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Downtown Birmingham’s skyline is about to get a revitalization of a turn-of-the-20th century, 14-story neo-gothic style building known as the Commerce Center, notes Dave Branch, project manager of Fifth Dimension Architecture & Interiors. The Birmingham firm was chosen to turn this abandoned historic structure on First Avenue North into a 96-room luxury Hilton hotel.

The project is in design development, with construction to begin this summer. Rhaglan Hospitality, who recently redeveloped the historic Redmont Hotel, purchased the building last November and was awarded a $5 million historic tax credit.

It was constructed in 1902 with a concrete and steel frame with brick and terra-cotta cladding. The building was first the original location for the Birmingham Ledger and then served as Protective Life Insurance headquarters. In the 1970s it housed the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Both the original building and a 1928 renovation — which transformed it into the building it is today – were designed by the former architectural firm of Warren, Knight and Davis.

When it was the Birmingham Ledger, large plate-glass windows gave the public a view of the printing presses. Several of these windows still exist, along with areas where the public could view the newspapers being printed, notes Branch.

In addition to its three above-ground floors, the building had a two-level basement. Its foundations and columns were designed to allow for up to nine more floors to be erected above, says Branch, who notes that in 1928 there were 11 floors plus a penthouse.

“One of the greatest challenges in documenting a building of this size and age with no documentation available was to develop a strategy to accurately and efficiently prepare a set of drawings that the design team could use to start the process of design,” he explains.

“The team at Fifth Dimension utilized a combination of both laser scanning and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to develop a fully comprehensive 3D model, which in turn allowed for the creation of existing floor plans, and exterior and interior elevations.”

When the model was field-verified with the existing condition, both were within inches of matching each other, Branch adds.

This design technology allowed Fifth Dimension to quickly respond and work with the historic consultant on preparing a timely application to the state Historic Commission & National Park Service for the historic tax credits. The documentation contained in the application allowed both state and federal entities to have a precise understanding of the proposed design intent.

“The proposed design for the building will radically change the interior layouts, which in turn must incorporate the historical interior elements that are scattered throughout the building,” Branch continues.

Included in the new design is a large and open main lobby space which will restore the former large window openings to allow for abundant natural lighting. Luxury guest rooms and suites, meeting spaces, a business center and fitness center, along with a sky bar and restaurant located on the 14th floor will be part of the new hotel.

“The single greatest challenge will be in developing the design of the proposed new spaces within the context of keeping the historic elements that are required to be preserved and restored,” Branch observes. “Intricate plaster work, trim, millwork, paintings, and marble floor and wainscoting detailing are required as part of the historic tax credits to be incorporated into the project design to meld both old and new elements for a seamless transition.”

Another challenge, Branch says, will be to coordinate the upgrading and installation of new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. He points out that BIM technology allows the project team to provide a comprehensive and fully coordinated set of drawings to the contractor.

Image 1- The building has had two former lives, first as the original location for the Birmingham Ledger, and in 1928 the headquarters of Protective Life Insurance. In the late 1970s it housed the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Image 2- Ornate details that are found throughout the building include light fixtures, elaborate ceilings and curved gothic windows. The proposed design will radically change the interior layouts, but will retain many historical interior elements.

Image 3 -A close-up of the elaborate plaster work on the executive floor elevator lobby ceiling. The project, which will transform the building into a boutique luxury hotel, is in design development. Construction begins summer 2018.

Image 4 -The original building had three stories with two basement levels. Eleven stories and a penthouse were added in 1928, along with changes to the exterior façade. Both the original building and the 1928 renovation were designed by the former architectural firm of Warren, Knight and Davis.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of REV Birmingham

 

 

 

Vulcan – the 50-ton statue of the Roman god of fire and metals – has overlooked Birmingham from atop Red Mountain since the 1930s. Thanks to the newly opened Kiwanis Centennial Park at Vulcan Park and Museum, the statue cast from local iron in 1904 is now more accessible to visitors.

The north side of Vulcan Park now features a new plaza, fountain and steps leading up to the Vulcan that connects the iconic statue to downtown Birmingham. The park also includes the Kiwanis Vulcan Trail, a two-mile walking and biking trail that is the heart of the planned 750-mile Red Rock Trail System.

This $5.8 million project is the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham’s gift to the city in honor of its 100th anniversary in 2017.

Also part of Kiwanis Centennial Park is a multi-colored light show that will be projected on the Vulcan nightly. This third phase of the project is expected to be completed later this year.

Landscape architect Joel Eliason, a principal at Nimrod Long & Associates in Birmingham, says a large, monumental staircase removed during a renovation nearly 50 years ago was replaced. The original 1930s, WPA-built steps were made of stone and the new ones of concrete.

“The new staircase is our interpretation of the original and is almost in the exact location,” says Eliason.

Nimrod Long & Associates also made improvements to the terrace, and added lighting and new landscaping. Native plants such as azaleas and grasses were used to create a more natural setting. Eliason said smaller trees (and not many) were planted because of the importance in maintaining the views of the Vulcan and keeping the area open.

Also part of the Kiwanis Centennial Park project was to expose a seam of iron ore on the mountain. There are educational materials about the local iron ore adjacent to the seam.

“The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham is the largest in the world and they helped create Vulcan Park in the 1930s,” notes Vulcan Park’s President and CEO Darlene Negrotto.

“The park was only accessible by automobile and now it’s accessible for pedestrians and bicyclers. He (Vulcan) is now more visible and we now have a more welcoming entrance.”

Image 1- This rendered site plan of Kiwanis Centennial Park prepared by Nimrod Long & Associates in Birmingham. The $5.8 million project is a gift to the community from the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham in celebration of its 100th anniversary.

Image 2- Nimrod Long and Associates rebuilt the staircase that was removed during a 1970s renovation. The terrace was also improved and lighting was added.

Image 3- The new Kiwanis Centennial Park improved the north side of Vulcan Park, which now features a new plaza, fountain and steps leading up to the Vulcan that connects the iconic statue to downtown Birmingham.

Image 4- In addition to the rebuilt staircase and improved terrace, the Kiwanis Centennial Park project also includes a multi-colored light show that will be projected on the Vulcan statue nightly. This third and final phase is expected to be completed later this year.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Billy Brown Photography/Rendering Courtesy of Nimrod Long & Associates

 

As the third largest municipality in Morgan County, Priceville is part of the Decatur Metropolitan Area and the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area, the second fastest growing region in Alabama. This prime location makes Priceville ideally positioned to kick off new design and planning initiatives.

DesignPlace is doing just that – helping to guide Priceville in a new direction by providing design, planning and community identity assistance. DesignPlace, a program started by DesignAlabama last year, brings a team of experts into a community to show how quality of life increases when the design arts are put into action.

As part of the program, DesignAlabama brought professional consultants to Priceville last November to gather information and create a preliminary “blueprint” based on input from local residents and community leaders. The team’s report will be presented at a follow-up public meeting scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. March 29 in the Priceville Municipal Building.

Councilman Joe Lubisco says he was encouraged by the “fantastic turnout” at the first meeting and expects even greater attendance March 29. He points to several factors that make Priceville ideal for change, including its crossroads location, amenities already in place, a higher-than-average median household, and a commercial corridor that is “ripe for redevelopment.” Another advantage is the amount of land available to be developed through public and private partnerships.

A number of ideas have been expressed and among those topping the list is the downtown. To bring more amenities downtown and redevelop it as a town center where people can live, work and play. Lubisco notes that Priceville offers the best of both worlds – a small, hometown atmosphere and an easy commute to Huntsville.

Says Joey Hester, director of Planning and Economic Development at North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments: “What I see is the work created by the DesignAlabama team through the new DesignPlace initiative serving as the catalyst for a fresh approach to planning and development going forward in Priceville. This will only enhance the great quality of life already enjoyed by residents.”

DesignPlace, he adds, will positively influence new retail, office, institutional, recreational and residential development through careful planning.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had anything like this in terms of community involvement,” Lubisco adds. “If you can get the community involved, then the community thrives.”

Image 1: DesignPlace, a program started by DesignAlabama last year, brings together experts to assist the participating city with design, planning and community identity. Priceville is currently participating in the program, which is open to Alabama communities that have participated in the DesignAlabama Mayors Design Summit.

Image 2: More than 150 residents turned out for this first meeting to discuss a new direction for their town. Community leaders expect an even greater turnout at the next meeting scheduled for March 29 in the Priceville Municipal Building.

Image 3: An initial DesignPlace meeting was held last November to gain input from residents and community leaders. Two young attendees at that meeting study their town map.

Image 4: DesignPlace is looking at ways improve the quality of life in Priceville, a community near Huntsville and Decatur that already has a lot going for it. A popular idea is to create a town center that will provide residents a place to work, live and play.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Joe Lubisco, the Town of Priceville and DesignAlabama.

 

 

Kennebec is a new residential community on Lake Martin offering idyllic waterfront homesites. Buyers are also offered the opportunity to have their home designed for the site by a top regional architect following guidelines created by Birmingham-based Nequette Architecture and Design.

Located on the south side of Lake Martin adjacent to a 74-acre land reserve, buyers at Kennebec receive a style guide to help direct the design of their home. The guide is not intended to limit creativity, but inspire it. Rather than dictating a specific architectural style, it leaves the plan open to be customized to fit the property owner’s individual design tastes and needs.

Design elements that integrate into the landscape include lower pitched roofs that suggest horizontality, large expanses of glass, lakeside porches and balconies, and exposed structural details such as beams, brackets and columns.

Also called for in the style guide is the use of native and natural materials in a neutral color palette. Homes are also to be designed as a collection of structures connected with courtyards and breezeways. In addition, the guide calls for outdoor living spaces that seamlessly connect to indoor rooms.

“There won’t be any pre-designed homes or floor plans, and we have a list of approved architects to custom design the homes,” explains Vince Lombardo, a graduate architect at Nequette who was involved with the design guidelines. “We offer rough ideas for styles that have a low cottage feel to preserve the natural environment.”

Kennebec is a partnership of Alabama Power, Nequette Architecture and Design and Daniel Communities, a community development company based in Vestavia Hills.

In addition, Kennebec is the manifestation of the LakeTown concept that was the brainchild of this partnership, which also includes Derick Belden of FRED Communication by Design in Birmingham.

The aim of the LakeTown model is to create a lakeside community that centers not on the lake as simply a weekend destination, but with added permanence and an essential part of daily life. A concept inspired, notes Belden, by iconic waterside locations such as those on Lake Michigan and Nantucket Island, as well as Seaside, Florida renowned for its New Urbanist design.

Image 1- The Kennebec site map is plotted to include 41 homesites, each with a waterfront view. The design team led by Birmingham-based Nequette Architecture and Design has selected several architects from Alabama and other southern states to design the homes.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Image Courtesy of Nequette Architecture and Design

For a coastal community, public beachfront is among its most valuable assets in terms of community identity and economic activity. That’s true for Gulf Shores, whose public beachfront area at the end of Highway 59 and Beach Boulevard is being revitalized.

Gulf Shores has developed a master plan for redevelopment of the beachfront area known as Gulf Place. Gulf Place Revitalization calls for developing the public beach area into a safe, accessible and family-friendly destination that serves various activities and acts as the vehicle for economic development.

The time to revitalize this important section of Gulf Shores has certainly come.

“This is the only comprehensive beachfront revitalization project to take place in Gulf Shores over the last 50 plus years,” says Andy Bauer, director of planning and zoning for Gulf Shores.

Atlanta-based TSW Planners Architects Landscape Architects is designing the revitalization project. Phase I was completed in June of 2017. This portion of the project totals at $4.5 million and includes enhanced and expanded parking, a 20- foot wide beach boardwalk, and new seating and shade structures. Additionally, this first phase includes renovated public restrooms, extensive coastal landscaping and a new beach safety headquarters.

Phase 2 construction is now underway and is slated for completion in April. This portion of the project totals at $4.67 million and includes another 20-foot wide beach boardwalk, children’s playground, more seating and shade structures and a large green space for public events. This phase also includes improved pedestrian access, improved traffic flow, drop-off locations and environmentally friendly lighting.

The $4 million Highway 182 Roadway (Beach Boulevard) improvements are also part of the project and should be completed by fall 2018.

This public beachfront area is about a half mile, but only part of it is accessible. The revitalization project will expand the entire half-mile beachfront that is separated by Highway 182. Sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways and crosswalks and handicapped accessibility are also part of the Gulf Place Revitalization.

Improving connectivity between the beachfront and the downtown area is another important part of the plan. Bryan Bays, director of landscape architecture with TSW, said the master plan is designed to “bring more of the beach to the downtown.”

Sustainable and low-impact development strategies are also a major component of the project, including storm-water management and reuse. Beach dune restoration will be incorporated into the design to provide habitat and protection from storm surge.

Image 1: Public access and pedestrian safety are critical to the economic success of the Gulf Shores area. In an effort to activate, revitalize and efficiently manage this important community resource, the City has developed a master plan for the redevelopment of the beachfront known as “Gulf Place.”

Image 2: For the first time in more than 50 years, the city of Gulf Shores is implementing a revitalization of its beachfront that is designed to transform the beach into a more welcoming environment for locals and tourists.

Image 3: Phase 1 of the Gulf Shores revitalization project is completed, which includes the west side. Phase 2, the middle section, is expected to be finished in April, and Phase 3, the east side, is scheduled to be completed in April 2019.

Image 4: An important part of the Gulf Place Revitalization project is to create a better connection between the downtown and beachfront. Improvements include a public boardwalk, public green space, walking paths, shade structures, restrooms and attractive landscaping.

Image 5: The beachfront property under renovation offers a variety of activities and is home to festivals and sports events. In addition, this area provides access to dining, shopping and other tourism-supported businesses.

*Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of The City of Gulf Shores and  TSW Planners Architects Landscape Architects

 

The City of Dothan unwittingly chose Jan. 16 for its first meeting to get input from residents about improving the Highway 84 East Corridor. A winter storm swept through Dothan that night, yet remarkably nearly 100 citizens showed up eager to start brainstorming a master plan for the corridor.

Lead project consultant, Houston, Texas-based Design Workshop Inc., conducted a “values” workshop to garner the likes and dislikes that participants expressed for the Highway 84 East Corridor. This busy corridor connects three major activity points – the downtown and two major medical campuses. Improving the aesthetics of the area and providing better connectivity among these major activity nodes topped the citizens’ list of concerns.

“No. 1 was improving visual appearance, with citizens saying that the corridor is not pretty,” says Dothan’s long-range planner Bob Wilkerson. “There was also a very high response for mixed-use development, and for more restaurants and retail downtown.”

Citizens also want Highway 84 more pedestrian and bike friendly with additional pedestrian crossings. They also voiced a desire for downtown residential housing and more natural elements – a “greening” of the corridor.

Another workshop is tentatively scheduled for March 6 called “Corridor Visioning.” This next workshop will build on the ideas and concerns expressed by the citizens at the January meeting. Additional workshops will be held as the development of the master plan progresses.

The pros and cons of the Highway 84 corridor were also identified last year at DesignAlabama’s 11th annual Mayor’s Design Summit. Steve Stone of dakinstreet architects in Mobile was the design professional paired with Dothan.

“The Highway 84 corridor serves as a great artery to shuttle people to the medical campus, but it also cuts the downtown in two,” Stone observes. “One thought was to use traffic-calming methods to slow traffic down intentionally, but that sometimes proves difficult on state or federal roads.”

Stone says revitalizing its downtown was Dothan’s primary focus at the 2017 Mayor’s Design Summit.

“There is a need to provide more public-private partnerships to inject both businesses and residents back to the core, which has been decimated over the past decades. This includes wayfinding and promotion to try to steer passers-through to actually come into the core instead of driving around it on the ring road.”

Another issue brought up at the Mayor’s Design Summit was how to connect Dothan’s extensive recreation network. “They have a large Forever Wild area nearby,” adds Stone, “along with a burgeoning youth sports industry.”

Image 1: Residents braved a winter storm Jan. 16 to attend the first meeting held by the City of Dothan to get input about making improvements to Dothan’s Highway East Corridor. Despite the weather, nearly 100 citizens showed up eager to brainstorm a master plan for the corridor.

Image 2: Lead project consultant, Design Workshop Inc., conducted a “values” workshop to determine what residents like and dislike about the Highway 84 East Corridor, which connects three major activity points – the downtown and two major medical campuses.

Image 3: At this first meeting, citizens expressed the desire for improving the visual appearance of the Highway 84 Corridor. They also want mixed-use development and a master plan that calls for making the corridor more pedestrian and bike friendly.

Article Written By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of the City of Dothan (please note that images may appear different in different browsers or on different devices)

Alabama is known for many things – from college football to the birthplace of the civil rights movement. Its abundance of architecturally diverse historic buildings may be less known, but becoming more apparent with the work of Montgomery architectural portraitist Melissa B. Tubbs, who uses pen and ink to capture the beauty and rich detail of Alabama buildings.

An exhibit called “Celebration & Preservation: Drawing Alabama’s Architectural History” contains 25 of her pen and ink drawings of architecturally significant buildings throughout the state. The exhibit, which coincides with Alabama’s bicentennial, is in Gadsden until Feb. 23 and will travel to several more Alabama communities.

The exhibit has two objectives: expose viewers to Alabama’s diverse architecture and make them aware of the arduous process of pen and ink drawing.

Tubbs recalls that she thought, “It’s no fun to draw these if I can’t show them.”

With that in mind, she set out to raise money for the exhibit which got easier once she was backed by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission. She divided the state in five sections and then selected five buildings from each section.

The exhibit is organized chronologically starting with Ivy Green, Helen Keller’s birthplace built in 1820 and ends with the Goat House, a 1997 project by Auburn University’s Rural Studio.

Some are well known like the Monroe County Courthouse immortalized in “To Kill a Mockingbird” and others known only in their immediate vicinity. The buildings represent many styles from Georgian and Victorian Gothic to Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern.

Because Alabama has so many worthy older buildings, limiting her selection to 25 was difficult and she managed not to duplicate building types.

“I’d see a great church and think ‘you already have a church’ or ‘you already have a courthouse.’”
Tubbs uses a Nikon D50 with an extra long zoom lens. She takes several photographs of the overall subject, along with detailed photographs at different exposures to record areas of sunlight and shadow.
Snapping pictures for more than 20 years, people have suggested that she show her photos as well as her drawings. But Tubbs says her photos are “a tool and not the end product.”

Once she is ready to draw, a basic design is sketched on paper with a graphite pencil. Concentrating on one small section at a time, she builds up layers of ink and depth through a combination of hatched and crosshatched marks until the subject is defined. She then reinforces overall shadow patterns to pull the individual areas together into a unified drawing.

“In black and white you are working strictly with values,” explains Tubbs, who stays busy with continual commissions. “Because we see in color, we have to work at looking at black and white.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in visual design from Auburn University, Tubbs began a career in commercial design. She has won awards and her drawings have appeared in many publications and exhibitions from Montgomery to New York.

A 32-page catalog accompanying the exhibition includes images of the drawings and information about each building. The catalog is for sale at the exhibits and online at her Etsy shop. The drawings in the exhibit are also for sale and several have sold so far. Buyers just have to wait to take possession until the traveling exhibition is over.

“Celebration & Preservation: Drawing Alabama’s Architectural History” schedule:

• Through Feb. 23, 2018: Gadsden Museum of Art , Gadsden
• May 4 – 25, 2018: Cultural Arts Center, Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa
• June 4 – 29, 2018: Danielle Juzan Gallery, Mobile Arts Council, Mobile
• October – November 2018: Johnson Center for the Arts, Troy
• January – March 2019: The Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery, Alabama State Council on the Arts, Montgomery
• June 2019: Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, Tennessee Valley Art Association, Tuscumbia

*Dates are not yet finalized at later locations.

Image 1: This is one of 25 pen and ink drawings by Melissa Tubbs that is part of the exhibition, the circa 1904 Eufaula Carnegie Public Library, Eufaula, Barbour County, Alabama. Style: Italianate. Dimension: 6 5/8″ x 9 5/8″.

Image 2: Pen and ink by Melissa Tubbs of the circa 1930 Golden Eagle Syrup Co., Inc., Fayette, Fayette County, Alabama. Style: Early Twentieth Century Commercial. Dimension: 6″ x 11″. This drawing is also in the exhibition.

Image 3: Tubbs’ pen and ink of the courthouse immortalized in “To Kill a Mockingbird” is in the exhibition – the 1903 Old Monroe County Courthouse, in Monroeville, Monroe County, Alabama. Style: Eclecticism. Dimensions: 10″ x 6 15/16″.

Image 4: Also included in the exhibition is this pen and ink by Melissa Tubbs of the circa 1935 Ritz Theater, Greenville, Butler County, Alabama. Style: Art Deco. Dimensions: 9″ x 6″.

 

 

Article Written By Jessica Armstrong & Images Courtesy of Melissa Tubbs (please note that images may appear different in different browsers or on different devices)

 

Advancement in the design arts requires not only creativity, skill and determination but also money. So, the Alabama State Council on the Arts awards $5,000 through its Design Fellowship. Giving financial assistance to artists who work in architecture, fashion design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, landscape architecture, as well as urban design and planning.

Applicants specify how the cash award will be used and provide samples of work completed within the last five years. Applications are submitted electronically. Work samples, resume and supporting materials are mailed and must be received within three days after the March 1 online application deadline. Applicants must be legal residents of Alabama for at least two years before the application deadline.

The ASCA Design Fellowship is meant to advance the artist’s career and that’s what happened for past recipient Jerry Johnson, a professor of design at Troy University. Johnson is also principal and art director of Sienna Cloud Solutions, which provides art and design consultation and services for print and web.

“With my eclectic and busy schedule, this grant allowed me to reduce my extraneous, paid client work for a season,” explains Johnson, who, thanks to the fellowship was able to focus on completing digital design pieces and exhibit them at various venues.

The work will ultimately appear in his upcoming book, The Joyous Exchange: The Art of Collaboration. These design pieces are illuminations that will illustrate the book’s meditations, written by Diane Orlofsky, professor of music and director of choirs at Troy University.

“About half of the grant funds were used on materials, printing and equipment for immediate presentation of this expanding body in exhibit form,” Johnson continues. “The other half is being used to assist with production costs for the first-run of the book which I am still designing—but very close to completing.”

Johnson and Orlofsky are producing a prototype, first-edition of the book before they pitch it to publishing sources. The book, he says, will not only be an example of their co-creation process, but serve as a primer for others interested in the co-designing process.

At the onset of the grant project, Johnson completed about 13 illuminations. As a result of the grant and the grant period, he has the completed 27 primary illuminations that correspond with Orlofsky’s meditations. About 24 to 27 illuminations will be included in the book.

“This ASCA fellowship did nothing but propel me into a greater exploration and understanding of collaboration in design,” says Johnson. “No doubt, without this fellowship my progress in bringing this body of work into fruition would either not materialized or would have been greatly delayed. Focus—that is what this fellowship offered me and I took advantage of it.”

Image 1: Johnson with a copy of The Joyous Exchange: The Art of Collaboration, which has one of his illuminations on the cover.

Image 2: “Grief Expressed,” a triptych-illumination created by Jerry Johnson, professor of design and Troy University and a past recipient of the ASCA Design Fellowship.

Image 3: A single “illumination” created by Johnson, who, along with teaching at Troy University, is principal and art director of Sienna Cloud Solutions, which provides art and design consultation and services for print and web.

Image 4: Johnson’s triptych-illuminations that will appear in his upcoming book, The Joyous Exchange: The Art of Collaboration. His illuminations will illustrate the book – a collaborative effort with a Troy University colleague.

Image 5: A detail in one of Johnson’s triptychs that are designed to complement the meditations in The Joyous Exchange: The Art of Collaboration. The design fellowship allowed Johnson to focus on this book project.

Article By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Jerry Johnson (please note that images may appear different in different browsers or on different devices)

A mixed-use development named after its address – 127 Holmes – is being planned in one of downtown Huntsville’s premier locations.

The new development is within walking distance of the Madison County Courthouse, the Von Braun Civic Center, the Regions Building and a concentration of restaurants and retail businesses. Directly across is The Avenue, which consists of 197 loft apartments and 21,000 square feet of ground floor retail space.

Scheduled to open summer 2018, the total building area is 25,578 square feet and will consist of three restaurants on the ground floor, two floors of office space above one of the restaurants, and outdoor terraces and bars above the other two.

Two of the restaurants bring new food concepts to the area – Retaggio, an Italian restaurant and the other yet to be named. The third is a Moe’s BBQ franchise, the first of its type downtown.

“The design of the new building will be more in keeping with the urban context of the surrounding area,” explains Design Director Robert Mercer of Chapman Sisson Architects in Huntsville, the firm designing 127 Holmes. “The design approach was to create a place where people would want to spend time, either for entertainment or business purposes.”

Mercer notes that currently there are few food/entertainment establishments that provide outdoor seating. “This one fills that need with two bars that open to outdoor entertainment terraces on both the north and south sides of the building.”

City Scapes, a building that occupied the site, has been demolished. Mercer says it had no architectural significance, and was a low, one-story office building with a shingle roof that did not address the downtown street.

“So many positive changes are happening in downtown Huntsville, and this project was designed to contribute to the energy that is growing within the City core,” Mercer adds.

“The design focused on two main issues, creating a building that addressed the street and contributed to the urban fabric of the area, and also to have fun with the architecture and respect the historical look of the downtown area at the same time.”

Image 1- A new mixed-used development called 127 Holmes is set to open in summer 2018 in one of downtown Huntsville’s choicest locations. The new development will consist of three restaurants on the ground floor, two floors of office space above one of the restaurants, and outdoor terraces and bars above the other two.

Image 2- The design of 127 Holmes will be in keeping with the urban context its surrounding area, explains Design Director Robert Mercer of Chapman Sisson Architects in Huntsville, the firm designing the project. The design approach is to create a place where people would want to spend time, either for entertainment or business purposes.

*Article by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Chapman Sisson Architects

A new brewery is coming to Birmingham to anchor the Sloss Docks redevelopment project. Back Forty Beer Company will operate in a former warehouse adapted for reuse by principals Matthew Finley and Judson Brown of BILT in Alabama architecture firm, who have designed other Birmingham breweries.

“One thing that will set this project apart from the other breweries in town is the inclusion of a full kitchen,” notes Finley. “The interior will be rustic/industrial. The existing concrete floors will remain, steel trusses will be exposed and the concrete roof will be exposed.”

In addition, overhead doors will replace with glass doors to allow in light. Interior features include rustic farm tables to promote group seating and murals that will reflect the brewery’s branding.

“We’re accentuating the existing bones of the building – which is almost all cast-in-place concrete – to maintain its industrial character,” Brown adds.

Macknally Land Design is developing the courtyard and parking. Terraced steps leading from the loading dock outdoor dining area to the lawn will provide a spot for listening to bands, drinking beer and socializing. The courtyard/beer garden is part of the overall master plan being designed and developed for Sloss Docks by Macknally.

“The Back Forty beer garden will have great views of Sloss furnaces and be a great destination for train watching,” observes Callan Childs, director of design and marketing for Sloss Real Estate Company. “It will have both lawn and hardscape surfaces for dining and play, a future outdoor bar and live entertainment venue.”

As the anchor retail development in Sloss Docks, Back Forty Beer Company will help spur economic growth in an area prime for development, she adds.

“We are changing the use of this building from a traditional warehouse to a destination that brings people to it – a destination that gets people excited. Breweries have served as catalysts in several Birmingham neighborhoods already… As Birmingham continues to grow, connecting these developing parts of our city is important, by car, bike and foot.”

Image 1- The Back Forty Beer Company will test new beers only available on site and distributed locally. The renovated warehouse will have an urban feel with its back bar open to the brewery. The kitchen’s wood-fired oven will allow customers to watch the brewers and chefs at work.

Image 2- This warehouse was used by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and sat vacant before plans began to transform it into a brewery and restaurant. The design retains the integrity of the original building.

Image 3- A view of Sloss Docks looking toward the Sloss furnaces, which opened in 1882. The site is designated a National Historic Landmark and opened as a museum in 1983.

*Article by Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of BILT in Alabama and Sloss Real Estate Company