Twice a month, the city of Birmingham’s Design Review Committee convenes to discuss plans to make alterations to structures that fall within one of the city’s many historic and commercial revitalization districts. This column summarizes recent DRC activity, with projects grouped by type and location. This edition of Design Review recaps the DRC meeting from Oct. 8, 2014.
Commercial Projects
Ensley
At the previous meeting, plans were presented for demolition of four buildings (401-409 19th Street, Ensley) in downtown Ensley. The vacant properties were ordered demolished by court order. The committee approved the demolition of the building immediately adjacent to Gilmer Drugs but requested alternative site plans before approving the rest. If the deal to build a new office building on the site falls through, a fenced in green space – looking very much like a scaled-down version of Linn Park – will occupy the site. However, the site will not be classified as a park so the option to build remains open. The committee reminded the city that, if the green space option has to be implemented, they should aggressively work towards a new contract to build and the site should not remain a green space for an extended period of time. It was also noted the new design will need to be approved by the committee and a work session has been requested. The neighborhood representative also expressed concerns about potential delays between demolition and development.
Status: Approved the demolition of the rest of the block.
Five Points South
Plans for an addition to the rear of the Makarios restaurant building (940 29th Street South) returned to the committee. The signage portion of the project included replacing the faces of the existing signs, removing all temporary signs and centering the signage to the roofline. The addition, a plywood structure to accommodate kitchen expansion and a handicapped accessible bathroom, will have a metal roof to match the main structure.
Status: Approved.
The patio work at The Veranda (2220 Highland Avenue South) was halted by the city. Originally a simple roof repair, the damage to the patio roof turned out to be more extensive. The railings were replaced, a tree removed, the chimney raised, a monument sign installed and a pergola added without obtaining the necessary approvals from the city. The committee specifically requested the upper railing be painted to match the building and the non-cedar elements of the pergola be stained.
Status: Approved, with signage approved via email.
Lakeview
The Swann Building, home to Birmingham AIDS Outreach (205 32nd Street South), has an attached covered stairwell to the basement. The stairwell is leaking and is also pulling the non-structural façade off of the building. The plan is to cut the wall and add a fabric canopy to cover the stairwell. After discussion, the committee asked for the project to return with detailed drawings for the awning’s attachment and placement.
Status: Approved, demolition only.
In order to reduce the construction costs of the upcoming Iron City Lofts project (2719 4th Avenue South), a new all-wood construction, three-story plus ground level design was proposed to the committee. The leasing office will engage the corner, which differs from the previous design. The brick façade will include cement board painted panels and bronze storefronts. After much discussion, the suggestion was made for a work session between the committee and the architect to incorporate the needs and concerns of all involved.
Status: Tabled pending a work session.
Midtown
Exterior renovations at Good People Brewing Company (14 14th Street South) are planned to begin soon. From patio space to entrance improvements, visitors will see a number of improvements at the brewery. Planters will be installed as well as entry doors and awnings. There will be awnings supported by a steel structure over the new patio. They are working with the civil engineers regarding building into existing parking spaces.
Status: Approved, with signage, paint color and awning attachment information to return.
Signage Projects
Midtown
The new owners of Cityville (2021 First Avenue South) are planning a rebrand of the building as Station 121. The project appeared before the committee to address canopy issues and revising the master signage plan. The exterior EIFS color will changed once needed repairs are made. The metal canopies will be changed to dark blue awnings, which will accommodate space for retail tenant signage. A new Station 121 sign will replace the existing Cityville. The plan for a single monument sign for one retail tenant will return to the committee.
Status: Approved, with one recusal.
Residential Projects
Forest Park
A second story addition is planned for a Forest Park residence (3840 11th Avenue South). The neighborhood approved the project, which will not be readily visible from the road due to the terrain – a hill visually disguises the addition. The existing color palate will be repeated on the addition and the committee included the requirement to completely repaint the entire structure as part of the motion for approval.
Status: Approved, with one recusal.
Red Mountain Park
A residential project in the Red Mountain Park neighborhood (3341 Altamont Road) was presented to the committee. A new residence is tentatively planned for a currently vacant lot. Appleseed Workshop is in the process of purchasing the property to build a contemporary structure on the site and came before the committee for conceptual approval. The firm’s intention is to make as little impact on the site as possible by leaving the trees on the property, aligning the home to existing setbacks, using the existing driveway and designing with materials that will blend with the surroundings. Committee members expressed concerns over the project as other contemporary designs have not been successful integrating with the area. The neighborhood approved the project.
Status: Approved.