoustic partition, which is the elliptical wall around both theaters.”

Funderburg says the excavation of all the material out of the basement has been an obstacle that had to be overcome. All material was hauled out with motorized wheelbarrows through the freight elevator. And the concrete for the theater will be pumped in through the courtyard area. “This is truly a basement,” he adds. “We have exposed the ceiling in the gallery which shows the underside of the food hall above.”

Stewart Perry Company is the general contractor on the project and project manager David Harrison says that ceiling height restrictions in the basement presented challenges. So, it was decided that the best approach to achieve the line-of-sight in the theaters was to excavate down 4 feet into bedrock and then pour back steps leading up to the existing finished floor level, essentially creating a “bowl” in the basement.

“Issues that arose from this plan that had to be designed and constructed around were the removal of such a large quantity of bed rock using only an elevator to get up to street level, in addition to working around existing underground ducts that carry natural spring and storm water through the excavated areas.”

Once complete, the Sidewalk Cinema will complement the rest of the Pizitz Building, providing an entertainment venue along with the existing residential spaces and food hall vendors upstairs, Harrison says. The Pizitz Building offers one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with a rooftop pool, fitness center and event space. Its food hall contains 12 stalls and two full-service restaurants.

 

 

Image 1: This Sidewalk Cinema axon provides a three-dimensional, detailed view of the project, which includes two 100-seat screening rooms.

Image 2: The Sidewalk Cinema bar is an inviting, modern space for refreshments and socializing that offers a pleasant accompaniment to movie watching.

Image 3: The new 11,400-square-foot Sidewalk Cinema and Film Center will make its permanent home in the basement of the Pizitz building in downtown Birmingham. The project includes two 100-seat theaters, lounges, a bar, classroom, offices and a concession counter seen here.

Image 4: Designed by Davis Architects, the plan for the new Sidewalk Cinema and Film Center includes excavating the basement of a circa 1923 building located in Birmingham’s theater district.

Image 5: A look at the renovation work taking place in the basement of the historic Pizitz building. The eight-story 225,000 square-foot building was designed by Harry B. Wheelock and completed in 1923. Bargains were sold in the basement of the former department store.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Davis Architects and Stewart Perry

For 200 years, Alabama’s design arts have masterfully blended utility, place and craft. To showcase this rich history, the Design200 project commemorates great design in Alabama going back to its early statehood days. No better time to recognize 200 examples of great design in Alabama than in 2019 – the state’s bicentennial year.

Design200 includes a photo and short article about each of the 200 selections chosen from various design disciplines – architecture, landscape architecture, graphic design, industrial design and handcrafters, along with engineering and organizations devoted to design.

Beginning in March, Design200 will be available on the DesignAlabama website, https://www.designalabama.org/, with a link to the project.
The idea originated with Cathy Gerachis, board member emeritus of DesignAlabama, which is sponsoring Design200 with its partners. The format, she notes, is similar to the Wall Street Journal’s “50 Best” that appears in the newspaper’s lifestyle section.

“I hope the 200 featured people, places and things – historical or contemporary – will see a surge in interest. If it is a site, I hope folks will go visit. If it is a product, I hope they sell more. If it is a designer, I hope they get hired. Yes, there is a commercial aspect to this list. But above all, it is time to celebrate good design in Alabama and by Alabamians.”

Also involved with the project is Alabama Center for Architecture (ACFA) whose mission is to advance the enjoyment of architecture and design through engagement, education and collaboration. Partnering with DesignAlabama was a natural fit since architecture is a major component of Design200 and the ACFA could share its resources and help identify notable architectural design work in the state, explains architect Joel Blackstock, board member and past president of Alabama Center for Architecture.

“We were working on a vision to publish “100 Buildings in Alabama to See Before You Die,” a promotional piece to celebrate old and new significant works of architecture throughout Alabama. Many of these buildings are already documented and featured in our two books that the ACFA published, Alabama Architecture and Community in Alabama.”

By being exposed to examples of good architectural design in their state, Blackstock hopes Alabamians will gain an understanding of how design enhances quality of life and enriches communities. The ACFA plans to use the architectural component of Design200 in print and digital newsletters to share with its members.

Good design also boosts tourism and the economy. So, another “natural fit” to partner with Design200 is the Alabama Tourism Department.
Design200 offers a look at the progression of design and how it has evolved throughout the state’s history, notes Jo Jo Terry, Alabama Tourism Department’s digital marketing strategist and Gulf Coast regional director. It also serves to educate the public on the beauty of Alabama, not just in nature but its built environment as well, she adds.

The Alabama Tourism Department will post Design200 on https://alabama.travel/ and its social media platforms. If a print version of Design200 is available, Terry says it will be sold in the Alabama Governor’s Mansion gift shop and other gift shops throughout Alabama.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image 1: The logo for Design200, an ambitious project that showcases 200 examples of the finest work in Alabama in architecture and other design disciplines. The project coincides with Alabama’s bicentennial this year.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Image Courtesy of DesignAlabama and Copperwing Design

Whose to say a city crosswalk can’t be both fun and functional? That’s the premise behind the Mulberry Street Crosswalk Enhancement project, a partnership of the Public Art Commission and Long-Range Planning Department of the city of Montgomery and the AARP.

Birmingham graphic designer Chris Hardy created the winning design, which depicts adorable troll-like faces peering out from under floorboards. The Public Art Commission awarded Hardy $750 for his imaginative design.

“We had about 30 designs submitted, many from school children, and all of them were delightful but the Hardy design made the whole selection committee smile,” says Lynda Wool, senior planner in charge of long-range planning for the city of Montgomery. “The graphic enhanced the crosswalk and we also placed pedestrian activated, solar-powered crosswalk signals on both sides of the street adjacent to the crosswalk.”

Completed in early December, the project was paid for by AARP and was a winner of their 2018 Community Challenge grant. The selection committee, made up of city employees and Mulberry district business owners, looked at color usage and what designs could best be executed as part of a street crosswalk.

“With so many wonderful designs, we had to consider what would translate well to being painted on asphalt on a much larger scale,” notes Adena Kramer of the Public Art Commission.

A primary goal was to increase driver awareness of the existing busy crosswalk on Mulberry Street at the Fifth Street intersection. At the same time creating an amusing, attention-getting design to brighten the day of all pedestrians and bicyclists who cross its path.

Mixed-use neighborhoods that bustle with residences, mom-and-pop businesses and a school are along Mulberry Street, which cuts through a “steady, unrelenting stream of traffic,” observes Wool, so safety was a top priority. And because of the school’s proximity, many children use this crosswalk, she notes. The need for safer pedestrian access at street crossings has been voiced frequently by Montgomery citizens at public meetings.

The Mulberry Street Crosswalk Enhancement will be used as a prototype to see how pedestrians and motorists respond to such projects that are designed to encourage walking and create a safe environment for pedestrians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image 1- Pedestrians will find it hard not to smile when crossing Mulberry Street. Delightful creatures gaze up at them as part of the newly completed Mulberry Street Crosswalk Enhancement project, a partnership of the city of Montgomery and the AARP.

Image 2 -In addition to the whimsical, award-winning design painted on the pavement, the Mulberry Street crosswalk is now safer thanks to the installation of two solar-powered pedestrian crossing signals. Thermoplastic may be applied to make the design more durable.

Image 3- Shelton Thornton, far left and Don Howell, far right, are traffic engineers who chalked lines to keep the design straight and rolled the yellow paint on the “boards.” Initial prep work and chalking the lines took about eight hours to complete. Artist Chris Hardy is second from the left. Also seen helping with the project is senior planner Lynda Wool.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of the City of Montgomery

 

Brainstorming ideas and generating solutions is what DesignPlace is all about. DesignPlace, DesignAlabama’s local design and planning initiative, released its findings on how the city of Troy can become an even better place to live, work and visit.

Reimagining Troy, a DesignPlace Report was created by a team of planners, architects, marketing professionals and historians. It is not a plan to be adopted by the city, but is instead a comprehensive guide based on team observations and community input.

In 2017, Troy Mayor Jason Reeves participated in the 11th Annual Philip A. Morris Mayors Design Summit and expressed a desire to promote adaptive reuse of the historic Academy Street School. Though the school became the focus of Troy DesignPlace, the team also addressed other sites and various design issues. Ideas for Academy Street School include a new two-story glass entry space to connect the existing gymnasium and academic buildings. Also convert an agricultural building into a restaurant/café.

The team also looked at making Troy more bike friendly and increase safety and connectivity. Principles of Complete Streets were applied to provide safe access to all users. The city has opened bids for a multiuse path on Park Street, says Melissa Sanders, Troy’s planning and zoning administrator.

Ideas for well-planned growth are also in the report such as Conservation Subdivisions, a way to combat sprawl by preserving green space while increasing density in areas slated for development. Branding was also addressed in the report including the adoption of a new city seal.
Implementing Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper was also recommended, an approach to revitalization that supports the belief that projects do not have to be expensive and labor intensive to be effective. The report also identifies tools needed to implement ideas such as programs, tax credits and grants. Because Troy’s DesignPlace report consists of many projects and recommendations, the team advises a timeline for each stage in the process to make the vision a reality.

“DesignPlace brought some very talented design professionals,” says Sanders, “and the team gave us projects to benefit the city as a whole and an overall vision that can inspire us.”

Image 1 -Community input was vital to the Troy DesignPlace Report, created by a team of planners, architects, marketing professionals and historians. Troy Mayor Jason Reeves participated in the 11th annual Mayors Design Summit, a DesignAlabama program that communities participate in prior to DesignPlace.

Image 2 – Presentation drawings were created by the team to illustrate a variety of ideas for reimagining the city of Troy. The report includes ways to enhance the city, from readapting the historic Academy Street School to improving street safety.

Image 3 – This colorful site plan sketch is one of many ways in which the DesignPlace team presented ideas to the city of Troy in its report.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of DesignAlabama and the City of Troy

One of the first neighborhoods in Birmingham where African Americans were allowed to own property is getting a new lease on life. The Greek Streets Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative is designed to make significant improvements to the historically rich community of North Titusville.

On the project’s development team are Design Initiative, Navigate Affordable Housing and Titusville Development Corporation, founded in 1984 to maintain, revitalize and develop Titusville. Greek Streets is named for a series of streets within the development footprint, Kappa, Omega, Iota and Theta, says architect Marshall Anderson, owner of Design Initiative in Birmingham. Adjacent streets – Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta – are also named after letters in the Greek alphabet.

The project includes several different lot sizes and street conditions, each with their own ‘fabric’ and a series of prototypes have been developed that address the specific conditions and context, Anderson explains. These prototypes include courtyard cottages that orient toward a shared amenity, narrow lot cottages reminiscent of the shotgun house, and one and two-story homes with and without garages for larger lots. The goal is to not only fit appropriately into the neighborhood fabric, but also provide housing choice, he adds.

“We are currently in the process of securing the land for the development, and that may affect project timeline and phasing. Initially, our intent was to build the entire 50-house development within a 24-month time frame. Depending on property acquisition, we are considering building out the development in smaller phases, roughly 16 homes each.”

The revitalization initiative is based on three concepts – housing choice, street improvements and community-centered development. Houses are designed to meet a range of income levels and assistance will be given to new residents who need funding for house repair. The initiative also includes repairing infrastructure such as streets, utilities, open space, pedestrian paths and parks.

Social infrastructure is another important component and enabling all members of the community to participate in the revitalization process. The Titusville Empowerment Community Center will implement the Holistic Community Revitalization program. All of these endeavors are supported by the Titusville Development Corporation. The Greek Streets Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative is indeed a collaborative effort.

Images 1-3:  The revitalization initiative is based on three concepts –housing choice, street improvements and community-centered development. Houses are designed to meet a range of income levels. Housing prototypes include courtyard cottages that orient toward a shared amenity, narrow lot cottages reminiscent of the shotgunhouse, and one and two-story homes with and without garages for larger
lots.

Image 4: The proposed site plan for the revitalization initiative. The development team is in the process of securing the land for the development, which is planned for 50 houses that may be built out in phases at about 16 homes each.

*Article By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Design Initiative 

Property buyers and renters are increasingly attracted to downtown living with its proximity to work and access to amenities. Lakeview Green, a large mixed-used development in downtown Birmingham, will offer both the convenience of urban living along with the beauty and tranquility of a park-like setting.

Designed by CCR Architecture & Interiors in Birmingham, the complex will include a public green space with a pet-friendly park featuring a large koi river and pond crossed by bridges and surrounded with paths lined with benches and shade trees. In addition, a bocce court, fire pits, herb garden, along with a pool and roof terrace for residential tenants only.

Exterior cladding will mirror both the green, blue and wood tones of the site and waterway, along with the more industrial materials prominent in the Lakeview area.

Construction is expected to start at the end of 2018 and take about 17 months to complete. The project is at the corner of Fourth Avenue South and 29th Street South on the site of the historic W.C. Davis School, a two-story brick school built in 1949 for African-American students.

Retail is planned for the first floor with condominiums and apartment on the above four floors. The 38,000 square feet of retail space will be occupied by upscale restaurants and retailers.

The mix-used development is within walking distance of major businesses, hospitals and a number of entertainment venues including Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, the Rotary Trail, Pepper Place Farmer’s Market and several breweries. The project received more than $2.5 million in incentives from the city of Birmingham, which includes a $1.5 million economic development loan.

The placement of the main building along 4th Avenue South was intended to continue the spur of development started by Iron City Lofts. In addition, the vertical orientation allows for a larger green space on the site which can be shared by the public and residents. The common green space provides a place for play, relaxation and interaction with nature within the Lakeview district, similar to Railroad Park but on a smaller scale.

Image 1 –  Lakeview Green, a large residential and retail complex in downtown Birmingham, is set to begin construction in December. Designed by CCR Architecture & Interiors, the project is at the corner of Fourth Avenue South and 29th Street South on the site of the historic W.C. Davis School.

Image 2 – The complex will include a public green space with a pet-friendly park featuring a large koi river and pond with bridges and surrounded by paths lined with benches and shade trees. The common green space will provide a place for play, relaxation and interaction with nature within the Lakeview district.

Image 3 -The mixed-use retail and multi-family development will contain shops, restaurants and other retailers on the first floor with condominiums and apartments on the upper four floors. The main building will consist of roughly 125,000 square feet.

Image 4 – The hope is that the Lakeview Green development will create a bridge between Pepper Place and the main activity center of Lakeview near 29th Street South and Seventh Avenue South.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of CCR Architecture & Interiors