Weldon Martin Rubber building
The Weldon Martin Rubber building, redeveloped as The Strip at UAB Campus, is a 9,000 square-foot, one-story commercial building constructed in 1920 on lots 18 and 19, on the southeast corner of Block 162. It is northwest of the intersection of Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard South and 5th Avenue South in the "Automotive Historic District" in Birmingham's Five Points South neighborhood.
The brick-faced building features a concrete frieze above the windows, with the bays separated by brick buttresses. Flattened pediments dress up the roofline, topped with a concrete cap, and with concrete ornaments set into the brick.
From 2012 to 2015 the building was owned by Marcus Taylor
In 2017 developers Ward Neely, Dick Schmalz and Scott Bryant announced plans to purchase and renovate the building for multiple retail/restaurant tenants. The tenant entrances were re-oriented to face 5th Avenue South. The adjoining High Note Lounge was demolished for surface parking at the rear, with only the façade preserved.
After redevelopment the property was acquired by the Derbyshire Group of Miramar Beach, Florida.
Occupants
- Weldon Martin Rubber, 1920-
- Tom Williams Dodge showroom
- Magic City Brewery, 1995-2000
- Tiki Bob's Cantina, 2002-2006
- Bourbon Street Grill, 2006-2008
- Bongo's Cantina Lounge, 2008
- Merienda Lounge, (Reggie Washington 2010-)
- after 2010s redevelopment:
- 2000 5th Avenue South: HotWorx
- 2008 5th Avenue South: Basecoat on 5th
- 2016 5th Avenue South: Pizza Hut
- 420 Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard South: Rock N' Roll Sushi (2021–), former location of Chronic Tacos, February–July 2019
References
- Hairston, Diean & Melanie Betz (July 31, 1990) "Automotive Historic District". National Register of Historic Places registration form - entered May 30, 1991
- "Magic City Brewery tapped out." (June 20, 2000) The Birmingham News
- Godwin, Brent (February 27, 2017) "Real estate executives buy Southside property near UAB with plans for retail project." Birmingham Business Journal