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 Nov. 19, 2014.
Commercial Projects
21st Street North
The Redmont Hotel (2101 Fifth Avenue North) is currently undergoing a renovation. The plan is at the stage where some of the renovations are affecting the exterior, specifically doors and windows. Plans include replacing a set of narrow double doors currently used as a server’s egress to outdoor patio space, a recessed service door, and windows and doors leading onto the balcony on Fifth Avenue. The egress double doors are to be replaced with a single door made to look like the existing doors. The new service door will also go through the same treatment. Above the service door, the transom will be turned into a louvered fresh air intake for the air conditioning system.
As for the balcony, there are currently two sets of doors and windows the owners wish to change into four sets of doors. The new doors will replicate the existing doors and sidelight windows. Committee members pointed out the old versus new differences in the painting and were assured everything would get a paint treatment. The new owners plan to reopen the Redmont once again as a hotel.
Status: Approved, one opposed.
Highland Park
Prior to presenting the renovation plans for Virginia Samford Theatre’s (1116 26th Street South) new enclosed lobby, the architects (KPS Group) engaged the committee in a work session. Out of this session, it was determined by the architects that the best course of action for the project would be a glass box that would cover the existing entry pavers and also allow the original architecture to remain a focal point of the façade. The committee members expressed concerns about coordinating the entrance doors with the arched doorways, how the structure would attach to the brick exterior, and the glass supports. The interior of the remodel will match the new lobby with the existing décor.
The neighborhood association approved the project. The committee members would like to see a true elevation to show the alignment of the glass and brick once any technological issues are solved. They were amenable to have this circulated via email. The project will return with new signage.
Status: Approved, with one opposed.
Lakeview
A proposal was presented to the committee to demolish a derelict building in Lakeview (700 28th Street South). The building, formerly used as apartments, is in very poor shape and the owner wants to grade and stabilize the site. The rear apartments burned over 15 years ago and, until recently, the majority owner provided little to no upkeep and would not part with the property. The walls are separating from the main structure, termite damage is rampant and asbestos can be found throughout.
The committee asked to see an engineer’s report as these are required for any buildings considered contributing structures in historic districts. There is currently a master plan in development for the Lakeview Business District and inquiries were made as to how the future of this property relates to the plan — the committee does not want to see the site turned into a parking lot.
Status: Carried over for an engineer’s report and the master plan.
Signage Projects
19th Street North
Commercial Projects
21st Street North
The Redmont Hotel (2101 Fifth Avenue North) is currently undergoing a renovation. The plan is at the stage where some of the renovations are affecting the exterior, specifically doors and windows. Plans include replacing a set of narrow double doors currently used as a server’s egress to outdoor patio space, a recessed service door, and windows and doors leading onto the balcony on Fifth Avenue. The egress double doors are to be replaced with a single door made to look like the existing doors. The new service door will also go through the same treatment. Above the service door, the transom will be turned into a louvered fresh air intake for the air conditioning system.
As for the balcony, there are currently two sets of doors and windows the owners wish to change into four sets of doors. The new doors will replicate the existing doors and sidelight windows. Committee members pointed out the old versus new differences in the painting and were assured everything would get a paint treatment. The new owners plan to reopen the Redmont once again as a hotel.
Status: Approved, one opposed.
Highland Park
Prior to presenting the renovation plans for Virginia Samford Theatre’s (1116 26th Street South) new enclosed lobby, the architects (KPS Group) engaged the committee in a work session. Out of this session, it was determined by the architects that the best course of action for the project would be a glass box that would cover the existing entry pavers and also allow the original architecture to remain a focal point of the façade. The committee members expressed concerns about coordinating the entrance doors with the arched doorways, how the structure would attach to the brick exterior, and the glass supports. The interior of the remodel will match the new lobby with the existing décor.
The neighborhood association approved the project. The committee members would like to see a true elevation to show the alignment of the glass and brick once any technological issues are solved. They were amenable to have this circulated via email. The project will return with new signage.
Status: Approved, with one opposed.
Lakeview
A proposal was presented to the committee to demolish a derelict building in Lakeview (700 28th Street South). The building, formerly used as apartments, is in very poor shape and the owner wants to grade and stabilize the site. The rear apartments burned over 15 years ago and, until recently, the majority owner provided little to no upkeep and would not part with the property. The walls are separating from the main structure, termite damage is rampant and asbestos can be found throughout.
The committee asked to see an engineer’s report as these are required for any buildings considered contributing structures in historic districts. There is currently a master plan in development for the Lakeview Business District and inquiries were made as to how the future of this property relates to the plan — the committee does not want to see the site turned into a parking lot.
Status: Carried over for an engineer’s report and the master plan.
Signage Projects
19th Street North
Comments
Post a Comment