The future of the former Hibbett building at 1318 1st Avenue North is set to be the future of office space. Ironvest Partners is leasing build-to-suit space now in Ballast at The Switch, an innovative development intended to be a stabilizer and catalyst for further growth in Birmingham’s innovation district.

The development’s name comes from the ballast stone used to stabilize railroad tracks like those that, more than 100 years ago, ran throughout The Switch. Trains on spurs once snaked through alleys and streets all over the district.

Like its stone namesake, Ballast will also provide a solid foundation – for innovators who are growing their companies.

“Ballast will have no equal in Birmingham when it comes to office space,” said Robert Crook of Ironvest Partners. “The community and opportunity tenants will find here will support the growth of innovative start-ups – and lead to successes that we hope will extend to the whole district, city and beyond.”

Ballast’s floor plan is conducive for many small businesses, with spaces ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 square feet. Each private suite will be built to suit and will include access to four common areas – two indoor and two outdoor common areas. The outdoor amenities include a rooftop deck overlooking the city and a modern private courtyard. The indoor common areas is designed for optimum collaboration with wow factor in mind.

Situated across 14th Street from Innovation Depot, Ballast tenants will also have access to Innovation Depot and its amenities, such as programming and additional meeting spaces.