Twice a month, the city of Birmingham’s Design Review Committee convenes at the Auburn Urban Studio 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 July 8, 2015.
Commercial Projects
Clairmont Avenue
Representatives of the new apartment construction (3420 Clairmont Avenue) brought samples of materials being used on the new building. A light gray base will accent red brick exterior walls. A landscape bed will be planted at the base as well.
Status: Approved
Cultural District
The BJCC has purchased four properties near the complex. One has been vacant for over 10 years. Another had a church that recently vacated the building. Three of the locations will be seeded for grass, and the former AME church location will become a parking lot addition.
Status: Approved
Highland Park
The older building at the Greek Orthodox Church (3101 Clairmont Avenue) was again struck by a vehicle. The planned repairs will match the new building and the icon will be removed from the old building and reinstalled on the new building’s façade. The neighborhood previously approved the project with the conditions that the rest of the building be painted and the landscaping be extended to cover the bollards being installed to protect the building in the future.
Status: Approved
Wylam
The Wylam neighborhood is getting a new library (4300 Seventh Avenue, Wylam). This will replace the existing library in the commercial district in Wylam. There will be parking in the rear to accommodate additional usage as the new building will be three times as large as the old library. A back covered patio will be available to neighborhood users during the evening. The exterior is designed to blend this new building with the existing neighborhood. There was some concern about screening the neighboring salvage yard. The architect was instructed to return with plans for the fence.
Status: Approved
Signage Projects
Lakeview
Hufham Farris Construction purchased a Lakeview building (3000 Fourth Avenue South) for their millwork and construction company. The building will be cleaned up, front door replaced and a decorative wood-clad wall will hold the new signage.
Status: Approved
Brian’s Flooring (2928 Sixth Avenue South) returned to present the updated plans for branding the building, including channel letters mounted to the building on two areas on the second floor façade. The committee’s line-of-sight issues were addressed.
Status: Approved