Fifty years after constructing what would become the Birmingham Building Trades Towers, Robins & Morton is renovating the 12-story, 144,000-square-foot building into 242 apartments.
The studio and one-bedroom apartments will feature luxury finishes, such as granite countertops, and the building will also be home to a gym, billiards area, Starbucks coffee shop and app-based security for the building and the parking deck. Located in Five Points South, the neighborhood is home to a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options.
Restoration Capital Partners LLC is the owner of the building, with LMS Real Estate Investment Management providing construction management and property management services for the renovation project. Robins & Morton is serving as general contractor, working with designer Hendon & Huckestein Architects.
“Five Points South is a rapidly growing part of Birmingham but lacks reasonably priced housing options for young professionals,” said Stuart Gohd, senior vice president of LMS Real Estate Investment Management. “We believe that these new apartments will help fill that gap and will contribute to the flourishing downtown real estate market.”
The building had been vacant since 2015. The $18 million interior renovation is expected to be complete in 2022, with the building retaining its historic integrity. The National Park Service has approved the building for federal historic tax credits.
“Performing the construction of the original building in the ‘70s and then giving it new lift by next year is a unique opportunity,” said David Green, Robins & Morton Commercial Division manager. “Birmingham has been home to Robins & Morton for 75 years and being involved in the city’s continued evolution reinforces the feeling that we are forever a part of its story.”
