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!

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.

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.

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.

Façade

I grew up in Birmingham and probably shopped at Pizitz Department Store a zillion times. I never noticed this finely carved mural until Bayer Properties' Tom Walker, pointed out the cleaning process on a recent trip there to photograph. Such a treasure that is being carefully restored.

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!