BIRMINGHAM, ALA. — Birmingham-based Bayer Properties has announced plans for the renovation of downtown Birmingham's historic Pizitz Building. The $60 million project will convert the building, which has stood vacant for more than two decades, into Class A office and retail space. The seven-story structure, which is located at 1821 Second Avenue North, will include approximately 169,000 square feet of office space, 23,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and restaurant space, and 20,000 square feet of building amenities and storage space.
Construction is anticipated to begin this summer, with the building reopening in 2012. Some of the building's original features, including its terra cotta façade, first-floor mezzanine and storefront display windows, will be preserved or restored as part of the project. Bayer is applying for LEED certification as well as Historic Preservation Certification. KPS Group is the project architect.
Two tenants have already signed on for the building's office component. Bayer Properties will move its corporate headquarters to the building upon completion. Joining the company will be law firm Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz.
The Pizitz Building was designed by local architect Henry Wheelock and constructed in 1923. It originally served as the flagship location for the Alabama department store chain Pizitz but has not been occupied since the retailer, which was later purchased by another chain, shuttered the store in 1988.
— Coleman Wood