News
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A cautionary tale: Birmingham's historic losses
Filed Under: Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Historic Preservation
In case you haven’t heard, May is National Historic Preservation Month, as so celebrated for years by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service. Here in Birmingham, a city rich in history and culture, this month-long celebration is not only a reminder to take stock of the historic treasures and charm we currently possess, but a time to mourn those we no longer have.
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10 powerful examples of historic preservation in action
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Historic Preservation, Potential-Proving, Yaysayers
It’s easy to take for granted the historic gems we have here in Birmingham. Many beautiful, story-filled buildings dot the map of our city, their silhouettes adorning our skylines and their façades serving as the vibrant background to our everyday lives downtown. However, without attention, investment and a commitment by our community to prioritize these treasures, our historic buildings and the authentic character they give our city can disappear.
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The "why" behind historic preservation + REV's key tools for making it happen
Filed Under: Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Historic Preservation, Yaysayers
Happy Historic Preservation Month, Birmingham! Every year in May, this special celebration ushers in an exciting flurry of conversation around one of our favorite topics: Saving places. The Magic City is full of historic treasures (especially our charming City Center), and REV is a longtime advocate for preserving and utilizing these spaces. But if you’re just dipping your toes into the waters of this worthy cause, a crash course might first be in order.
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Introducing the six businesses that call Nextec home
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Historic Preservation, Potential-Proving, Why BHM
On the corner of 3rd Avenue and 16th Street North, you’ll find Nextec, a redevelopment of the 90-year-old, 65,000-square-foot Edwards Motor Company building (also formerly known as the Sticks ‘N’ Stuff building). With experience in historic renovation, developer Michael Mouron, chairman of Capstone Real Estate Investments, began this civic project in 2021 as a space for business startups to continue their work in the Magic City – a function encouraged by REV Birmingham.
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Saving Places: Why the Liberty National Building Matters to Birmingham
Filed Under: Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Historic Preservation
The preservation of our urban treasures is a civic mission that requires a commitment from both the public and private sectors. This responsibility extends beyond developers or the city; it encompasses all of us who cherish Birmingham’s authentic character, its heritage, and its stories. Through intentional collaboration, we stand ready to converge whenever opportunities arise. The current buzz surrounding the sale of the Liberty National Building marks a pivotal juncture.
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The Linn Henley Research Library is the best kept secret in Birmingham!
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Front Page
Why should you CHECK OUT the Linn Henley Research Library? From its neoclassical look on the outside to the intricate murals in the reading room, the Linn Henley Research Library is a great place to spend your quiet time or deep dive into some research. Find out more information about the artist who painted the murals, history, and even where to find parking here!
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Cheers to A.G. Gaston Motel restoration! Let’s keep historic preservation rolling in Birmingham
Filed Under: Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Potential-Proving
Birmingham is celebrating the restoration of the A.G. Gaston Motel, a historic landmark in the Civil Rights District. The building’s restoration has been a long time coming, and it’s a gift for Birmingham to have the preserved motel be a place where people can visit and learn. Congratulations to all the people from the City of Birmingham, the federal government and the community who labored to restore this treasure for many more generations to experience and enjoy. So, what building should we work on preserving next, Birmingham? Keep reading to see what REV President & CEO, David Fleming, has to say about the matter!
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The Vanishing Authenticity of Birmingham
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving
Much of the “Birmingham character” that we appreciate and promote today is thanks to the many beautiful historic buildings and homes that still stand. Our concentration of historic structures is unique, and it’s an asset for our entire region’s economic development and growth, as that authenticity attracts people seeking sense of place and quality of life. But how do we ensure that the authenticity doesn’t begin to vanish as we continue to revive these historic structures?
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What do you mean there's no dumpster? 5 adaptive reuse issues you might not think about—but architects do
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page
Birmingham is a city practically made for adaptive reuse projects—and Poole and Company Architects is right in the middle of the fray.
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How developers get the gunk off the coolest parts of historic buildings
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page
So, when a switchyard warehouse is ready for a new life as an industrial office, how does its developer/architect/contractor make sure the most unique original architectural details can shine again? Meet the person who makes it happen.