Birmingham Rising.

by:  Trent Pickle

Birmingham, affectionately known as the “Magic City,” boomed to metropolis status seemingly over-night.  The city was an economic powerhouse of the south for over seven decades.  The iron ore and steel industries brought jobs and wealth to the area.   It was locally-owned department stores such as Pizitz, Loveman’s, Black’s, as well as, theaters such as the Alabama, Empire, and Majestic that brought people into the city.

The city began to descend rapidly in the 1970’s.  Locally-owned department stores were bought by larger national chains, which closed the doors of down-town stores and relocated them to the suburbs.  The curtains closed permanently in theaters like the Lyric, Majestic, and Empire.  By the 1980’s and 90’s, the city was a no-man’s land after 5pm.  

Then, in the early 2000’s, a small spark was rekindled in the city.  Developers and private citizens began to purchase abandoned buildings and convert them into lofts and apartments. The abandoned City Federal Building, once one of the tallest skyscrapers in the U.S., was one of the first historic buildings converted into condominiums.   Bars like the Metro Bistro and the Wine Loft opened their doors nearby. 

Birmingham began to wake from its thirty year slumber. 

Fast-forward to today and the city continues its awakening.   The 1^st  and 2^nd  Avenues North are home to popular establishments like Rogue Tavern, Pale Eddie’s Pour House, Urban Standard Bistro, and Steel Bar.  One can lose themself for hours browsing through the antiques and collectibles at What’s on 2^nd Antiques.

The Five Points South area of the city also continues to grow.  The area serves up some of the city’s haute cuisine from restaurants like Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega Italian Bistro, and the Veranda.  Dave’s Pub, Black Market Bar, and the recently opened World of Beer are amongst the most popular watering holes. 

The UAB area has also seen an influx of activity in recent years.  Several hotel chains have opened along with more restaurants serving business travelers, students, and employees of the hospital and university.

Even with the tremendous growth Birmingham has seen over recent years, there’s still much to be desired.  “There needs to be more infrastructure – parking isn’t so easy to come by in the city,” states Stephanie Cunningham.  Cunningham also says, “There also needs to be conveniences like pharmacies or a neighborhood market.  It’s inconvenient to have to venture out to the suburbs in order to get groceries or pick up a prescription.”  

Railroad Park, which opened in 2010, has been a magnet of activity for the city.  The 19-acre green space offers fantastic views of the city and provides a venue for recreation, concerts, and cultural events.

The next phase of invigoration for the city includes the construction of Regions Park – the future home of the Birmingham Barons baseball team and the Westin Hotel and Uptown entertainment district, located at the BJCC.  Regions Park is slated to open in time for the Baron’s 2013 season.  Meanwhile, the Westin Hotel opened its doors in February.  Construction on the Uptown entertainment district is on-going and hopes to attract high-end restaurants, bars, and boutiques. 

For more information on Birmingham’s calendar of events, visit www.Birmingham365.org