2216 2nd Avenue North

2216 2nd Avenue North is a 3-story commercial building located on Block 83 at 2216 2nd Avenue North in downtown Birmingham.

The building was constructed of brick circa 1915. A single large recess is framed between the projecting corner piers and the cornice, highlighted by stacked and soldier courses of brown brick. The piers are further ornamented by metal conductor heads at the roof drain scupper, with downspout leaders below. The spandrels are recessed along with the windows. A projecting cornice separates the upper floors from the ground floor and mezzanine.

The art-deco styled upper facade features three tall double-hung windows separated by fluted pilasters, each marked with a circular louvered vent opening in the frieze above. The building is listed as a contributing structure to the Downtown Birmingham Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The second floor of the building was often used as a residence, and at some point the building's owner made use of the fact that the lot at 2208 was vacant to add tall windows along the side, and to construct a fire escape. Architects Richard Carnaggio and Tammy Cohen bought the building for use as a residence, using the ground floor primarily as a play area for their child. Gorman Jones and Jerry LaSuer bought it from them in 2004, turning the ground floor into a conservatory with a pipe organ and guest suite.

Tenants

• William Benson watchmaker & photographer (1916–1920)
• J. G. Armstrong photographer (1920)
• R. P. Foster restaurant (1924)
• Weatherly Furniture Co. (1928–1935)
• E. L. Klinner Furniture Co. (1981)
• Instant Copies (2000)

References

• Stella, Stephen W. (June 1981) "Downtown Birmingham Historic District". National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form - listed March 11, 1982