Ballast at The Switch
Ballast at The Switch was a proposed $3 million multi-tenant redevelopment of the 22,750 square-foot former Hibbett Sports team sales office at 1318 1st Avenue North. It was announced by David Carrigan and Robert Crook of Ironvest Partners in 2021 as a key anchor for Birmingham's "The Switch" innovation district. The name referred to the crushed stone used as ballast in railcars that once traversed the district.
Under the proposal, the building would be divided into 1,000 to 20,000 square-foot tenant spaces, which would be marketed to entrepreneurs and technology start-ups, especially those outgrowing space in the Innovation Depot one block east. The plan was developed in concert with REV Birmingham, Biso Collective and Pack Health. Tenants would have access to additional programs and amenities at Innovation Depot.
The spaces would be built-to-suit, and share two indoor common areas plus a roof terrace and courtyard. The Robertson Banking Co. of Demopolis, Marengo County was announced as financing the project. Poole & Co. Architects prepared schematic plans and renderings.
In 2024 Primordial Ventures of Durham, North Carolina announced that it would open a manufacturing plant for medical tubing, catheter kits, and urine and cadaver bags in the building.
References
- Van der Bijl, Hanno (January 28, 2021) "What new Ballast office project means for emerging Switch district." Birmingham Business Journal
- Thornton, William (January 9, 2024) "Healthcare products company to launch $3.3 million Birmingham facility, creating 30 jobs." AL.com