Category Archives: A Guide to Architectural Styles

A Guide to Architectural Styles, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Open house

Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes

Celebrating 100 years of the historic Hollywood neighborhood is a tour this Sunday from 1 to 4 PM of four beautifully renovated Hollywood homes. The district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, and is one of the earliest planned communities in the State. Noteworthy for its abundance of Spanish Mission style homes, it mirrored a taste for Hollywood, California glamour, enjoying its greatest popularity from 1915 to 1931.

The Tudor revival style also became popular through 1940, and many examples of this architectural style are found in Hollywood as well. Their distinctive half-timbered exteriors, with exposed wooden framing filled with stucco or brick, create a picturesque and Old-World charm. Together, the two architectural styles create a unique and recognizable neighborhood full of historic and well-maintained homes and gardens.

Purchase tickets HERE or use QR code below

A Guide to Architectural Styles, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham pioneers, BOOK, Exhibition, family history, George Ward, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Southside, The Altamont

Period Costumes and Historic Houses

This past weekend, neighborhood Highland Park residents, Annie Leardine and Elizabeth Sanfelippo as community liaisons and co-chairs, assembled various property owners willing to share their houses, and garnered the support of local realtors as sponsors. Along with Friends of Highland Park – the neighborhood 501c3, the group successfully created a walking tour and porch visits entitled “It’s Nice to have you in Highland Park“.

Don’t miss the two videos below by Jacob delaRosa!
Click on images for links

Video produced by Jacob delaRosa. Check out more of his work at www.jacobdelarosa.com or reach out about collaborations or inquiries at jacob.delarosa.letschat@gmail.com
A woman speaking in a casual setting, wearing a black shirt with a design, with colorful decorations in the background.
A man with a beard and short hair speaks in front of a dark wooden background. Text on the screen identifies him as Bob McKenna, the owner of Clubhouse on Highland.
A woman with gray hair styled in waves, wearing a red cardigan over a black and white patterned blouse, sitting at a table. She appears engaged in conversation and is identified as Marjorie White, Director of the Birmingham Historical Society.
A man wearing glasses and an orange shirt sits outdoors, speaking. He appears engaged and expresses his role as the Executive Director of the Pro Bono Advisory Council.
Listen to neighborhood advocates talk of their appreciation for Highland Park.
Video produced by Jacob delaRosa.

Historical costumes from the period were encouraged and one of the event sponsors, Priscilla LeBerte and her husband Adam, were among those wearing period clothing. In the photos below, Elizabeth is wearing a costume originally made for Mrs. George Ward, but is representing Florence Jordan – the widow of Mortimer Jordan, who built the Jordan house after his death. This 2nd annual event with live music and refreshments highlighted the warmth and charm of this historic neighborhood while inviting guests to explore its architectural treasures.

Two women engage in conversation at an event, one holding a card, with attendees and display boards in the background.
BHS Director Marjorie White
Three people dressed in vintage attire stand in front of a large white historic building with columns and a decorative facade.
Standing in front of the Mortimer Jordan House on Highland Avenue
Two women engaged in conversation at a round table in a light-filled room adorned with framed artwork.
BHS President Wayne Hester withTrustee Linda Nelson
Three people in vintage clothing, two women in white and beige dresses and a man in a vest, stand on the steps of a mansion with intricate door designs.
On the right is Elizabeth Sanfelippo as Mrs. Mortimer Jordan, the builder of the Jordan house
A crowded indoor event with attendees engaging in conversations and exploring displays featuring historical photos, showcasing community participation.
Heritage Hunt participants
Two women and a man dressed in vintage clothing, posing on the steps of a white house with decorative details.
Priscilla (one of event sponsors) & Adam LeBerte stand next to event co-chair, Elizabeth Sanfelippo
A gathering of people inside a historic house, enjoying refreshments and cookies, with a vibrant floral arrangement in the foreground.
Trustees Barbara Shores and Dan Weathers with refreshments at BHS offices
Three women seated and standing at a table displaying various historical books and materials related to the Highland Park neighborhood.
BHS Trustees Katie Tipton, Gerry Waters, and VP Carol Slaughter
All photos courtesy of Jacob delaRosa, http://www.jacobdelarosa.com

Developer Bob McKenna generously opened his doors to showcase the restoration work currently in progress at the historic Warner House, one of the soon to be restored “Three Sisters“. Additionally, tours were offered at the celebrated Brown House, known today as the Clubhouse on Highland, providing insight into the neighborhood’s rich heritage and architectural diversity.

The event saw an impressive turnout, with approximately 350 participants. Sixty-six individuals and groups enthusiastically completed their scavenger hunt known as Highland Heritage Hunts. Each of these participants was rewarded for their efforts with a copy of Birmingham Homes: A Guide to Architectural Styles, which serves as a resource for those interested in the historical and architectural significance of the houses in the area.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of its organizers, as well as the enthusiastic participation of all those who turned out. Many thanks to everyone involved for making this such a memorable occasion!

A happy family consisting of a man holding a young child and a woman beside him, all smiling and posing for a photo. The background shows a room with displays and people.
Co-chair Annie Chester Leardine and her family
A woman wearing a red hat and a black and red outfit stands next to a man in a green shirt. They are posing in front of a display with drawings of architectural styles, including 'Queen Anne' and 'American Four-Square'.
An exhibit of architectural styles was displayed at BHS offices (behind Joseph Bostany and Sheila Chaffin)
A person standing near an exhibit displaying architectural drawings titled 'Architectural Styles of Birmingham Homes' on a white board.
Birmingham Homes: A Guide to Architectural Styles was the scavenger hunt prize, displayed here
A group of people browsing a photo exhibition featuring black and white images displayed on a large panel, with one person studying the photos closely and another standing with a clipboard.
Exhibition of houses in Highland Park as they looked at the turn of the century was displayed at BHS offices on Highland Avenue
All photos by Jacob delaRosa
A woman in a vintage cream dress and large hat holds a parasol, standing in a charming garden setting with guests mingling and various plants around.
Group of people gathered in a lush garden area, discussing amidst various plants and greenery, with a large tree and decorative statues nearby.
A lively outdoor setting with people dining at tables under colorful string lights, while musicians perform in the background. The atmosphere is festive and vibrant.
A man playing the trumpet outside a building, with a smartphone set up nearby and a sign that reads 'HEAR OUT'.
A female musician with glasses and a denim jacket sings into a microphone while seated next to a male guitarist playing an acoustic guitar. They are performing outside a house adorned with pumpkins and greenery.
A woman singing into a microphone while a man plays guitar under a white canopy at an outdoor event, surrounded by greenery.
A Guide to Architectural Styles, Annual Gathering, Architecture, Audubon Society, Birmingham Historical Society, BOOK, Exhibition, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Music, Neighborhoods, Open house, The Altamont

Porch Crawl through Highland Park

A vintage illustration of Highland Park showcasing wide pathways, greenery, and houses, accompanied by event details for 'It's Nice to Have You in Highland Park 2025' scheduled for October 19th.

Meet our Birmingham Historical Society Highland Park neighbors! Live music, refreshments, historical scavenger hunt! See you Sunday afternoon, October 19th, 3-5pm with after party at ROJO. Click image above for detailed information.

Start at Birmingham Historical Society offices (H on the map below) to pick up a Highland Heritage Hunt, a scavenger hunt in which you’ll search for hidden artifacts while visiting the participating homes. Turn your completed hunt back into BHS for the chance to win a prize!

BHS will also have a new exhibit on display of house types that parallels their book Birmingham Homes: A Guide to Architectural Styles. Tour this non-profit responsible for researching, publishing, and promoting the history and heritage of HP. You can also learn how to research a home’s or apartment’s history and how to get a Jefferson County marker or purchase one of their books on Birmingham, including It’s Nice to Live in Birmingham, a reprint of the 1963 classic that launched our city’s motto.

Map showing a route with highlighted points labeled A to L through Highland Park and surrounding areas.
A Guide to Architectural Styles, Annual Gathering, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, BOOK, Exhibition, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Open house, Southside

Highland Park Open House

Mark your calendars for the Heritage Hunt and Open Houses featuring Porch and Garden Parties, a Birmingham Homes Exhibit, advice on how to get an historical marker, and opportunities to buy books about Birmingham. This popular 2nd annual event is lots of fun and a great opportunity to meet your Southside neighbors and tour some historic properties.

When: Sunday, October 19th, 3-5 PM

Where: Birmingham Historical Society, 2827 Highland Avenue South

Pay close attention to some of the architectural details in this neighborhood. Those completing the Heritage Hunt form distributed on Sunday at Birmingham Historical Society can claim a prize of the popular book, A Guide to Architectural Styles Featuring Birmingham Homes. Hope to see you Sunday!

Historical postcard view of Highland Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama in 1910, featuring Rhodes Park and various houses labeled by name.
Event flyer for the Birmingham Historical Society, announcing 'It's Nice to Have You in Highland Park' with details about open houses and tours of historical homes.

A Guide to Architectural Styles, Architecture, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, BOOK, Book Sale, lecture, Meetings, Neighborhoods, Publications

Residential Architecture Symposium

The Birmingham chapter of the American Institute of Architects is holding its first ever Residential Architecture Symposium.  The goal?  To give curious homeowners an opportunity to learn more about how the design of where they live can have a significant impact on how they live.   A summary of the event follows.

Keynote: “The Art & Science of Place Planning”

  • Speaker: Ryan Frederick, bestselling author (Right Place, Right Time) and Stanford Center on Longevity advisor.  Ryan is a friend and an engaging, informative and thoughtful speaker.   More about him and his work can be found here .  And his book is included in the ticket price!
  • Big Idea: We spend more time planning vacations than planning where we’ll live at different life stages.   We need a plan for the important life transitions too. 
  • What You’ll Learn: How your home and neighborhood directly impact your health, happiness, and longevity
  • Takeaway: Practical tools for making housing decisions that support your life goals—whether you’re renovating, relocating, or aging in place.

Purchase the Book that Inspired the Movement

The right place elevates personal well-being. It can help promote purpose, facilitate human connection, catalyze physical activity, support financial health, and inspire community engagement. 

Conversely, the wrong place can be detrimental to health. In Right Place, Right Time, Ryan Frederick argues that where you live matters enormously—especially during the second half of your life.

Panel: “Why Residential Architects Matter”

  • Real Stories: Local architects share how they’ve helped families solve complex design challenges
  • Behind the Scenes: Learn how architects guide homeowners through big and small construction decisions
  • Your Future Projects: Discover how architects create homes that are beautiful, sustainable, and designed to work for every life stage

Why This Matters to You:

  • Perfect for anyone thinking about home improvements, life transitions, or helping aging parents
  • Opportunity to learn from experts in the field – whether that’s thinking about aging in place or designing a new addition for your family.
  • Rare chance to network with residential architects and vendors who can answer questions about how they work to design custom homes.

Details:

Ticket Link Here  – Ticket price includes Ryan’s book!  Bring a friend—these conversations are better shared!

Tuesday, September 16th, noon to 3pm.  

BIrmingham Botanical Gardens, Doors open to the public at noon.

See also Birmingham Historical Society’s A Guide to Architectural Styles

A Guide to Architectural Styles, Annual Gathering, Annual meeting, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, BOOK, Historic Preservation

In Appreciation to Bham Now – Birmingham’s Modern Media

Just a taste of some of Birmingham’s fine historic architecture that will also be featured in the Historical Society’s upcoming guide to Birmingham to be released in February 2026 at the annual meeting (free and open to the public). Thank you Bham Now for sharing the wonderful photography in this quick reel below.

Facade of the Massey Building in Birmingham, AL, featuring ornate architectural details and a grand entrance.

#City Federal Building #Massey Building #John Hand Building #McAdory Building

A Guide to Architectural Styles, Altamont, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, BOOK, Book Sale, Exhibition, Highland Avenue, Neighborhoods, Publications, The Altamont

Thanks for coming!

Lots of interest in our Highland Park neighborhood, at an event in which Birmingham Historical Society displayed photographs of nearly all the original homes constructed along Highland Avenue (many courtesy of historian and neighbor Randy Merritt). Our Open House included not only our extensive exhibit, but also tours of the offices of our new neighbor, Alabama Audubon, The Greenbriar lobby in the historic Altamont building, and the front porches of several neighboring historic homes. The tour ended with music at Rojo.

Photos by Katie Tipton

Note that the BHS book, A Guide to Architectural Styles, provides context and recognition tips as to the style of many of the homes in Southside. And our latest book, a reprint of the 1962 book published by The Birmingham News, It’s Nice to Live in Birmingham, is now available for $20 via link above and will not be sold on Amazon.

Thank you to all who attended and we hope to see you again soon!

Photos by Louise McPhillips
A Guide to Architectural Styles, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, BOOK, Exhibition, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Housing, Neighborhoods, Open house, Publications, Southside

Experience Historic Highland Park

We’re having an OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 13th 3-5, celebrating our new/old reprint from the Birmingham News 1963 publication, “It’s Nice to Live in Birmingham”. Come join us, see an extensive exhibit of historic Highland Park homes in our offices, and visit our new neighbor, Alabama Audubon. Step inside the historic grand lobby and courtyard of The Greenbriar at Altamont, visit with neighbors on the front porches of several historic homes, and end the afternoon at Rojo with live music. 1920’s attire is welcomed!

More information on our Facebook Page

Our Highland Park Neighborhood Invitation

A Guide to Architectural Styles, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, BOOK, Book Sale, Historic Preservation, Housing, Neighborhoods, Publications, Research

The Simplicity of the Two Room House

Numerous examples of this style of construction existed in the antebellum South as slave quarters and later as company housing. This is a twentieth century example.

Find out about this and numerous other popular home building styles with Birmingham Historical Society’s book, A Guide to Architectural Styles featuring Birmingham Homes. It features the drawings of Auburn University’s Professor of Architecture, Cheryl Morgan, with descriptions by BHS Director, Marjorie White.