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 October 28, 2015.
Due to the holidays, the Design Review Committee will meet once in November and once in December. Regular meetings will resume in 2016.
Commercial Projects
Norwood
Representatives of Lewie’s Appliance (3116 12th Avenue N.) presented a project to construct a pre-fabricated metal carport at their storage facility across the street from the retail business. The carport will be for service and delivery vehicles. After discussion, the committee determined they did not have enough detailed information to make a decision.
Status: Carried over
Signage Projects
Parkway East
A Signage Master Plan was submitted for a strip mall (425 Huffman Road). The newest tenant, Choice Pawn, will be leasing five spaces and plans to cover the storefronts with an LED illuminated awning. The business name will be printed on the awning. A pylon sign at the street will also need to be updated and the tenant requested a square sign rather than the rectangle signage used by existing tenants. The committee agreed to the shape change with the requirement of written approval from the owner. Future tenants will be required to adopt the awning signage style.
Status: Approved
Residential Projects
Forest Park
A new residential project (4408 Overlook Road) was presented to the committee. The design was approved by the Neighborhood Association with the conditions that the area above the garage is changed to brick, the catslide (a steep roof ending close to the ground, often curved) above the entry be removed and a window be added above the door. The homeowner agreed to the conditions.
Status: Approved
Redmont Park
A front walkway, steps and updated landscape plans for a home (3538 Lenox Road) were brought before the committee. The Neighborhood Association had previously approved the updates to the property, which will allow for street access and provide a noticeable entryway to approach the house.
Status: Approved