15 metro Birmingham projects that could be game-changers in 2021
Even with the uncertainty and obstacles that emerged during 2020, it was a banner year for major projects in the Magic City.
The future of several prominent properties – from Century Plaza to the former Carraway and Trinity Medical Center hospital campuses – came into focus as the subject of multimillion-dollar redevelopments. That’s in addition to a wealth of projects taking shape in the Parkside district and elsewhere downtown.
Those projects and numerous others mean there will be no shortage of catalytic projects to watch in 2021.
As they rise around the region, many of these developments are likely to spark property sales and subsequent redevelopments nearby.
Here’s a look at 15 projects to watch in 2021 that could shape the local commercial real estate scene.
Protective Stadium/BJCC renovation
The long-awaited project at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex will bring a new stadium to downtown Birmingham in the fall, followed by a renovated Legacy Arena. Both projects will open the doors to new events the region hasn’t recently been able to host. It has already paid dividends, with Alabama’s high school football championships and the NCAA Basketball Tournament each announcing plans to return to the Magic City.
Signature's big plan
Signature Homes closed on a large swathe of vacant land for a new development at 2101 Alabama 150 that would include more than 2,500 homes and 600,000 square feet of commercial space on the currently unincorporated acreage. It's a long-term project that could shape the local residential scene for years to come – particularly as a lack of inventory continues to be one of the top driving factors in the market.
Fourth Avenue Forward
Fourth Avenue Forward is a new revitalization program that looks to boost the iconic Black commercial district by using the National Main Street’s four-point approach to sustained revitalization: organization, design, promotion and economic vitality.
Global Forum
Wayne Reynolds announced plans in late 2019 to create the Global Forum, which aims to leverage the city’s historic legacy of civil rights to create an international gathering place focused on leadership, education, innovation and understanding. The project recently received a $2.9 million federal grant to identify an ideal location in the city – a process that is expected to take about 18 months.
Ramsay McCormack
Ensley District Developers is redeveloping the Ramsay McCormack Building in Ensley, where a new 30,000-square-foot office building will soon rise with Innovation Depot as one of the tenants. It's a long-awaited project that could be a catalyst for even more development in Ensley.
Arbor Terrace
Despite the pandemic, a New York development team announced plans in early 2020 to redevelop the former Trinity Medical Center campus into Arbor Terrace, which will feature space for an office headquarters as well as luxury condominiums and medical office, cafe, retail and restaurant space. An apartment project by Tynes Development could be the first piece of the project to take shape.
The redevelopment of Carraway
The future of the former hospital north of downtown has been speculated about for years, but it could come into clear focus in 2021 as Corporate Realty’s redevelopment plans take shape. The Birmingham firm is planning a $340 million project that will include single-family as well as multifamily residential, hotel, retail, office and entertainment components. The Birmingham City Council approved $13 million in incentives for the project on Dec. 29.
Southtown's redevelopment
The coming year will likely be a big one for the redevelopment of Southtown Court. Demolition was recently put out to bid, and more specifics of what the development would entail could emerge in the new year. The project has already proven to be a significant catalyst for development and deals in Southside.
Urban Supply
Orchestra Partners plans to begin construction on its new Urban Supply development on the western edge of Railroad Park by Good People Brewing Co. in early 2021. The company aims for the development to become a hub for fitness and active lifestyles and also supply Birmingham with the goods and amenities residents need to enjoy a unique urban experience – complementing the company’s planned projects at the former Powell Avenue Steam Plant.
Campus No. 124
Huntsville-based Schrimsher Properties is taking steps to redevelop the former Valley Elementary School in Pelham for “Campus No. 124,” a project that will bring restaurants, entertainment, boutique retail, art studios and office space as well as a craft brewery to the Shelby County suburb.
The 600
The former AT&T City Center has been one of the more high-profile vacancies in Birmingham’s commercial real estate scene. Atlanta developer Tellus Partners, Varden Capital Properties and Buckhaven Construction plan to bring it back to life but not as an office building. Their plan includes 435 luxury apartment and condominium units.
20 Midtown
Construction is ramping up on the long-awaited third building in the development, which brought a Publix to downtown and has been a game-changer. The big thing to watch in 2021 is which tenants sign on for the project, as well as what happens with the former Liberty National building across the street.
Brookwood Village redevelopment
An entity affiliated with Colliers International | Alabama and Arlington Properties is looking to redevelop the mall for a mixed-use project that would include retail, restaurants, office, hotels and a mix of residential options for sale and rent, including 350 high-end apartments anchored by a public green space. The entity currently has the site under contract.
Masonic Temple renovation
Irvin Henderson, president of Henderson & Co. in North Carolina, who is also part of the Ensley District Developers group, along with Carlton Brown, principal at Direct Investment Development in New York City, are working with local partners to redevelop the historic Masonic Temple in the Civil Rights District as a business incubator and office building. It’s a project that could be a catalyst in the district.
Luxury multifamily project across from The Summit
Novare Group and Batson-Cook Development Co. are building a new 286-unit luxury multifamily development by the AT&T Alabama Operations Center at the intersection of U.S. 280 and Interstate 459. It's a project that could be the first step in a major mixed-use project at the site and would add to the area's growth.
Prev
Linear Mode
