Birmingham’s Historic Revival: The William Project Transforms Downtown
Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as developer David Carrigan prepares to unveil the stunning transformation of a historic downtown building into a vibrant mixed-use space. The project, aptly named The William, breathes new life into a structure that dates back to 1905 and has seen quite a change over the years. Carrigan’s vision includes 27 apartments, a full-service restaurant called Carrigan’s Public House, and several retail spaces that are set to enrich the downtown experience.
A New Chapter for an Old Building
Originally functioning as a furniture and department store, the building’s most recent life involved being an unoccupied beauty college for years. But that’s all about to change. Carrigan purchased the building about two years ago and jumped right into demolition work. He quickly realized that the job wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. “We faced several challenges including structural repairs and a roof that was caving in,” Carrigan shared. But his persistence is about to pay off.
One of the most exciting features of The William is an eye-catching atrium that Carrigan designed on the east side of the building. “We cut an atrium all the way up through the roof and topped it off with a beautiful glass skylight. Every unit now gets plenty of natural light, making it feel more like home,” he explained with a grin.
Penthouse Views and Creative Spaces
And that’s not all! Carrigan added a penthouse on what now serves as the building’s fifth floor. This space isn’t just for residents; it’s designed to be an event space where locals can gather and celebrate.
The inspiration behind the name The William is a personal touch for Carrigan. “The original New Williams Department Store was a significant tenant in this building’s history, and it’s also my dad’s name and my middle name. It’s a nice little nod to the past,” he revealed proudly.
A Fresh Investment in the Community
The redevelopment project is no small financial feat, costing approximately $10 million. Carrigan emphasized the importance of blending historic charm with modern amenities in his designs. Alongside Blackstone Construction and Bruce Lanier of Architecture Works, Carrigan worked tirelessly to create a unique atmosphere that retains the essence of Birmingham’s history, all while making it functional for today’s residents.
“You can’t replicate the authenticity of these structures built over a century ago. We wanted to preserve that history while providing new features like taller ceilings and larger windows,” Carrigan said. His focus on historic preservation is a delightful nod to the community, which thrives on its rich past.
Improving Walkability and Community Vibes
Emphasizing walkability, Carrigan hopes to turn the alleyway bordering the property into a pedestrian-friendly corridor. This should create a nice pathway for foot traffic connecting 20th Street to popular spots like the McWane Science Center. Carrigan exclaimed, “Walking down here feels so intimate; it’s like a little Brooklyn! You’ve got all the old brick and fire escapes—it really brings you back to the industrial roots of the city.”
Transitioning the Restaurant
As for the transition of Carrigan’s restaurant, the move seems to be a natural progression for the business. “Having been in our current location for 12 years, we’ve really seen Birmingham’s landscape change. This move gives us a chance to refresh and adapt to the evolving market. Plus, our new space is smaller, which is more manageable given all the alternatives popping up,” Carrigan noted.
While Carrigan remains tight-lipped about the retail tenants coming to the ground floor, he mentioned that only one 2,000-square-foot space is still available. “We’re looking for a retailer that complements the building’s vibe and adds something special to the neighborhood,” he said with enthusiasm.
The Future Looks Bright
As January approaches, anticipation is building in Birmingham for the opening of The William. This revitalized historic building promises to be a key player in shaping the city’s downtown atmosphere, blending rich history with modern living, and providing local residents and visitors an unforgettable experience. Here’s to new beginnings in Birmingham!
