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 for March 12, and 26, 2025 with projects grouped by type and location.

They tried in January and they tried again in March, but one renovator couldn’t get their updated window project approved by either their Norwood neighborhood or Birmingham’s Design Review committee.

The updated plan to install vinyl grids to match the historic character of the original windows had been denied by the neighborhood committee – the first step in getting changes made in historic Birmingham districts. The presenter requested the neighborhood decision be overturned although the window material is currently in violation of the Norwood guidelines.

The committee, which needs a 2/3 majority vote to overturn a neighborhood decision, denied the appeal with one no vote. The committee discussed how often the denied vendor requests forgiveness for violating neighborhood guidelines.

On the other hand, the committee approved updates in Lakeview and downtown Birmingham.

The owner and the architect for Solutions Infusion returned to the committee to present the design plans for the building replacing a recently demolished structure. The building is on a highly visible corner in Lakeview.

The building has been designed to adapt for both future tenants as well as increased pedestrian-friendly development in the Lakeview district. The façades will feature brick and metal panels with stainless steel railing systems along the balcony and the rooftop area.

Two entries are planned, one from the parking lot for employees and a second off the street for future retail expansion. The committee members expressed appreciation to the owner and the architect for acknowledging the importance of the corner as a gateway to the city and the district.

Signage and Façade Improvements

The historic Jemison & Company building on Third Avenue North is getting an entryway update. An additional set of entry doors will be installed flush with the current entry façade. The design reflects the historic nature of the building and will include an eight-lite transom above the double doors. It is a contributing structure to the downtown historic district.

The Innovation Depot is getting an additional sign on the second floor, facing First Avenue North. After their rebranding last year, the Depot has been updating and refreshing the building façade. The signage will consist of a face-lit, channel mounted logo and letters.

Renovators at the James apartment building, currently under construction on Highland Ave., brought a proposal for exterior signage at the first March meeting. The signage package as presented included illuminated signage at three locations along the building with various treatments, including painted, acrylic, and mounted letters. The signage package was considered incomplete as it did not include wayfinding and parking deck plans.

Understanding that conceptual approval was needed, the committee opted to approve the concepts so the builder could get permitted for the signage locations’ electrical needs.

The Master Signage Plan had to return for final approval at the second meeting. Of the three signs with concerns, the main building sign and the retaining wall sign were redesigned and met with the committee’s approval with conditions for the level of illumination on the retaining wall. The entry signage still needs another pass before the committee before approval.

Barber Companies presented a façade, parking lot, and landscape renovation for a property on Sixth Avenue South. Currently vacant, the intent is to renovate the dated façade to attract a new tenant. The refresh will include removing the stone and replacing with stucco, painting, and updating the parking lot.

March Committee Decisions by Neighborhood

Downtown / 21st Street North

Façade Improvements – 2105 Third Avenue North – The committee approved as presented. (3/12)

Downtown / Innovation “The Switch” District

Signage – 2105 Third Avenue North – The committee approved as presented. (3/12)

Five Points South

Signage – The James, 2230 Highland Avenue South – The committee gave conceptual approval, with the condition that full signage and landscaping packages return for approval. (3/12) The committee approved the building and retaining wall signage with the condition the lighting be set between 2,700-3,000 Kelvin and the entry signage will need to return. (3/26)

Lakeview

New Construction – Solutions Infusion, 2700 Fourth Avenue South – The committee approved as presented. (3/12)

Midtown

Façade Improvement – Barber Companies, 2217 Sixth Avenue South – The committee approved as presented with the conditions to add a shade tree along the street that complies with the standards of the district, return with signage once leased, and to conform with the decisions of the city on removing the street parking. (3/26)

Norwood

Residential – The committee denied the appeal, with one nay vote. (3/26)

Decisions of the DRC, as noted in the application process, are final. 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.