At its April meetings, Birmingham’s Design Review Committee approved the next phase of the Lakeview Marina development, signage plans, and portions of two new construction projects.

The multiuse courtyard at Lakeview Marina will also serve as an outdoor music space for acts who draw smaller crowds, a sized space the Birmingham music scene is lacking.

The Lakeview Marina courtyard will feature a stage, food truck parking, children’s play area, covered dining, and permanent airstreams to provide drinks and food during events. The area will also support smaller events. The courtyard will feature permeable, crushed stone paving and synthetic turf and brick in the food pavilion. A wire mesh fence with native vines and three entry / exit gates will be installed along the courtyard’s perimeter. The landscaping will also feature smaller shade trees and planters.

Signage

The committee approved two full-campus signage plans for the Parkway East YMCA renovation and a newly purchased block of buildings at the former AirGas complex in the northwest portion of Downtown Birmingham. Each of these projects include a variety of signage, from channel letters and lighted pole signs to murals.

During the signage discussions for these two districts, as well as the signage portion of the new construction in Five Points West, the committee requested and made clarification on specific signage regulations in the districts.

Currently, signage guidelines throughout the city are not consistent. For example, two of these districts do not restrict pole signs and one allows for monument signs. Another district does not have signage guidelines and relies on the ruling of the committee.

New Developments

Five Points West and the Phelan Park neighborhood of Five Points South will see new construction projects. Jack’s is in the process of constructing a new restaurant near the upcoming FunPlex development near Birmingham Crossplex. Slated to open near the end of 2025, the committee asked the Jack’s team to return with some additional designs that consider how the exterior of the building will relate to both the neighborhood architecture and the new FunPlex so the area will have a more cohesive look.

A group of alumni of UAB came before the DRC with plans for a new, off-campus Muslim prayer center in Phelan Park. Walking distance from campus, the center will be available to students and residents in the area. The site is on the edge of the neighborhood historic district and will feature a two story, painted brick building. Due to the location’s dual site lines (residential bungalows and brick office buildings), the committee requested a work session with the project architect to discuss how the façade of the new building can bridge the different architectural styles of the area.

After the Agenda

The City of Birmingham will be celebrating National Historic Preservation Month in May with a month-long series of events. The observance will include walking tours through historic districts, and real estate and easement information sessions. Most events are expected to be held at Sloss Furnace National Historic Landmark at noon unless otherwise noted. More information is available at the city’s website.

April Committee Decisions by Neighborhood

Twice a month, the city of Birmingham’s Design Review Committee considers plans to alter structures that fall within one of the city’s many historic and commercial revitalization districts. This column recaps the DRC meetings April 9 and 23, 2025 with projects grouped by type and location.

Downtown – Northwest

Signage – Darragh, 1300 Seventh Avenue North – The committee approved as presented with the condition the pole sign cannot intrude into the right of way.

Five Points South – Phelan Park

New Construction – Off Campus Student Center, 1531 13th Avenue South – The committee gave conceptual approval on the massing and site plan and requested a work session with the property owner and architect before returning for final approval on the building design.

Five Points West

New Construction – Jack’s, 2451 Crossplex Boulevard – The committee approved with conditions to remove the reader boards from the monument signs and to return to the committee for final approval of exterior designs that are more in line with the neighborhood and the new Funplex under construction.

Lakeview

Exterior Renovation – Lakeview Marina, 524 32nd Street South – The committee approved as presented with the understanding that the signage package will return once it is complete.

Parkway East

Signage – YMCA, 628 Red Lane Road – The committee approved as presented with a wall sign becoming a mural. The vote included one recusal.

Decisions of the DRC, as noted in the application process, are final. Applicants are responsible for carrying out the plans as presented and approved. Any deviations from the approved plans cannot be undertaken without a return to the committee for approval.