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 June 24, 2015.
Commercial Projects
Five Points South
During construction of the Homewood Suites hotel (1016 20th Street S., the former Five Points Music Hall), efforts were made to preserve the historic building façade as required by the Design Review Committee. However, in the process of demolition, the contractor determined the façade itself was superficial rather than structural, providing no secure way for it to be saved. Extensive documentation was done on the façade and work has begun to recreate the element. The committee and the contractor believed the façade was constructed of limestone, but it turned out to be decorative concrete.
Status: Demolition retroactively approved, plans for reconstruction to return
Lakeview
Representatives for Babalu (2808 Seventh Avenue S.) presented plans for enhancements to the existing patio. The owner wants to install a system for additional awnings and enclosures to allow for year-round use and protection from the weather. The system would retract an awning from underneath the existing awnings on the building. The committee expressed concerns about adding new elements to an already visually busy area. There were also questions about the mechanism itself and how it would attach to the building. The committee requested more information and detailed plans for the project.
Status: Carried Over
Material and landscape plans for the new apartment building (Seventh Avenue & 29th Street S.) were brought to the committee. The exterior will consist of brick, Hardieboard and glass. The corners will have prominent entrances and bronze storefronts. The red, variegated brick will be complemented with red Hardiepanels and red, white and gray stucco panels. Perforated metal will be installed on the balcony rails and the residential windows will be framed in a gray putty aluminum. A brief discussion of the landscaping began, but it was quickly determined the committee needed more information that what was being presented.
Status: Approved materials; landscaping to return
Signage Projects
Birmingham Green
We Have Donuts (112 20th Street N.) is a pop-up shop setting up in the alcove and vestibule of the old Birmingham Savings and Trust building. The owners requested permission for a temporary banner for the duration of their 180-day lease, which is an extension of the existing permissible time of 90 days. The committee approved only 90 days and required them to return to renew for the second 90 days.
Status: Approved, one recusal
Lakeview
Brian’s Flooring (2928 Sixth Avenue S.) has planned a branding of the building that includes channel letters mounted to the building on two areas on the second floor façade. The committee discussed potential line-of-sight issues with the existing canopies and felt the potential locations needed clarification.
Status: Carried over
The Iron City Lofts project’s (2719 Fourth Avenue S.) signage plan was brought to the committee. There will be channel letters with lighting in the package, including two horizontal signs, one vertical and one that will wrap the building, as well as cut out panels.
Status: Approved
Midtown
The Master Signage Plan for the upcoming retail/residential development (300 20th Street S.) was brought to the committee. Signage will include raceway letters, small projecting signs on the columns, blade signs for building branding, floating box signs and parking/directional signage. There will be four retail tenants in the building, each with their own signs.
Status: Approved, with changes