Parkside Plan Released To Connect To Surrounding Neighborhoods

BIRMINGHAM, AL — One of the fastest growing districts in Birmingham over the last few years is getting a major overhaul. A real estate development firm and national landscape architect have joined forces to create a plan for the Parkside district, which includes Railroad Park, Regions Field and a growing number of local businesses.

The plan includes historic preservation and mixed use redevelopment plans for Powell Avenue Steam Plant and several historic warehouse buildings west of Railroad Park surrounding Good People Brewing.

Orchestra Partners announced the plan today alongside the City of Birmingham, Alabama
Power, Freshwater Land Trust, REV Birmingham, Urban Impact and other key city partners.

“Connectivity and walkability are core principles of our mission to build a better Birmingham,”
said Hunter Renfroe, founder and principal of Orchestra Partners. “Partnering with Tom Leader
will help us rebuild connections between Birmingham’s central business district and its
surrounding neighborhoods by leveraging Railroad Park and the Red Rock Trail System as
pathways of connection.”

Tom Leader, founder and principal of California-based TLS Landscape Architecture, was the
lead planner and designer behind the development of Railroad Park from 2005 – 2010, a time
during which he developed a deep commitment to Birmingham. Over the last decade,
Birmingham’s “living room” has formed the core of the Parkside District and received national
recognition for its successful efforts to spark the rebirth of downtown Birmingham.

“I’m honored to help build on the momentum created by Railroad Park,” said Leader. “We
always hoped and planned that the urban growth surrounding the park could extend this vision
of vibrant community gathering and sense of civic optimism. This project is about paying tribute
to the Magic City’s past and laying the framework for the future.”

Leader’s comprehensive plan features pedestrian pathways enhanced with retail and
entertainment amenities with public spaces anchoring both ends of Parkside District – the
blocks surrounding Powell Avenue Steam Plant to the east and the Birmingham Wholesale
Warehouse Loop District near Good People Brewing to the west – to enhance connectivity and
create a lively entertainment experience.

On the east end of Parkside, the integral component of the master plan features the
redevelopment of Alabama Power’s Powell Avenue Steam Plant, a prominent symbol of growth
and energy from Birmingham’s history. Built in 1895, it provided steam and electricity for
downtown businesses and connected the city by powering its streetcar system.

In the master plan, Powell Avenue Steam Plant is designed to once again serve as a connection
point for Birmingham, forming Parkside’s eastern anchor and using the Rotary Trail to connect
with neighborhoods to the east. Railroad Park will continue to be Parkside’s central gathering
place while the western blocks will become an anchor point for connections to Titusville and
surrounding western neighborhoods.

“For more than a century, Powell Steam Plant played a pivotal role in shaping Birmingham’s
growth,” said Tony Smoke, vice president of Birmingham Division for Alabama Power. “Now this
historic structure will become a symbol of modern urbanization and economic development,
connecting our communities to celebrate the future of Birmingham.”

Other historic warehouse buildings in Parkside recently acquired by Orchestra Partners in
conjunction with the master plan include Duffy’s Garage, 112 14th Street South, 1227 1st Avenue
South, 113 13th Street South, and 230 2nd Avenue South. Orchestra Partners expects to
announce more specific leasing details later this year.