Category Archives: Historic Preservation

Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham pioneers, BOOK, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Research

How Industry Shaped The Magic City’s Architecture, Neighborhoods & Churches

Birmingham grew “like magic” for a variety of reasons:

  • It had plenty of natural resources like iron ore, coal, and limestone;
  • It was perfectly located at the crossroads of major railroad lines;
  • Its founders had a clear vision; and
  • There was significant investment in industrial infrastructure.

All these elements played a role in its architectural journey and shaped how the city has developed. From its beginnings filled with warehouses and factories after it was incorporated in 1871, Birmingham has transformed into a city with historic homes, churches, and a range of contemporary architecture that we see today. Each era has left behind architectural treasures that give us a glimpse into Birmingham’s growth.

Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City is a compilation detailing many of Birmingham’s historic sites. It explores their architectural importance and how they contributed to the city’s growth. This book includes maps and recommendations for walking and driving tours, perfect for understanding its journey to becoming an industrial hub.

Cover of 'Birmingham by the Book' featuring an aerial view of Birmingham with highways, greenery, and the skyline at dusk.

Iron and Steel Industry Influence:
The iron and steel industries drove Birmingham’s early growth, leaving a mark on its architecture. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many sturdy industrial buildings – like warehouses, factories, and mills – sprang up around the city. Sloss Furnaces stands as a monument to the city’s industrial heritage. Another popular spot is Pepper Place, once home to the Martin Biscuit Company, which is now full of retail shops, businesses, and hosts special events while still showcasing its rich industrial past.

Aerial view of a commercial district featuring the Martin Biscuit Company building and surrounding parking areas, with a skyline of a city in the background.
Martin Biscuit Company
An industrial complex featuring large, rusty structures, including tall chimneys and storage tanks, set against a partly cloudy sky.
Sloss Furnaces

Boomtown Era Structures:
As the 20th century rolled in, Birmingham saw a boom that led to the construction of impressive public buildings, commercial spaces, and new neighborhoods. We can see this reflected in iconic sites like the Alabama Theater, which has become a cultural hub, the historic Tutwiler Hotel, and the striking City Federal and Florentine Buildings that highlight the city’s ambition.

Decorative architectural facade featuring ornate details, arches, and a vintage lantern.
Florentine Building
Interior view of an ornate theater featuring a red curtain stage, gold and decorative architectural details, and seating arrangements.
Alabama Theater

Art Deco Influence:
The Art Deco style made a splash in Birmingham during the 1920s and 1930s, with numerous buildings showcasing bold geometric shapes and vibrant designs. The Alabama Power Building and the McWane Science Center are perfect examples of this eye-catching style. The City Federal Building, Thomas Jefferson Hotel, Alabama Theatre, and Lyric Theatre all embrace the Art Deco aesthetic.

Facade of a tall building with a sign reading 'The Tower' at the top, under a clear blue sky, surrounded by green trees.
Thomas Jefferson Hotel
Art Deco style building at dusk with illuminated windows and a sign reading 'Alabama'.
McWane Building
Historic mid-rise building with architectural details, featuring a statue on top, surrounded by modern structures and trees.
Alabama Power
City Federal building with a prominent red sign atop against a clear blue sky.
City Federal
The front of the Lyric Theatre illuminated at night, featuring the marquee with the text 'Lyric' and 'Birmingham Theatre Arts District'. Street lights and traffic signals are visible in the scene.
Lyric Theater
Historic Alabama Theatre exterior featuring a prominent neon sign, showcasing the words 'Showplace of the South' on the marquee, with architectural details typical of early 20th-century design.
Alabama Theater

Historic Neighborhoods:
Birmingham boasts several historic neighborhoods, each with unique charm. From the elegant Victorian homes in Highland Park to the Craftsman bungalows in Forest Park, these areas reflect the city’s diverse residential architectural heritage. .

Historic Churches:
The city’s history shines through its historic churches, which have been vital to Birmingham’s cultural fabric. First Presbyterian is the oldest church, founded in 1872. The original church building at 6th Avenue and 22nd Street North, constructed in 1881, served the community until a new, beautiful sanctuary was built in 1906 that combined Romanesque and Gothic Revival styles.

Close-up view of the entrance to a historic brick church featuring Gothic architectural details and a stained glass window.
First Presbyterian Church

Modern and Contemporary Architecture:
In recent years, Birmingham has embraced modern and contemporary architecture, with new buildings and redevelopment projects reshaping the city’s landscape. The expansion of the Birmingham Museum of Art and the creation of Railroad Park are prime examples of contemporary designs. These projects enhance public spaces, encourage community interaction, and continue the legacy of Birmingham’s past.

Healthcare, Historic Preservation, Medical Care, Slossfield

The Renovation of Slossfield

Those who attended the 2022 annual Birmingham Historical Society meeting will recall that the evening’s 3 speakers highlighted the importance of Slossfield to Birmingham’s early medical care for an underserved population. The Slossfield Maternity Center, built in 1939 by WPA labor, trained black physicians and nurses in prenatal care in one of the poorest areas of Birmingham. The midwivery program at UAB School of Nursing today was inspired by Slossfield’s historic example.

A restoration is now underway to fully restore the clinic for underserved communities. Once again, the surrounding area needs affordable care, job training, and education. The facility is being revitalized to provide this life-changing support.

The effort is being led by two medical residents, Dr. Robert Record and Dr. John Fischer of Christ Health who established their first clinic in Woodlawn in 2009. Since that time, Christ Health has provided medical services at nearly 350,000 patient visits, provided dental care nearly 50,000 times, and filled over 250,000 prescriptions. The Mission >

We are committed to the physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being of our patients. More than simply seeing the sick made well, at Christ Health, we strive to see the well made whole and each patient living life abundantly.

If you’d like to donate, click HERE.

Black and white photo of a partially constructed building with large windows, on a dirt road with a utility pole nearby.
Black and white photograph of a rural scene featuring a cow standing near a stream, with houses and trees in the background.
Abandoned community center with boarded windows, surrounded by overgrown grass and a clear blue sky.
Historic black and white photograph of the Slossfield Negro Community Center in Birmingham, Alabama, showcasing a general view of multiple buildings labeled as Educational, Administration, and Health buildings.
Exterior view of the Slossfield Community Center, a large abandoned building surrounded by overgrown grass and trees, highlighting its deteriorating condition.
Image showcasing the ongoing restoration of a historic clinic, featuring architectural renderings of the exterior and interior areas, with a call to action for community support.
Historical image showcasing the Slossfield Community Center, dedicated in 1939, highlighting its significance in transforming public healthcare.
Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, BOOK, Historic Preservation, Map, Publications

FREE City Center Historic Architecture Tours

Did you know that a FREE self-guided downtown architectural tour is available! Download and print the 64 page pdf file and use it in conjunction with our newest publication, Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City, and this map below. Clicking on the icons on the map provides additional information about each building as well as the page number where it is referenced in the guide book.

This Third Edition of the Downtown Discovery Tour was created in honour of Patricia Hough Camp & Marjorie Lee White and was published with the financial support of:

The Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust, Alabama Power Foundation
Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham
City of Birmingham, Alabama Historical Commission and
Birmingham Realty Company, the real estate firm that founded
our city in 1871, in honor of its 125th Anniversary

An historical black-and-white photograph showing a busy urban street in Birmingham, Alabama in 1913, featuring horse-drawn carriages, streetcars, and tall skyscrapers. The image captures the 'Heaviest Corner on Earth' at the intersection of 20th Street, with signs indicating the Brown Marx and Empire buildings.
Black and white image of a decorative building facade featuring arched windows, ornamental stonework, and a hanging lantern.
Historical image depicting the founding of Birmingham, showcasing railroad tracks that symbolize the city's beginnings, alongside portraits of key figures: John T. Milner, Josiah Morris, and Colonel James R. Powell.

Map of Birmingham highlighting an architectural tour in the city center, with marked buildings and a list of notable structures.
Birmingham Historical Society, Exhibition, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Southside

Fun Family FREE events October 18th! Come Visit Historic Highland Park!

Enjoy a Historic Highland Park History Hunt of architectural details on a self guided hunt, and MORE!

  • An aerial exhibition of photos from Birmingham by the Book
  • Information on historic markers, and restoration
  • BHS books for sale
  • A haunted scavenger hunt organized by UAB public relations students, Ava & Grace
  • AND a scroll through Highland Park with music, light refreshments, and neighborhood camaraderie!
A flyer for 'The Great Highland History Hunt' featuring a map and a list of participating historical sites and their architectural features.
Event flyer for Highland Park community celebration on October 18th from 3-5pm, featuring live music, refreshments, and an after-party at Rojo.
Promotional poster for a haunted scavenger hunt hosted by the Birmingham Historical Society, featuring decorative elements like ghosts, a skeleton, and bats. Includes event details: October 18th from 2 to 5 PM at 2827 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL. Prizes, sweets, and costumes encouraged.
Announcement flyer for 'It’s Nice to Have You in Highland Park' event hosted by the Birmingham Historical Society, featuring activities like scavenger hunts, face painting, music, and more on October 18.
Promotional flyer for the Birmingham Historical Society's event titled 'The Great Highland History Hunt' on October 18th, featuring details about a haunted scavenger hunt from 2-5 p.m. with prizes, sweets, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Costumes are encouraged.

Highland Park has five national historic districts located within its boundaries.

Chestnut Hill National District (added to the National Register in 1987)
The district includes 31st Street South, 32nd Street South, Highland Drive, and Lakeview Crescent. It also includes the Independent Presbyterian Church and the First Church of Christ Scientist in the 3100 block of Highland Avenue and St. Symeon Orthodox Church on the 3100 block of Clairmont Avenue. It also includes Rushton Park.

National Register of Historic Places Inventory Form

CHESTNUT HILL APPLICATION

Country Club National District (added to the National Register in 2003)
The district includes 31st Street South south of Highland Avenue, 13th Avenue South (2800 to 3100 blocks), short Cliff Road, 32nd Street South (from 33rd Street South to Highland Avenue), a portion of long Cliff Road, 34th Street South, a small portion of Highland Avenue and Altamont Road, and two houses on Pawnee Avenue.

Hanover Circle National District (added to the National Register in 2003)
The district includes 27th Street South, 26th Street South, 24th Street South, Hanover Circle, 2300 to 2700 blocks of Highland Avenue, and portions of 11th Avenue South. It also includes the Virginia Samford Theatre and Caldwell Park.

Milner Heights National District (added to the National Register in 2003)
The district includes Milner Crescent, Milner Street, Milner Court, Caldwell Avenue, 27th Place South, Arlington Crescent, 22nd and 23rd Streets South, and Arlington Avenue. The portions of the district covering Arlington Avenue, Arlington Crescent, 22nd and 23rd Streets South, and Smolian Place are in the Redmont Park neighborhood and are subject to Redmont Park design review.

Rhodes Park/Highland Avenue National District (added to the National Register in 1982.)
The district includes 30th Street South, 29th Street South, 28th Street South, the cross streets that run between these streets, 10th Avenue South, 10th Court South, 11th Avenue South, and 13th Avenue South, and that part of Highland Avenue between 28th and 30th Streets South. It includes Rhodes Park and Unity Church in the 2800 block of Highland Avenue.

The Highland Park Local Historic District, which is subject to City Design Review as well as the Local Historic Advisory Committee, encompasses all the properties in these five national historic districts.  Click here for more details on Design Review.

Historic scene of Highland Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama, showcasing large homes, lush greenery, and a tree-lined sidewalk.
Historic view of the Highland Plaza Apartments in Birmingham, Alabama, featuring the building's brick facade surrounded by trees and vintage cars.
Historic brick building surrounded by trees and gardens, showcasing an architectural style typical of early 20th century design.
Historic postcard view of Highland Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama, featuring trees, houses, and a streetcar track.
A historical view of Highland Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama, looking east from Terrace Court, featuring a tree-lined street with various large houses and distant hills.
Historic view of Highland Avenue near Crescent Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama, showcasing early 20th-century architecture and a tree-lined street.
A scenic view of Highland Avenue and Lakeview showing a winding path, a pond with a bridge, and trees in a lush green landscape.
Historical postcard view of Highland Avenue looking east in Birmingham, Alabama, featuring a winding road, horse riders, vintage automobiles, and early 20th-century homes.
Scenic view of a lake with a wooden bridge, surrounded by greenery and trees in Birmingham, Alabama.
Illustration of the Claridge Manor Apartments building located at Highland Avenue and Hanover Circle in Birmingham, Alabama. The structure features a red brick facade, multiple windows, and an orange awning at the entrance, surrounded by trees and vintage cars.
A scenic view of Chestnut Hill featuring pathways and landscaped areas, with several houses visible on the hillside.
A historic postcard showing Highland Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama, featuring a tree-lined sidewalk, a woman walking, and a view of elegant homes and an older red building in the background.
Thanks Rick Lovelady for posting these wonderful postcards of Historic Highland Park!

Annual Gathering, Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham pioneers, family history, Heritage Society, Historic Preservation, Membership

Did you miss these Heritage Society Home Tours?

Sunday afternoon offered a perfect fall day to tour and appreciate several of Forest Park’s finest homes as a member of the Heritage Society. Although thoughtfully updated with modern conveniences, many of the original features remained or had been restored and it was easy to imagine how families lived at the turn of the century.

The histories of their prominent original owners were shared in a booklet that also included the original 1909 plat of Forest Park. The T. Felton Wimberly home was built in 1911, and the J.F. Leary residence was constructed in 1910. This very popular annual event directly supports the mission of the Birmingham Historical Society.

Established in 1942, the Birmingham Historical Society enhances the quality of life in Birmingham, Alabama, by preserving, studying, and celebrating its past while helping to shape its future. The Society celebrates Birmingham’s history through research, publishing, and education, and it engages the public to make our shared history and heritage more visible, clarify their value, and empower their stewards.

 Heritage Society members are acknowledged in the annual report, AND receive an invitation to the annual Heritage Society gathering in an historic home. Heritage Society memberships are $500.

Interested in joining us? Here’s more info!

Cozy living room with wooden beams, comfortable seating, and decorative elements, leading to another room featuring a vintage lamp and artwork.
A group of people conversing in a covered patio area with brick walls and decorative tiles, featuring outdoor furniture and greenery visible in the background.
View from a porch showcasing a gathering of people conversing, with a decorative outdoor setting featuring pumpkins and a garden in the background.
An outdoor gathering on a porch with a large wooden table set for dining, featuring decorative pumpkins and flowers, while guests converse in the background.
A group of four people conversing outdoors in a garden setting, surrounded by greenery and parked cars. The scene features pumpkins and decorative elements on the porch.
A social gathering on a warmly lit patio with people conversing, surrounded by greenery and decorative pumpkins.
An outdoor scene with people socializing, featuring a man in a blazer and light-colored pants standing next to a bush. In the background, there are individuals engaging around a table.
A group of four people standing on a covered patio, engaged in conversation, with lush greenery visible through large open windows. The patio features wicker furniture, including chairs and a small table, against a patterned tiled floor.
Interior of a dining room featuring a wooden table, elegant chairs, floral arrangements, and artworks on the walls, with people engaged in conversation.
A lavishly decorated dining room featuring a long table adorned with floral arrangements and assorted appetizers. Two men are engaged in conversation in the background, while elegant artwork and a chandelier enhance the ambiance.
A large, multi-story brick house with a green tile roof and decorative details, surrounded by trees and a lamppost.
Birmingham Historical Society, Exhibition, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods

Haunted Highland & History Hunt – Oct 18th

Mark your calendars for a fun afternoon of ghosting, hunting, music, costumes, prizes, exhibits, and more. The second annual porch crawl event is organized in association with the Highland Park Neighborhood Association.

The haunted scavenger hunt was created by UAB public relations students, Grace and Ava, who will be available for questions (in costume) at Birmingham Historical Society headquarters. There will be activities for all ages including prizes for best period and Halloween costumes. Note that locations and QR codes will not be posted until the day of the event.

Promotional flyer for a haunted scavenger hunt organized by the Birmingham Historical Society, featuring event details, time, and activities.
Event flyer for the Birmingham Historical Society's 'It's Nice to Have You in Highland Park' celebration, featuring details about a scavenger hunt, music, quilting, face painting, and prizes, scheduled for October 18 from 3 to 5 p.m.
A map of Highland Avenue highlighting participating sites for a self-guided history scavenger hunt, with images of historical buildings and their features listed.
Birmingham Historical Society, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Southside

Porch Crawl in Historic Highland Park

Birmingham Historical Society is excited to participate in the 2nd annual Porch Crawl in Highland Park, Sunday, October 18th, 3-5 PM! It’s FREE and open to the public, rain or shine, but hoping for beautiful October weather. It was very well attended last year! Take a look in the video below! And then read more about it and browse photos on Highland Parks Neighborhood Association website. Hope to see you in October!

Featuring 16 stops in no particular order, here’s a map:

Map showing a walking route through Rhodes Park and Rushton Park, with labeled points and a highlighted pathway.

And at our stop, you can expect the following:

Birmingham Historical Society  2827 Highland Ave
Pick up a copy of the Historic Highland Scavenger Hunt! Complete and return it to BHS by 5 p.m. to win a copy of True Tales of Birmingham, one of the Society’s most popular books. While at BHS, browse an exhibit of aerial photographs from the Society’s newest release Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City and the Society’s other books for sale, learn about Highland Avenue’s grand residences, and get tips on researching the history of your home or apartment and how to get an historical marker.

Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, Historic Preservation, Rickwood Field

Take Me Out to the Ball Game! 🎶

Rickwood Field, the nation’s oldest ball park opened in the West End community of Birmingham in 1910. The popularity of baseball was such at that time that the entire city of Birmingham closed up shop for the day in anticipation of its opening.

It is also revered as the oldest remaining park that was home to a Negro League ball club, the legendary Birmingham Black Barons. Legends like Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron all played there.

After the minor league Barons left for the suburbs, the park was preserved as a historic landmark and working museum, hosting amateur games and an annual Rickwood Classic. And with the help of the Birmingham Historical Society, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

Open for both self-guided or guided tours upon request, the ball park is listed by Birmingham Historical Society as one of Birmingham by the Book‘s Must-Sees (pg. 6)!

The Negro Southern League Museum near Regions Field in the Parkside District tells the story of black baseball in America through the lens of Birmingham’s experiences. A map along with other attractions in the area is included on pg 57 of Birmingham by the Book.

The Negro Southern League Museum is near Regions Field in the Parkside District. A map along with other attractions is included on pg. 57 of Birmingham by the Book.

Birmingham Historical Society, Capital Campaign, Endowment, Historic Preservation

Securing the Future of Birmingham Historical Society

Understanding the Society’s Endowment and Sustainability

The current leadership of the Birmingham Historical Society has served since 1976 and the eventual retirement of this leadership will require paid staff and a rise in operating expenses.

Mission, Accomplishments,
and Justification for Support 2022

The rise in operating costs led to the 24 page case statement linked above in 2022 and the subsequent capital campaign. The document argues for substantial endowment contributions to raise market value and generate income. The income should cover overtime overhead and full-time leadership, a curator, and rent. The dedication of its members will continue to support the organization’s continuity.

Planning has looked to precedents set by other Birmingham institutions that have endowed leadership positions. While increasing the endowment will aid continuity, the Society will continue to function as a volunteer organization supported by members and by grants and contracts paying the direct costs of its projects and publications.

The document showcases a few of the Society’s publications and activities through the years. It includes a description of the Society’s organization and leadership, the history and governance of the endowment, followed by “the rest of the story.” It’s hoped that future leadership can use this document as a guideline for what can be accomplished in the years to come.

Architecture, Birmingham Historical Society, Birmingham Landmarks, City of Birmingham, Highland Avenue, Historic Preservation, Neighborhoods, Publications, Research, Southside

What’s the National Register?

Ever thought about what historic organizations do and how they do it? What’s the organizational hierarchy?

  1. Federal Agencies
  2. Non Profit Organizations
  3. State Organizations
  4. Local Historical Organizations

Curious to learn more about a historic property? Living in a historic district, maybe? Let’s start with the National Register and answer those questions!

Federal Agencies & Non Profits

The National Register is a federal agency1 supported by tax dollars that promotes the restoration of significant historic properties. It maintains the official list of historic places in the United States worthy of preservation and is managed by the National Park Service.

It is NOT related to the National Trust for Historic Preservation which is a non-profit organization2 privately supported by their membership which advocates for historic properties. However, they do not manage nor approve register listings.

State

Properties included on the National Register must first be nominated or approved by state organizations3 and are subject to state laws, which in Alabama is the Alabama Historical Commission. Generally, nominated properties are at least 50 years old unless they are exceptionally important.

Local Historical Organizations

Birmingham Historical Society is among the local historical organizations4 which take great pride in their cities, researching their surroundings to educate and make recommendations about significant historic properties and people. It is often involved in the nomination process of historic properties and districts. Available publications document their research since their start in 1942.

In November of 2022, Birmingham Historical Society moved to the Southside area in the Highland Avenue Historic District near the Rhodes Park, Chestnut Hill, Country Club, Milner Heights, and Hanover Place Historic Districts.

Since that time, we’ve enjoyed exploring our new home in more depth. Our Highland Avenue neighbor, Randy Merritt, has been documenting the remaining historic homes on Highland Avenue as well as collecting archival photos of those that have been demolished.

The assortment tells the story of Birmingham’s pioneering residents whose strong belief propelled the city’s growth. It’s a tale of architectural innovation, economic power, social norms, financial successes, and the complex local politics of that time.

So, whether intrigued by the people, the location, the event, or by the lessons learned, history at all levels creates a compelling story worth preserving and telling. Grateful for the organizations that continue to tell those stories! One can’t help but appreciate the efforts of all of the organizations dedicated to upholding and conveying this history.

Below shows some of the process in registering the Highland Avenue Historic District. The Birmingham Historical Society offices are on the ground floor retail space in what was originally the Altamont Apartment Building on lot #4 on diagram below.