Details

One of my favorite downtown buildings is the  John Hand Building. Built in 1912, it was Birmingham's tallest building for one year, till the City Federal Building took that honor. It housed banks until recently and now it's been reborn as a mixed us building featuring downtown condos. The architectural details make it one of Birmingham's finest.

Pizitz From Above

Last week I was lucky to see the progress at The Pizitz. As I crossed over the crosswalk to the parking deck, I spotted this view of the outside eating area for the soon to open Food Hall.

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!

The Building Inspectors Showed Up

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

Birmingham From Above

A few weeks ago, as I was having a look at my city from high atop the Pizitz Building, my camera zeroed in on the rooftop of the Kress Building ( 1896). When I was growing up, Kress was a "five and dime store." I"m happy to see it find new life in downtown! Much more to come.

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!

CDP Theme Day - Upside Down

It's already the first of the month and that means our monthly CDP Theme Day. This month's Upside Down theme almost stumped me but then I discovered this shot of the historic Massey Building in downtown Birmingham that I took years ago. I loved the color only seen by looking straight up.

There are a lot of creative CDP bloggers around the world. Have a look HERE to what they have posted this month.

Watch Your Step

The stair railings in the historic Lyric Theatre won't be showing their age as much when the renovations are done in the fall of 2015. I'll miss the old rust and grunge....a lot.

Fatigue Relief 5 Cents

Last night I was lucky enough to join a group of friends at a renovated downtown loft on 2nd Avenue North. The original brick walls and signage are still in place and I had to pull out my phone and take a few shots. As luck would have it, we heard a wonderful slide presentation by Linda Nelson from the Jefferson County Historical Commission, featuring many of the historic Birmingham landmarks that have been saved, and sadly some that have not.

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.

Still Beautiful After All These Years

 Built in 1925 by Richard Massey, this 10 story building on the corner of 3rd Avenue North and 21st Street is still one of my favorite downtown buildings. Renovated in 1988, it houses attorney offices.

Dusk

The old City Federal Building, Birmingham's first "skyscraper"in 1913, has found a new life as downtown condos. Thankfully, the left the beautiful façade in tact. 

All That Glitters

The late afternoon sun sets the doors and windows of the Harbert Center all aglow!

Harbert Center

2019 Fourth Avenue North

Birmingham AL

Late Night in BIrmingham

 

The Art Deco Watts Building on 20th Street, was built in 1927.  I've always loved it and thought the top looked like a church.

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.

Meet Me Under the Clock at Loveman's

Loveman's Department Store, formally Loveman, Joseph and Loeb, was the premier department store in Birmingham and this wonderful Art Deco clock was a popular meeting place when I was growing up. Thankfully the façade was not destroyed when the McWane Science Center moved in.  I past this last week and loved seeing that the clock we all remember was still keeping good time.

Two Legends

Birminghamians know these two places very well.  City  Federal the first skyscraper in town and John's City Diner, formally John's Restaurant.   We all have fond memories of eating there and their special slaw.

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!

Look Up Birmingham - City Federal Building

Once Birmingham's first skyscraper, the City Federal Building is now some very nice condos. At least they didn't take the wrecking ball to it. I love it at night!

Look Up Birmingham - Massey Building

Built in 1925, the Massey Building in downtown Birmingham building has my favorite columns and lovely detail work... but you have to look up.  I was on Third Avenue N. this week and decided to try and find a new way to look at this wonderful landmark.