From Ensley to Redmont Park, signage, murals, and demolition projects were the focus of the first Design Review Committee meeting of May.

A demolition project in Ensley kicked off the meeting. Comprised of four attached storefronts, an engineering report demonstrated how the buildings are in extreme disrepair and possibly beyond repair.

The owner of the property explained his concerns for public safety and that there was currently no intended use for the location, although he did not rule out the potential of the site becoming a parking lot and explained he had renderings for that option. He also explained how an asbestos abatement and utility capping had already been completed.

Committee members discussed the proposal in depth and expressed their concerns to the property owner, including salvaging bricks, demolishing historic buildings, whether parking is truly needed by the community, and how responsibility for securing an unsafe site rests with the property owner.

Ultimately, the project was tabled until the applicant can return with a full plan to convert the site to a parking lot, as is required by the committee for demolition projects.

Signage and Renovation Projects

Two signage projects, The James and Jack’s, returned to the committee to review updated plans.

At The James, on the city’s Southside, the signage package had previously been approved, with the exception of one of the street-level signs. The applicant explained the changes and showed how the new sign would relate better to both pedestrian and street traffic.

As for the Jack’s project in the Five Points West area, the team reviewed and updated their designs for the building façades and the monument sign to show a more cohesive look with the neighborhood and the forthcoming Birmingham Fun Center.

The temporary mural along 20th Street South that celebrated the city’s annual St Patrick’s Day Parade is being replaced with a general Five Points South mural. As was the case for the St Patrick’s Day mural, this mural can only be up for 90 days and must return to the committee for any changes or updates at the end of the time period.

The Frank, downtown is getting a new ground floor tenant, Johnin’na restaurant. However, the original Master Signage Plan (MSP) for the building did not include signage options for the Second Avenue North façade and will need to return to the committee with an updated MSP.

Residential

A project in Avondale to renovate an abandoned building into both a residence and office was presented by the owner. The plans include removing a “lean to” structure on the site, adding a second floor, and repairing the existing brick. The residence portion will be on the second floor and will also feature a rooftop terrace.

Residential projects are often heard and ruled on by neighborhood committees prior to appearing before the city’s committee. These projects all included conditions set by the neighborhood committees.

Projects in the Forest Park, Highland Park, and Redmont Park were approved as well.

May 14 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 meeting from May 14, 2025.

Avondale Park

Renovation & Partial Demolition – 3729 Fourth Avenue South – The committee approved as presented.

Downtown / Birmingham Green

Signage – The Frank, 201 20th Street North – With one recusal, the committee tabled the request until the owner of the building updates the Master Signage Plan.

Ensley

Demolition – 109-115 19th Street South – The committee tabled the project until the next meeting with the condition a full site proposal is submitted for consideration.

Five Points South

Mural – 1035 20th Street South – The committee approved as presented with the applicant’s understanding of the 90-day time limits.

Signage – The James, 2230 Highland Avenue South – The committee approved as presented.

Five Points West

Signage and New Construction – Jack’s, 2451 Crossplex Boulevard – The committee approved as presented with the condition the monument sign materials be changed to match the new building materials.

Forest Park

Residential – The committee approved as presented.

Highland Park

Residential – The committee approved as presented with the applicant’s acceptance of the neighborhood committee’s conditions.

Residential – The committee approved as presented with the applicant’s acceptance of the neighborhood committee’s conditions.

Redmont Park

Residential – The committee approved as presented with the applicant’s acceptance of the neighborhood committee’s conditions.

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.