BIRMINGHAM, AL | Urban Renaissance & Construction

[bgsrand]

^Agreed...I posted something similar in the building's individual thread. Their website looks like a college class project, wouldn't hold my breath.

[Bamablazer]

Originally Posted by TimCity2000

this proposal certainly came out of nowhere... i'll remain cautiously optimistic:

New $250m skyscraper, The Block, proposed for 2nd Ave N Birmingham



development website:

https://theblock.live/

this would have the tallest occupiable floor in the state (i believe the RSA Tower in mobile, with its spire, would still be taller though)

It's after 3 pm and I have not seen any other Birmingham media outlet even mentioning this project. But I really hope this happens, Birmingham could use a shot in the arm right now.

[Bamablazer]

Originally Posted by Bamablazer

It's after 3 pm and I have not seen any other Birmingham media outlet even mentioning this project. But I really hope this happens, Birmingham could use a shot in the arm right now.

Finally, The Birmingham Business Journal has picked up on the project with a few more pictures not seen before.

[TimCity2000]

definitely glad to see the BBJ writing about it... although i don't have a subscription.

do they say who would fund the project? is it all from that TUF group?

[Nomad9]

This seems like something you’d see in Austin, Nashville, or Miami. Color me skeptical, but would be awesome if this comes to fruition.

[Bamablazer]

Originally Posted by TimCity2000

definitely glad to see the BBJ writing about it... although i don't have a subscription.

do they say who would fund the project? is it all from that TUF group?

Sorry, I do not have a subscription either. BBJ showed only pictures. But according to TUF The Ultimate Fan website, they seem self funded with a lot of athletes and entertainers putting up the money.

[Bamablazer]

Originally Posted by TimCity2000

some random updates:

Protective Stadium (pic captured from the webcam at https://www.protectivestadium.com/):




Ascend:




Lakeview Green:

Students are filling up the Ascend apartments quickly, all they parking spaces
are filled and they have starting using the Pickwick's parking deck.

[MidTenn1]

Originally Posted by Bamablazer

Finally, The Birmingham Business Journal has picked up on the project with a few more pictures not seen before.

I put some of the other renderings from the BBJ on one sheet (to save hosting space). Hope you don't mind.

This would be game changing for Birmingham. Hope it happens.

[bigstick]

That is butt effing ugly, sorry, but this would look totally out of place in Birmingham..

[Bamablazer]

Originally Posted by MidTenn1

I put some of the other renderings from the BBJ on one sheet (to save hosting space). Hope you don't mind.

This would be game changing for Birmingham. Hope it happens.

Thank you! and yes it would be a game changer!!! its located on a very prominent corner.

[tdawg]

I can’t decide if I like the design or not but it would definitely be a game changer for the skyline of Birmingham. It’s a shame that Huntsville can’t build skyscrapers downtown which means that even though it’s soon to become the most populous city in the state it will never look like Birmingham with its dense core and stock of gorgeous old buildings. I was in HSV a lot over the summer as both my parents passed away and I was really surprised by all of the activity and construction in Huntsville’s core. Even my husband commented that he could live there if it wasn’t for the politics.

[Bamablazer]

Originally Posted by tdawg

I can’t decide if I like the design or not but it would definitely be a game changer for the skyline of Birmingham. It’s a shame that Huntsville can’t build skyscrapers downtown which means that even though it’s soon to become the most populous city in the state it will never look like Birmingham with its dense core and stock of gorgeous old buildings. I was in HSV a lot over the summer as both my parents passed away and I was really surprised by all of the activity and construction in Huntsville’s core. Even my husband commented that he could live there if it wasn’t for the politics.

That off center design makes it hard for me to like but if it is built maybe It will grow on me. Besides it would be hard to ignore. So sorry for your loss, one parent is hard can not imagine loosing two.

[ILUVSAT]

Originally Posted by MidTenn1

I put some of the other renderings from the BBJ on one sheet (to save hosting space). Hope you don't mind.

This would be game changing for Birmingham. Hope it happens.

Looks to be a proposed 667' tall (based on the diagram in the upper right corner)! If built to this design, it will definitely have the highest occupied floor in Alabama. However, RSA Battle House Tower, in Mobile, will still be the tallest building in the state by 78'.

[TimCity2000]

Originally Posted by tdawg

I can’t decide if I like the design or not but it would definitely be a game changer for the skyline of Birmingham. It’s a shame that Huntsville can’t build skyscrapers downtown which means that even though it’s soon to become the most populous city in the state it will never look like Birmingham with its dense core and stock of gorgeous old buildings. I was in HSV a lot over the summer as both my parents passed away and I was really surprised by all of the activity and construction in Huntsville’s core. Even my husband commented that he could live there if it wasn’t for the politics.

sorry to hear about your parents. huntsville is my hometown too.

huntsville definitely has a lot going on, but i don't think there's a demand for skyscrapers in the core (i assume you're referring to the geology of downtown preventing skyscrapers being built? i'm not sure how true that actually is). with the bulk of employment at NASA / Redstone / Research Park, i'm not sure you're going to see many tall buildings downtown. there are several projects in the 5-7 story range though.

and yes, most populous city perhaps. most populous metro, not for a long long time. birmingham isn't exactly sitting idle, either, having just completed two 18-story residential buildings.

[TimCity2000]

Originally Posted by Bamablazer

Thank you! and yes it would be a game changer!!! its located on a very prominent corner.

it would definitely give city federal and the heaviest corner some company. although as mentioned i do wonder how such a modern/post-modern design will look next to those neo classical towers.

[bigstick]

Originally Posted by TimCity2000

it would definitely give city federal and the heaviest corner some company. although as mentioned i do wonder how such a modern/post-modern design will look next to those neo classical towers.

Birmingham is NOT a city of height...Bham needs a few more 25-30 floor buildings. This thing is not only horrendous, but would be totally out of place in the small skyline.

[Plasticman]

As far as Birmingham not being a “city of height” 667’ is fairly tall but not overly so. It would fit fine in Birmingham. The design, however, is awful. If you’re trying to do the trendy “box” thing look at something similar to Nashville’s soon to be built fraternal twins 801 and 900 Church St. Those are how it’s done!

[BnaBreaker]

I want to love this proposal (assuming it's even a serious proposal) because I am very, very fond of The Ham and want it to succeed and progress, but at the same time... man... this design is just a train wreck, in my opinion. The architects are trying WAY too hard to be 'abstract.'

[TimCity2000]

for what it's worth, it's clear from the rendering (especially the skyscraper portion) that this is VERY conceptual / schematic.

it would also have to go through the Design Review Committee.

[themaguffin]

That design is just awful. Wow. It looks like someone pasted a few renderings on top of each other and said, "done!"