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 August 26, 2015.
Commercial Projects
19th Street North
The Federal Reserve Building (1801 Fifth Avenue N.) façade renovation project returned to the committee. The old building will be restored with everything returning to the 1920s original design. Cast stone columns matching the existing granite will be added to the façade to match historic photos. The windows removed in the 1950s will also be replaced. The annex building’s brick will be repointed, new aluminum windows installed, and a new retail entry will be added to the front of the building. The existing planter will be removed and a small canopy will be installed above the entrance.
Status: Approved
An O’Carr’s restaurant will move in across from the stage entrance of the Alabama Theatre (214, 216 18th Street N.). The two buildings will be connected in the ground floor interior. Three residential units will be added in the units above. The façade will be restored with the appropriate brick, metal, and wood. Garage doors and paint will be added along the alley. The entry doors will be a stained wood. The committee requested the old sign on the third floor exterior wall be sealed and also expressed concerns on painting the brick. The signage will include a logo painted on the wall and a blade sign. The committee asked for the project to return for more detail on signage and lighting, and to reconsider the color palate.
Status: Carried over, one recusal
Birmingham Green
A new high-end retail apparel store, Alchemy, will be opening downtown (217 20th Street N.). Exterior renovation plans consist of painting the first floor wall a matte black. This will complement the interior ceiling and floor.
Status: Approved, two opposed
Lakeview
The former Cabbages & Kings building (620 27th Street S.) is getting an exterior renovation and a new life as Spike’s Leather Bar. The walls will be painted a dark gray. A white Plexiglas sign, illuminated by two goose-neck lights, will be installed on the building.
Status: Approved
Midtown
Third Presbyterian Church (617 22nd Street S.) needs to replace the existing ADA ramp. The new ramp will be longer and will better accommodate funerals. The ramp will also have a maroon canopy to protect parishioners from the weather. The church would also like to remove the existing sign on the corner and replace it with an aluminum sign similar to First Presbyterian’s sign.
Status: Signage, approved; Canopy, carried over, one recusal
Signage Projects
Lakeview
Construction on the Metropolitan Apartments (Seventh Avenue S. at 29th Street S.) is slated to begin, and temporary construction signage plans were presented to the committee. It is expected the construction will last nearly two years. However, the committee can only approve temporary signage for 90 days, so the company will need to return for reapproval.
Status: Approved
Residential Projects
Avondale Park
A residential renovation project (730 39th Place S.) proposing to add vinyl siding and a canvas awning, plus replace the original shutters was presented to the committee. The neighborhood association approved the project at an earlier meeting.
Status: Approved
Five Points South
A new residence to be constructed on a vacant lot adjacent to Cobb Lane (1916 14th Avenue S.) returned to the committee. New elevations were presented to the committee, which better explained the new construction’s context with the neighborhood. It will be a single-family residence. The colors will be in a neutral palate and a brick knee wall will be added in the front.
Status: Approved
Forest Park
An addition project (4336 10th Avenue S.) was presented to the committee. The current aluminum siding will be moved. The exterior color palate will be neutral colors. The neighborhood association previously approved the project.
Status: Approved
Highland Park
A presentation for a porch addition (1501 Milner Crescent) was brought to the committee. The new porch will be in the Arts and Crafts style, which better matches the exterior. The committee questioned the historical context of adding an Arts and Crafts-style porch on a Federal-style building. The Federal-style columns had been added at a later date. The exterior will also be repainted. The neighborhood association previously approved the project.
Status: Approved
Redmont Park
A new construction project (3564 Altamont Road) was brought before the committee. The lot is currently vacant and the plans include building a two-story residence. The construction drawings include a parking pad and garage in the front, unpainted brick exterior, taupe plank siding or cedar shake and a shingle roof. A height variance will be needed due to the steepness of the lot. The neighborhood association vote was tied. All agreed that the design generally conforms to the local guidelines, but they expressed concerns about the driveway.
Status: Approved
A residential project (2930 Berwick Road) replacing siding, windows, and the front door was presented to the committee. The neighborhood association approved the majority of the project, with the exception of the proposed shutters. The shutters will be revisited at a later date.
Status: Approved
Another residential project (2828 Berwick Road) presented plans for a retaining wall and new landscaping. The landscape is planned to hide the wall. The neighborhood association previously approved the project, with a few minor requests. One committee member expressed that he had received many emails on concerns regarding what is and is not visible from the street.
Status: Approved, one against