Twice a month, the city of Birmingham’s Design Review Committee convenes 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 July 26, 2023 and August 9, 2023.

As included in the application process, decisions of the DRC, and applicants are responsible to carry out the plans as presented and approved. Any deviations from the approved plans cannot be undertaken without a return to the committee for approval.

July 26 meeting

Birmingham Green

Signage – 505 20th Street North – A request to update the Financial Center’s Master Signage Plan (MSP) was presented to the committee. First Bank is moving into multiple floors in the building and would like to install internally-lit signage along the top of the building. This signage will include the logo as well as letters. The signage is designed to be viewed from Red Mountain Expressway and does not affect pedestrian views. The committee discussed the space/signage thresholds and what the committee has historically allowed to ensure their decision was consistent with previous decisions.

The committee approved as presented.