Orchestra Partners has broken ground on Urban Supply, a mixed-use redevelopment of historic buildings at the west end of Birmingham’s Parkside district. The first phase will include pop-up tenants, including Cahaba Cycles and Garage Sale, and a full calendar of outdoor events.
With construction underway, these activities will play a key role in the company’s master plan for the area to become a walkable entertainment destination. Featuring an alleyway, The Aisle, and outdoor space throughout, Urban Supply offers a safe environment for Birmingham residents to get out and enjoy the city.
“We intentionally incorporated outdoor elements throughout every Orchestra experience, and Urban Supply is the best realization of this approach to date,” says Hunter Renfroe, Orchestra Partners co-founder and principal.
Cahaba Cycles, an independently owned bicycle shop, will be setting up its first-ever pop-up location in April. It has existing locations in Homewood, Cahaba Heights, Trussville and Pelham.
“With Railroad Park and the Rotary Trail in close proximity to Urban Supply, it’s refreshing to see downtown become more connected with so many cyclists, runners and pedestrians,” says Cahaba Cycle Owner Faris Malki. “Establishing a pop-up in the heart of Parkside will help cater to this increased demand knowing our community will soon be eager to spend more time outside enjoying the warm spring weather.”
Garage Sale, a throwback retail concept inspired by vintage shopping, plans to take up shop at Urban Supply sometime in April.
“With vinyl records, vintage clothing, live outdoor performances and a bar where you can enjoy a margarita, Garage Sale will have a little something for everyone looking to take a vintage trip down memory lane,” says Josh Sampson, founder of Good Baby Management, which is guiding Garage Sale’s pop-up.
Established in 1931 to supply bulk goods to support the city’s rapid growth after the Depression, Urban Supply and its collection of existing warehouses were once a source of lifeblood for Birmingham. Orchestra Partners aims to restore these structures so that they can once again serve the city with a mix of restaurants, bars, retail, office and fitness concepts.
“Urban Supply is a preservation effort as much as anything else,” says Renfroe. “The heart of this entire historic district is preserved through the development vision and availability of state and federal historic tax credits.”
To activate the Aisle, Orchestra has already started hosting events. The next events coming up are Grub on the Lot on March 13, followed by the Barking Lot on March 27. For more on these events, visit Urban Supply’s webpage.
