Inside the Florentine

 

The second floor of the historic Florentine Building was deserted for far too long. The new renovation seems to have preserved the architectural details over the windows and the lovely features coming down the stairs. This space will become an event venue for the city and brings to life another Birmingham treasure. 

Upstairs Downtown

I've been gushing over the fabulous architectural details of the old Florentine Building ( 1926) on 21st Street for 7 years. The upstairs has finally been renovated as a new event venue, for which our city is so gratelful.  There was a grand opening event last night. How wonderful to see the lights on upstairs after so many decades!  I took this shot as I was leaving. Another landmark saved.

Historic

Florentine Building

21 Street North

Good News For Birmngham!

I fell in love with the Florentine Building when I first got serious about photography.  I knew it was a fabulous old treasure and heard that it was due a facelift.  Well five years later..........it's happening!  This week it was announced that this beautiful building,  built in the 1920's,  is going to be renovated. Read all about it right here. I"ll keep you posted on the progress.

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Street Lamps

It's the first day of the month and that means my fellow City Daily Photoblog friends are all posting this month's theme.......Street Lamps.  I immediately thought of these fabulous old lanterns that still hang from one of Birmingham's vintage buildings. The Florentine Building, built around 1925, has some remarkable terra cotta details, and although the upstairs is now vacant, at least it's still standing!

Days Gone By

 Built in 1927, the Florentine Building on 21st Street north downtown, is begging for someone to save her!   There are a  few shops on the ground level,  but the second floor, which was once a ballroom,  is in serious disrepair.  The beautiful terra cotta  architectural details ,  are still intact for the most part due to the fine craftmanship. This lantern is as pretty as those I've seen in Paris.  This building is an historic treasure for the city.  Hopefully investors will save it before it's too late.

The Florentine Building

Built in 1927, this lovely example of Italianate architecture features terra-cotta ornaments and marble columns.  It started out as the Club Florentine and was purchased in 2008 with the hopes of doing some clean-up and finding a new use for the space.  Note the precious cherubs at the top!

Look Up Birmingham II

The Florentine Building on 21 st Street in downtown Birmingham is probably one of the most ornate buildings in the downtown area.  Built in 1928, it is amazingly good condition.  Luckily renovation work is soon to begin.  The green marble columns and intricate detailing make this well worth stopping and having a look up.