Fifty years after Birmingham-based construction firm Robins & Morton built what would become the Birmingham Building Trades Towers, the company is beginning a complete interior renovation of the building, converting the space into studio and one-bedroom apartments.
The building’s focus will be providing sensibly-priced apartments with high-end amenities such as a gym with on-demand training, a billiards area, app-based security for both the building and the parking deck, and Starbucks coffee in the lobby. The apartments themselves will also feature luxury finishes such as granite countertops, and a state-of-the-art washer and dryer system. However, the building’s most attractive feature for many is its location in the desirable Five Points South area, a walkable neighborhood with a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options, as well as close proximity to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Restoration Capital Partners, LLC is the owner of the building. LMS Real Estate Investment Management is providing construction management and property management services for the project. Robins & Morton is the general contractor and Hendon & Huckstein Architects designed the updates to the space.
“Five Points South is a rapidly growing part of Birmingham but lacks reasonably priced housing options for young professionals,” Senior Vice President at LMS Real Estate Investment Management, Stuart Gohd, said. “We believe that these new apartments will help fill that gap and will contribute to the flourishing downtown real estate market.”
Once complete in 2022, the 12-story, 144,000-square-foot building will house 242 apartments. Although the interior will be completely renovated, the building will maintain its historic integrity as the design integrates several of its original features. The owner has not yet announced a name for the building, but Gohd said that the decision will be coming soon.
“Completing this renovation really brings the project full circle for us,” Robins & Morton Commercial Division Manger David Green said. “Performing the construction of the original building in the ‘70s and then giving it new life by next year is a unique opportunity. 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.”