Things Just Got Real

Over the past year I made 7 trips inside the Pizitz Building photographing every nook and cranny. I have been patiently waiting for my work to go up on the walls. Well this past week, I was on hand as the 62 prints were sorted and hung throughout the building's lobby, 6 floors of apartments and the penthouse conference room (shown above).  This is a first for me and I will admit being very excited and proud!

Another huge thank you to Jules Lagarde, Wisznia's architect, and Bayer Property's Project Manager Tom Walker, for their willingness to make this whole project happen. 

Things Are Looking Up

Oh yesterday I was downtown oohing and aahing over the nearly completed Pizitz Building. The façade that last year was in disrepair and showing years of dirt and grime are now pristine. It made me so happy to see this. The opening is scheduled for early February. I'll be sharing many photos with you inside and out!

Men at Work!

I'd like to take this time to salute the hard working Brasfield and Gorrie crew who have worked tirelessly on the renovation of the Pizitz Building. They work in the cold and Lord knows the summer heat here in Birmingham,. I have visited their construction site photographing since last February and without fail, they were always friendly, polite and allowed me to do my thing. These are the guys that show up day in and day out and are bringing this lovely old building back to life. As a proud wearer of a Brasfield and Gorrie hard hat, I tip mine to all of them!

Historical Abstracts - The Pizitz Building

I confess, this was my favorite stairwell in the entire Pizitz Building. I have no idea how the fabulous color and dark spots came to be, but I'm grateful. I shot this through the railing spindles. Thank you Tom Walker for holding up the awful orange construction extension cord every single time, so I could capture this wonderful wall.



I will be exhibiting my Pizitz prints on Thursday, November 3 from 4:30 - 7:30 at The Henhouse Antiques in English Village. I hope you will stop by, have a look, and say hello!

Pizitz Building Series - Shadows

 Long shadows on a wall, soon to be pristine. I"m grateful for the opportunity to capture the old before the new in this 93 year old treasure.

Historical Abstracts

Since last February, I have been photographing the historic 93 year old Pizitz Department Store building in downtown Birmingham. While of course the architectural details caught my eye, I was drawn to what appeared to be abstract paintings in the stairwells, walls and ceilings throughout the building. This collection I've named Historical Abstracts. I am thrilled to announce that 62 of my abstracts and architectural details will be installed in the common areas of the 6 floors of  apartments as well as the lobby. A very special thank you to Bayer Property's project manager, Tom Walker and Wisznia's architect Jules Lagarde for allowing me access to the building, supporting my work and for selecting my photographs for the beautiful renovation due to open December, 2016.

On Thursday, November 3, I will show my Pizitz Series at the Henhouse Antiques in English Village from 4:30-7:30. I will be joined by Birmingham artist Carrie Pittman with delicious tastings by caterer Vaughan McGeehee. I hope you will stop by!

Men At Work

Sparks are flying down at the Pizitz Building renovation. I see progress every time I go!

The Building Inspectors Showed Up

The Pizitz Building renovation is rolling along and these two are making sure they are up to snuff.

A Vision For Downtown Birmingham

Meet Tom Walker, Bayer Property's Project Manager for the soon to be completed renovation of the historic Pizitz Building. Tom has become my new best friend. Since last February, he has cheerfully and patiently walked me all over that building, floor by floor, by floor,  as I photographed the old before it becomes new again. We both laugh now when as I leave, I always say something like, "Tom, I'm sure I have enough photos, and this will be my last trip." Well, we've played that game 6 times so far, and who knows, I might sweet talk my way inside one more time. A huge thank you to Tom, Bayer Properties and Brasfield & Gorrie for allowing me to document the past history of this over 100 year old treasure in downtown Birmingham.

Birmingham Blue

Wandering around the historic Pizitz Building, now in the home stretch of renovation, I spotted this. I was attracted to the contemporary installation featuring graphic black boxes along with the watery transparent blue color.  The Brasfield & Gorrie guys, well they see vents wrapped in blue plastic. I like my story better.

How I Roll

Those of you who know me well, are chuckling. I'm notorious for hating the tripod and when nobody is looking, the hard hat as well. Actually I took the hat off to get a few ceiling photos and put it right back on! Spent some time at the wonderful old Pizitz Department Store building again last week. Work is moving quickly. I'm almost out of time...

Men at Work

The historic Pizitz Building is coming right along with its wonderful renovation thanks to Bayer Properties and Brasfield & Gorrie. 

Uncovered during the renovation of the historic Pizitz Department Store Building, this clock bearing the LP for founder Louis Pizitz. This clock will be restored to working order and will hang in the newly renovated building. 

Once Upon a Time

 this lovely old column graced the tearoom of the Pizitz Department Store.

Details

As the Pizitz Building undergoes its renovation, there remain some lovely details of this 93 year old building remain. These columns with their remarkable detail are reminders of days gone by when this was a bustling department store. 

Off With the Old

By October,  the mezzanine of the Pizitz Department Store will be transformed into office space. Meanwhile, I"m still enjoying the grunge while I can!

Ghost Eyes?

Or just a temporary construction door at the Pizitz Building?

On Top of the World!

Well maybe not the world, but the top of the Pizitz Building currently undergoing a grand renovationin downtown Birmingham. Our friend Joe, from Brasfield & Gorrie, was patiently waiting for me to take my photos from the rooftop so he could whisk us back down on the construction elevator. He's sitting in what will soon be the rooftop swimming pool for the apartment residents. Stay tuned. I'm going back with Bayer Properties' Tom Walker for some more photos today!

Details of a Renovation II

Today we are back on the mezzanine of the Pizitz Department Store building. The grooves in the flooring are where the rotten wood sub flooring as been ripped up. The actually hardwood flooring is safely stacked in the basement and will be laid again, with a good sanding and staining. That made me very happy. Bayer Properties and Brasfield Gorrie Construction are working their magic!

Details of a Renovation I

Many of you are well aware of my love affair with Birmingham's historic Lyric Theatre. I photographed her for the first time in 2009 and right up until her grand re-opening last month. Well now there's a "new girl" in town and she's been patiently waiting on the corner of 19th Street North and 2nd Avenue for someone to bring her back to life. The Pizitz Department Store was built in 1899 by founder Louis Pizitz and was their flagship store until it closed in 1988. Since then it's stood empty and deteriorating. ( See my photo from 2009 below.) Thanks to Bayer Properties and Brasfield Gorrie Construction, she is on the mend and will be open for business in October of this year.

New plans are for upper floors with apartments with all the amenities, including a roof top pool. On the mezzanine level offices and the ground floor promises to make Birmingham's foodies drool over the Food Hall.

Many thanks to a very patient Tom Walker, Bayer Properties Project Manager,  for the great tour last week. I was proud to don Bradfield and Gorrie's hard hat, safety glasses, lovely neon green mesh vest and glamorous construction boots for the occasion. More photos to come!