1st Avenue South: Difference between revisions

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The downtown section of 1st Avenue South is undergoing large scale redevelopment. It the main frontage for the [[Railroad Park]] between [[14th Street South|14th]] and [[18th Street South|18th Street]]s, and is also experiencing significant redevelopment around the location of the 1st Avenue Cut, which was redeveloped as the [[Rotary Trail]]. In [[2016]] the [[Birmingham City Council]] approved changing the name of a two-block section of 1st Avenue South adjacent to [[Regions Field]] to [[Willie Mays Drive]].
The downtown section of 1st Avenue South is undergoing large scale redevelopment. It the main frontage for the [[Railroad Park]] between [[14th Street South|14th]] and [[18th Street South|18th Street]]s, and is also experiencing significant redevelopment around the location of the 1st Avenue Cut, which was redeveloped as the [[Rotary Trail]]. In [[2016]] the [[Birmingham City Council]] approved changing the name of a two-block section of 1st Avenue South adjacent to [[Regions Field]] to [[Willie Mays Drive]].


==1st Avenue Cut==
==Railway cut==
{{Main|1st Avenue South railway cut}}
[[Image:The cut.jpg|left|thumb|275px|The 1st Avenue Cut, looking west from the [[24th Street Viaduct]] in 2005]]
[[Image:The cut.jpg|left|thumb|275px|The 1st Avenue Cut, looking west from the [[24th Street Viaduct]] in 2005]]
[[Image:1stAveCut2011.jpg|right|275px|thumb|Looking west from the 2200 block in 2011]]
The 1st Avenue Cut is a depressed railroad bed which formerly served the [[Seaboard Air Line Railroad]], which runs through the center of 1st Avenue South, below grade, from [[20th Street South]] to [[24th Street South]]. The reinforced concrete construction creating the grade separation was begun in the mid-1890s.
The 1st Avenue Cut is a depressed railroad bed which formerly served the [[Seaboard Air Line Railroad]], which runs through the center of 1st Avenue South, below grade, from [[20th Street South]] to [[24th Street South]]. The reinforced concrete construction creating the grade separation was begun in the mid-1890s.
In the early 1990s a produce stand occupied the 20th Street end of the cut. When [[Compass Bank]] purchased the adjoining [[Daniel Building]] in [[1993]], it considered paving over the adjacent areas of the cut.


The presentation of the [[City Center Master Plan]] in 2005 showed the possibility of filling the cut to create a tree-lined boulevard. Some residents, vocally represented by then-[[Birmingham City Council|City Councilor]] [[Elias Hendricks]], expressed their view that the cut should be preserved for its interpretive and nostalgic value, but "cleaned up" to make it an asset to the area. The [[Central City neighborhood]] sponsored a clean-up day for the cut in June, 2005.
The presentation of the [[City Center Master Plan]] in 2005 showed the possibility of filling the cut to create a tree-lined boulevard. Some residents, vocally represented by then-[[Birmingham City Council|City Councilor]] [[Elias Hendricks]], expressed their view that the cut should be preserved for its interpretive and nostalgic value, but "cleaned up" to make it an asset to the area. The [[Central City neighborhood]] sponsored a clean-up day for the cut in June, 2005.


The cut, now redeveloped as the "[[Rotary Trail]]", is part of the [[Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System]], connecting  [[Railroad Park]] with [[Sloss Furnaces]] and beyond. That project, originally billed as "Line Park", was taken up by the [[Rotary Club of Birmingham]] as their centennial project. [[Auburn University]]'s Master of Landscape Architecture program participated in an [http://aurbanmla.blogspot.com/ Urban Design Studio] focusing on how to re-work the cut as a pedestrian corridor. The Rotary Club partnered with the city of Birmingham, [[Freshwater Land Trust]], [[Operation New Birmingham]] and the [[Railroad Park Foundation]] on the final plans.
{{Main|Rotary Trail}}
 
In [[2016]] the [[Rotary Club of Birmingham]] partnered with the city of Birmingham, [[Freshwater Land Trust]], [[Operation New Birmingham]] and the [[Railroad Park Foundation]] to redevelop The cut as a linear public park, known as the "[[Rotary Trail]]". The park is part of the [[Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System]], connecting  [[Railroad Park]] with [[Sloss Furnaces]] and beyond.
It is also at the center of significant recent redevelopment, including the [[Corporate Realty Building]], [[Jackson Galleries]], the [[Seaboard Yard townhomes]], [[Golden Construction]], [[Williams-Blackstock Architects]], and other new or renovated uses along those four blocks.


==East of downtown==
==East of downtown==
Line 42: Line 39:
** 65: former location of [[Gilliam's Barber Shop]] (1962)
** 65: former location of [[Gilliam's Barber Shop]] (1962)
* [[1st Street South]] intersection
* [[1st Street South]] intersection
** Residential
** 105: former location of [[Wallace & Jennie Rayfield residence]]
* Kappa Avenue intersection (road terminus)
* Kappa Avenue intersection (road terminus)


===[[Five Points South neighborhood]]===
===[[Five Points South neighborhood]]===
* [[12th Street South]] intersection (road terminus)
* avenues resumes at [[12th Street South]]
** north side
** north side
*** 1200: former location of [[Merita bakery]] thrift store
*** 1200: former location of [[Merita bakery]] thrift store
Line 54: Line 51:
*** 1229: [[Industrial Fire & Safety Equipment Inc.]], former location of [[Red Mountain Market]] (2011)
*** 1229: [[Industrial Fire & Safety Equipment Inc.]], former location of [[Red Mountain Market]] (2011)


* [[13th Street South]] intersection
* [[13th Street South]] intersects
** north side
** north side
*** 1300-1320: [[Baker's Row]] (renovated 2015), formerly [[Flowers Foods bakery]] and [[Merita bakery]] (closed 2012)
*** 1300-1320: [[Baker's Row]] (renovated 2015), formerly [[Flowers Foods bakery]] and [[Merita bakery]] (closed 2012)
**** 1320: [[Economic Development Partnership of Alabama]] (2017-)
**** 1320: [[Economic Development Partnership of Alabama]] (2017-) / [[Alabama Business Intelligence Center]] (2022–)
** south side
** south side
** 1301-1319: [[Parkside Parking Lot]] (built 2018), former location of [[Building Materials Wholesale]], [[Marjam Supply Company]]
** 1301-1319: [[Parkside Parking Lot]] (built 2018), former location of [[Building Materials Wholesale]], [[Marjam Supply Company]]
** 1321: [[Wood Wade building]] (built 1932), former location of [[Associated Equipment Company]], proposed location of [[Beer Engineers]] (2013)
** 1321: [[Wood Wade building]] (built 1932), former location of [[Associated Equipment Company]], proposed location of [[Beer Engineers]] (2013)


* [[14th Street South]] intersection (street is designated [[Willie Mays Drive]] for next two blocks)
* [[14th Street South]] intersects (street is designated [[Willie Mays Drive]] for next two blocks)
** north side:
** north side:
*** 1400–1430: [[Railroad Park]]
*** 1400–1430: [[Railroad Park]]
Line 70: Line 67:
**** 1415: former location of [[Shoe Corp.]] warehouse (burned 2006), [[Shoe Factory Skate Slab]] (2009-2012)
**** 1415: former location of [[Shoe Corp.]] warehouse (burned 2006), [[Shoe Factory Skate Slab]] (2009-2012)


* [[15th Street South]] intersection (south only)
* [[15th Street South]] intersects (south only)
** north side:
** north side:
*** 1500–1530: Railroad Park
*** 1500–1530: Railroad Park
Line 78: Line 75:
*** 1531: [[B & A Warehouse]]
*** 1531: [[B & A Warehouse]]


* [[16th Street South]] intersection (south only, [[Willie Mays Drive]] designation ends)
* [[16th Street South]] intersects (south only, [[Willie Mays Drive]] designation ends)
** north side:
** north side:
*** 1600–1630: Railroad Park
*** 1600–1630: Railroad Park
Line 84: Line 81:
*** former location of [[Means & Fulton Iron Works]] (1899)
*** former location of [[Means & Fulton Iron Works]] (1899)


* [[17th Street South]] intersection (south only)
* [[17th Street South]] intersects (south only)
** north side:
** north side:
*** 1700–1730: Railroad Park
*** 1700–1730: Railroad Park
**** 1706: former location of [[Henry Ellen Coal Co.]] (1887)
**** 1706: former location of [[Henry Ellen Coal Co.]] (1887)
**** 1730: former location of [[St Louis–San Francisco Railway]] freight house (built 1947, demolished after 1970)
** south side:
** south side:
*** 1701-1730: [[Parkside Apartments]] (built 2015), former proposed site for [[Standard at Midtown]]
*** 1701-1730: [[Parkside Apartments]] (built 2015), former proposed site for [[Standard at Midtown]]
**** 1705: former location of [[Southern Express Co.]] stables (1899)
**** 1705: former location of [[Southern Express Co.]] stables (1899)


* [[18th Street South]] intersection
* [[18th Street South]] intersects
** north side ([[Block 113C]]):
** north side ([[Block 113C]]):
*** [[Powell Avenue Steam Plant]] plaza (under development), [[Birmingham Parking Authority Lot D]] (1975-2015)
*** [[Powell Avenue Steam Plant]] plaza (under development), [[Birmingham Parking Authority Lot D]] (1975-2015)
Line 99: Line 97:
*** 1809: former location of [[Wimberley & Thomas]] Hardware (1957)
*** 1809: former location of [[Wimberley & Thomas]] Hardware (1957)


* [[19th Street South]] intersection
* [[19th Street South]] intersects
** 1901: former location of clothier (1891), [[Magic City Dye House]] (1899)
** north side:
** 1903: former location of [[C. E. Lindell]] lodging house (1899)
*** 1912: former location of [[C. Oliver]] blacksmith (1899)
*** 1903A: former location of vacant store (1891)
*** 1920: former location of [[Luvenia Lovett]] restaurant (1897)
*** 1903B: former location of coffin shop (1891)
*** 1926: former location of [[S. Jones]] blacksmith (1899)
** 1905-1909: former location of wholesale grocery (1891)
*** 1928: former location of [[Gem Cycle Co.]] (1899)
*** 1905-1907: former location of [[A. V. Welsh Vinegar Co.]] (1909)
*** 1930: former location of [[Seaboard Air Line Railroad]] freight office, freight station, passenger station and police (built 1904, demolished after 1970)
*** 1909: former location of [[The Lighthouse]]
** south side:
** 1911: former location of the [[Wiseola|Wiseola Bottling Company]] (1909)
*** 1901: former location of clothier (1891), [[Magic City Dye House]] (1899)
** 1912: former location of [[C. Oliver]] blacksmith (1899)
*** 1903: former location of [[C. E. Lindell]] lodging house (1899)
** 1913: former location of [[Star Bottling Co.]] (1904)
**** 1903A: former location of vacant store (1891)
** 1920: former location of [[Luvenia Lovett]] restaurant (1897)
**** 1903B: former location of coffin shop (1891)
** 1925: former location of blacksmith shop (1891)
*** 1905-1909: former location of wholesale grocery (1891)
** 1926: former location of [[S. Jones]] blacksmith (1899)
**** 1905-1907: former location of [[A. V. Welsh Vinegar Co.]] (1909)
** 1927½: former location of [[Madam Ola Colston]] house (1899)
**** 1909: former location of [[The Lighthouse]]
** 1928: former location of [[Gem Cycle Co.]] (1899)
*** 1911: former location of the [[Wiseola|Wiseola Bottling Company]] (1909)
** 1929-1931: former location of saloon (1891), [[Dusenberry Bros]] saloon (1899)
*** 1913: former location of [[Star Bottling Co.]] (1904)
*** 1925: former location of blacksmith shop (1891)
*** 1927½: former location of [[Madam Ola Colston]] house (1899)
*** 1929-1931: former location of saloon (1891), [[Dusenberry Bros]] saloon (1899)


* [[20th Street South]] intersection (begin 1st Avenue Cut)
* [[20th Street South]] intersection (begin 1st Avenue Cut)
Line 132: Line 133:
*** 2021: former location of [[Crook-Dunn Electric Co.]] (1949)
*** 2021: former location of [[Crook-Dunn Electric Co.]] (1949)


* [[Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard South]] ([[21st Street South]]) intersection/underpass
* avenue passes below [[Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard South]] at the [[21st Street Viaduct]]
** south side ([[Block 120]]):
** south side ([[Block 120]]):
*** 2105: former location of [[Duncan & Orr]] stables (1899)
*** 2105: former location of [[Duncan & Orr]] stables (1899)
*** 2109: [[David Carrigan residence]] (2016-), former location of [[Kentucky Livery]] (built 1893)
*** 2109: [[David Carrigan residence]] (2016-), former location of [[Kentucky Livery]] (built 1893)
*** 2111: former location of [[Instant Cash]], built 1937
*** 2111: former location of [[Instant Cash]], built 1937
*** 2115–2119: proposed office building (2021), former location of [[Auto Radiator Co.]] warehouse (built 1927), [[Brad Morton]] studio (–2019)
*** 2115–2119: proposed [[The Percée]] condominiums (2022–), former location of [[Auto Radiator Co.]] warehouse (built 1927), [[Brad Morton]] studio (–2019), proposed office building (2021)
*** 2125: former location of [[Portedreo Garage]] (built c. 1925)
*** 2125: former location of [[Portedreo Garage]] (built c. 1925)
*** 2127: [[Ramwood Furniture]] (built c. 1925)
*** 2127: [[Ramwood Furniture]] (built c. 1925)
Line 152: Line 153:
**** 2214: former location of [[W. M. Phillips]] wagon yard (1899)
**** 2214: former location of [[W. M. Phillips]] wagon yard (1899)
*** 2216: former location of [[Shaw & Leslie]] (1887), [[Southern Dairies]] (built c. 1916)
*** 2216: former location of [[Shaw & Leslie]] (1887), [[Southern Dairies]] (built c. 1916)
*** 2226: [[Pullman Flats]]
*** 2226: [[Pullman Flats]] / [[Birmingham Legion FC]]
** south side ([[Block 119]]):
** south side ([[Block 119]]):
*** 2201-2211: parking lot
*** 2201-2211: parking lot
**** 2201: former location of fruit stand (1891), [[T. Swope]] shoemaker (1899)
**** 2201: former location of fruit stand (1891), [[T. Swope]] shoemaker (1899)
**** 2203: former location of [[Brooks & Brooks]] stockyard (1899)
**** 2203: former location of [[Brooks & Brooks Stockyard]] (1899)
**** 2205:  [[V & W Supply]] building (built c. 1921), former location of [[J. Griffin]] blacksmith (1899)
**** 2205:  [[V & W Supply]] building (built c. 1921), former location of [[J. Griffin]] blacksmith (1899)
**** 2209-2211: former location of [[W. H. Neill]] livery stable (1891), [[S. S. Jones]] livery stable (1899)
**** 2209-2211: former location of [[W. H. Neill]] livery stable (1891), [[S. S. Jones]] livery stable (1899)
***** 2209½: former location of [[B. Chatmon]] barber (1899)
***** 2209½: former location of [[B. Chatmon]] barber (1899)
***** 2211: former location of [[C. D. Latham]] grocer (1887)
***** 2211: former location of [[C. D. Latham]] grocer (1887)
*** 2213: [[Moxy]] branding / [[Kode Apparel]], former location of [[Interiors by Kathy Harris]] (2011)
*** 2213: [[Women's Foundation of Alabama]] (2023–) former location of [[Interiors by Kathy Harris]] (2011), [[Moxy]] branding / [[Kode Apparel]], [[Birmingham Legion FC]]
*** 2215: [[Nathan & Nathan]] collections (built c. 1921 for [[The Pate Co.]]), former location of livery stable (1891), [[V & W Wholesale]]
*** 2215: [[Nathan & Nathan]] collections (built c. 1921 for [[The Pate Co.]]), former location of livery stable (1891), [[V & W Wholesale]]
*** 2217-2223: former location of [[W. T. Hodges & Co.]] general merchandise (1899)
*** 2217-2223: former location of [[W. T. Hodges & Co.]] general merchandise (1899)
Line 170: Line 171:


* [[23rd Street South]] intersection (south only)
* [[23rd Street South]] intersection (south only)
** 2300-2308: former location of [[Virginia & Alabama Coal Yard]] (1896), [[Amzi Godden Co.]] warehouse (built c. 1902), [[Hardwick & Co.]] (1990-)
** north side:
** 2301-2305: former location of [[Hodges & Brooks]] warehouse (1896), [[Allgood & Moody]] cotton warehouse (1899)
*** 2300-2308: former location of [[Virginia & Alabama Coal Yard]] (1896), [[Standard Basket Co.]] (1902), [[Amzi Godden Co.]] warehouse (built c. 1902), [[Hardwick & Co.]] (1990-), [[Good Dog Bar & Dog Park]] (2022–)
** 2310: (built c. 1902), former location of [[Hardwick Steel]] (1990)
*** 2310: (built c. 1902), former location of [[Hardwick Steel]] (1990)
** 2312: [[H & W Company]]
*** 2312: [[H & W Company]]
** 2316: [[Innovative Office Solutions]], [[Direct Communications]], former location of [[The Lemak Group]] (2011)
*** 2316: [[Birmingham Animal Hospital & Resort]] (2022), former location of [[The Lemak Group]] (2011), [[Innovative Office Solutions]], [[Direct Communications]]
** 2321-2327: former location of [[Perfection Laundry]], [[KRO Laundry]] (1990)
*** 2330: former location of [[People's Ice Company]] (1899)
*** 2321: built c. 1909 as a brothel
** south side:
*** 2323: built c. 1925
*** 2301-2305: former location of [[Hodges & Brooks]] warehouse (1896), [[Allgood & Moody]] cotton warehouse (1899)
*** 2327: built c. 1905 as a brothel
*** 2321-2327: former location of [[Perfection Laundry]], [[KRO Laundry]] (1990)
** 2330: former location of [[People's Ice Company]] (1899)
**** 2321: built c. 1909 as a brothel
**** 2323: built c. 1925
**** 2327: built c. 1905 as a brothel


* [[24th Street South]] underpass (end 1st Avenue Cut)
* [[24th Street South]] underpass (end 1st Avenue Cut)
Line 186: Line 189:
** 2409: former branch office of [[Ballard & Ballard]] millers, [[Nelson Glass]] (1990)
** 2409: former branch office of [[Ballard & Ballard]] millers, [[Nelson Glass]] (1990)
** 2413: former location of [[Toro-Cordes Iron Arts]] (2000-2007)
** 2413: former location of [[Toro-Cordes Iron Arts]] (2000-2007)
** 2417: commercial building (built c. 1926), former location of [[Alabama Overhead Door]] (1990), [[First Avenue Rocks]] (-2019)
** 2417: commercial building (built c. 1926), [[Stash]] (2022), former location of [[Alabama Overhead Door]] (1990), [[First Avenue Rocks]] (-2019)
** 2420: [[Thomas Steel Products]]
** 2420: [[Thomas Steel Products]]
** 2421: (built c. 1925), former location of [[Auto Laq Paint & Body]] (1986)
** 2421: (built c. 1925), former location of [[Auto Laq Paint & Body]] (1986)
Line 193: Line 196:
* [[25th Street South]] intersection (south only)
* [[25th Street South]] intersection (south only)
* [[Elton B. Stephens Expressway]] underpass
* [[Elton B. Stephens Expressway]] underpass
** 2701: [[Goodwyn Mills and Cawood]]
** 2701: [[2701 1st Avenue South|one-story office building]] (built 2005), [[Navigate Affordable Housing Partners]] (2022–), former location of [[Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood]] architects (2005–2020)
** 2801-3199: [[CSX 32nd Street Yard]]
** 2801-3199: [[CSX 32nd Street Yard]]
** 2726: [[Alabama Ballet]]
** 2726: [[Alabama Ballet]]
Line 205: Line 208:
* Passes under [[35th Street viaduct]]
* Passes under [[35th Street viaduct]]
** [[M2]], former location of [[Old Car Heaven]]
** [[M2]], former location of [[Old Car Heaven]]
*** [[Sunrise Plaza]]
** 3607: Former location of [[Cave 9]]
** 3607: Former location of [[Cave 9]]
** 3625: former location of [[Arnold Institutional Foods]] (1973)
** 3625: former location of [[Arnold Institutional Foods]] (1973)
** 4001: former location of [[Fortieth Street Baptist Church]] (1927)
<!-- where 37th Street South intersection would be -->
<!-- where 37th Street South intersection would be -->


Line 215: Line 220:
=== North Avondale/[[East Avondale]] ===
=== North Avondale/[[East Avondale]] ===
* 42nd Street South intersects (south only)
* 42nd Street South intersects (south only)
** 4242: [[Christian Union Spiritual Church]] (1942)
** 4240: [[Bagby Elevator Company]]
** 4240: [[Bagby Elevator Company]]
* 43rd Street South intersects
* 43rd Street South intersects
Line 222: Line 228:
=== East Avondale ===
=== East Avondale ===
* 44th Street South intersection (north only)
* 44th Street South intersection (north only)
** 4410: [[Christian Union Spiritual Church]] (1960-1971-)
** 4500: (road terminus)
** 4500: (road terminus)
** 4722: [[Healing Spring Baptist Church]] (1971)
** Road terminus
** Road terminus
* 48th Street South intersection
* 48th Street South intersection
Line 237: Line 245:
** 5509: former location of [[Quality Laundry]] (1926)
** 5509: former location of [[Quality Laundry]] (1926)
** 5519: used car lot
** 5519: used car lot
* [[55th Place South]] intersection
 
** 5521: former location of [[Wadsworth Service Station]] / [[Bill Gantt Flooring Co.]] (1964-1970), [[Allied Electric Motor Service]] (2007)
* [[55th Place South]] intersects
** 5521: [[Polaris]] event/co-working space / [[Village Apothecary]] candles (2022–), former location of [[Wadsworth Service Station]] / [[Bill Gantt Flooring Co.]] (1964-1970), [[Allied Electric Motor Service]] (2007)
** 5524: former location of [[Zarzour's Peacock Drive Inn]] (1958), [[Bill & Edna's Restaurant]] / [[Halwood Candy Co.]] (1964), [[Flo's Restaurant & Lounge]] (1970)
** 5524: former location of [[Zarzour's Peacock Drive Inn]] (1958), [[Bill & Edna's Restaurant]] / [[Halwood Candy Co.]] (1964), [[Flo's Restaurant & Lounge]] (1970)
** 5525–5529: [[SocialVenture]] non-profit incubator and conference center, former location of [[Ebbitt House]] hotel (1887), [[Garrison Van & Warehouse]] (1964–1970)
** 5525–5529: [[SocialVenture]] non-profit incubator and conference center, former location of [[Ebbitt House]] hotel (1887), [[Garrison Van & Warehouse]] (1964–1970)
*** 5525: former location of [[Shiflett's Pharmacy]] (1941)
*** 5525: former location of [[Shiflett's Pharmacy]] (1941)
*** 5527: former location of [[Woodlawn Furniture Store]] (1941)
*** 5527: former location of [[Woodlawn Furniture Store]] (1941)
*** 5529: former location of [[Sound & Page]] listening room (2013–2014), [[Open Shop]] (opened December 2014)
*** 5529: [[D'Trespa Consignment Boutique]] ([[LaRoyce Marsh]] 2022–), former location of [[Sound & Page]] listening room (2013–2014), [[Open Shop]] (opened December 2014), [[Great Bear Wax Co.]] / [[Bungalow Bungalow]] (2019–2021)
** 5528: former location of [[Royal Custom Cabinetry]] / [[Royal Custom Coin-O-Matic]] (1964), [[Superior Engraving]] (1970), [[City Arts Boutique]] (2011–2013)
** 5528: [[You Good? Self-Care Sanctuary]] (2023) , former location of [[Royal Custom Cabinetry]] / [[Royal Custom Coin-O-Matic]] (1964), [[Superior Engraving]] (1970), [[City Arts Boutique]] (2011–2013), [[Thrive Wellness Lounge]] ([[Tish Fletcher]] 2022–)
** 5530: [[Woodlawn Cycle Cafe]]
** 5530: [[Woodlawn Marketplace]] (2022–), former location of [[Woodlawn Cycle Cafe]] ([[Armand Margjeka]] & [[Kyle Campbell]] 2016–2020)
** 5532: former location of [[James Faulkner]] / [[Donald Slappey]] physicians (1964), [[Slappey, Faulkner & Morris]] physicians (1970)
** 5532: former location of [[James Faulkner]] / [[Donald Slappey]] physicians (1964), [[Slappey, Faulkner & Morris]] physicians (1970)
** 5536–5544: [[AT&T]], formerly [[Southern Bell]] [[Woodlawn Exchange]], [[South Central Bell]]
** 5536–5544: [[AT&T]], formerly [[Southern Bell]] [[Woodlawn Exchange]], [[South Central Bell]]
*** 5544: [[Friendly Sitters]] / [[Home South Mortgage Service]] / [[Safelite Auto Glass]] / [[Vet-Co Inc.]] (2007)
*** 5544: [[Friendly Sitters]] / [[Home South Mortgage Service]] / [[Safelite Auto Glass]] / [[Vet-Co Inc.]] (2007)
* [[56th Street South]] intersection
** 5600: [[Mays Auto & Tire]] (2007–), former location of [[Spivey's Gulf Service Station]] (1941), [[Woodlawn Gulf Service Station]] (1964-1970)
** 5601: former location of [[Newman Cleaners & Dyers]] (1941), [[Hendrix Super Texaco]] (1964–1970), [[Stinnett Transmission Inc.]] (2007)
** 5607: former location of [[Paul Longshore]] dentist (1964-1970), [[Gerald R. Vines]] accountant (2007)
** 5612: former location of [[Frostop]] drive-in / [[Better Food Stops Inc.]] (1964), [[Kentucky Fried Chicken]] (1970), [[R & F Inc.]] convenience store  / [[Super Sound]] car stereo (2007)
** 5704: [[Interfaith Hospitality House]] (1983–2009)
** 5705: [[Faush Metropolitan Manor]] apartments (2007)
** 5707: former location of [[Roy Kracke Jr]] dentist (1964–1970)
** 5715: former location of [[Jerome Weaver]] physician (1964–1970)
** 5720: [[Christ Health Center]] (2009-), formerly [[Jefferson County Department of Health]] [[Eastern Health Center]] (1964–2008)
** 5729: former location of the [[Robinette Apartments]] (1941–1970)


* [[Georgia Road]] intersection
* [[56th Street South]] intersects
** north side:
*** 5600: former location of [[Spivey's Gulf Service Station]] (1941), [[Woodlawn Gulf Service Station]] (1964-1970), [[Mays Auto & Tire]] ([[Dwight Mays|Dwight]] & [[Edna Mays]] 1980s–2021)
*** 5608: former location of [[D & E Auto Sales]] ([[Dwight Mays|Dwight]] & [[Edna Mays]] 1990s–2021)
*** 5612:  [[R & F Inc.]] convenience store (2007–), former location of [[Frostop]] drive-in / [[Better Food Stops Inc.]] (1964), [[Kentucky Fried Chicken]] (1970) [[Super Sound]] car stereo (2007)
** south side:
*** 5601: former location of [[Newman Cleaners & Dyers]] (1941), [[Hendrix Super Texaco]] (1964–1970), [[Stinnett Transmission Inc.]] (2007)
*** 5607: [[Gerald Vines]] accountant (2007–), former location of [[Paul Longshore]] dentist (1964-1970),
*** 5613: vacant lot
*** 5621 (100 57th Street South): [[Woodlawn Dental]] ([[M. Dale Williams]] 2008–)
 
* [[57th Street South]] intersects
** north side:
*** 5704: [[Interfaith Hospitality House]] (1983–2009)
*** 5720: [[Christ Health Center]] (2009-), former location of [[Jefferson County Department of Health]] [[Eastern Health Center]] (1964–2008)
*** 5804–5812: [[Live Oaks Clinic]] (built 2019)
** south side:
*** 5701–5731: [[Faush Metropolitan Manor]] apartments (2007)
**** 5707: former location of [[Roy Kracke Jr]] dentist (1964–1970)
**** 5715: former location of [[Jerome Weaver]] physician (1964–1970)
**** 5729: former location of the [[Robinette Apartments]] (1941–1970)
 
* [[Georgia Road]] intersects
** 5813: former location of [[Butler Service Station]] (1941), [[Battery Stores Exchange]] (1964-1970)
** 5813: former location of [[Butler Service Station]] (1941), [[Battery Stores Exchange]] (1964-1970)
** 5819: former location of [[Reese Engineering Co.]] warehouse (1964)
** 5819: former location of [[Reese Engineering Co.]] warehouse (1964)
Line 271: Line 291:
** 5903-5905: former location of [[Burris Grocery Co.]] (1926)
** 5903-5905: former location of [[Burris Grocery Co.]] (1926)
** 5916: [[Interfaith Hospitality House]] (2009-present)
** 5916: [[Interfaith Hospitality House]] (2009-present)
** former location of [[Woodlawn Church of Christ]] addressed 5 [[60th Street South]] (1955)
** 6015-6023: former location of [[Catherine Court Apartments]] (1964-1970)
** 6015-6023: former location of [[Catherine Court Apartments]] (1964-1970)
** 6035: former location of [[Woodlawn Apartments]] (1941-1970)
** 6035: former location of [[Woodlawn Apartments]] (1941-1970)
Line 281: Line 302:
** 6201: former location of [[Woodlawn Variety Shop]] (1941), [[Little Harlem Club]] ([[Ray Harris]] 1953), [[Clarence Hixon]] physician (1964)
** 6201: former location of [[Woodlawn Variety Shop]] (1941), [[Little Harlem Club]] ([[Ray Harris]] 1953), [[Clarence Hixon]] physician (1964)
** 6203: former location of [[62nd Shoe Shine Parlor]] (1964)
** 6203: former location of [[62nd Shoe Shine Parlor]] (1964)
** 6221: [[Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church]] (1941)
** 6221: [[Old Ship AME Zion Church]] (1941, 1960)
* onramp to [[I-20]] eastbound
* onramp to [[I-20]] eastbound
* [[I-20]] overpass
* [[I-20]] overpass
Line 292: Line 313:
** 6411: former location of [[Barlow Coal Coke & Transfer Co.]] (1941)
** 6411: former location of [[Barlow Coal Coke & Transfer Co.]] (1941)
** 6425: former location of [[John Palumbo]] grocery (1941), [[Palumbo & Sacco Grocery]] (1964)
** 6425: former location of [[John Palumbo]] grocery (1941), [[Palumbo & Sacco Grocery]] (1964)
** 6429-6431: [[Bright House Networks]] offices, former location of [[Mt Moriah A.M.E. Church]] (1941), [[Road Runner High Speed Online]] (2007)
** 6429-6431: [[Bright House Networks]] offices, former location [[Mt Moriah Methodist Church]] (c.1920-1969), [[Road Runner High Speed Online]] (2007)
** 6444: former location of Primitive Baptist Church (1941)
** 6444: former location of [[Primitive Baptist Church]] (1941)
** 6457: former location of [[Ann's Beauty Salon]] (1970), [[Kelly's Barber Shop]] (2007)
** 6457: former location of [[Ann's Beauty Salon]] (1970), [[Kelly's Barber Shop]] (2007)
** 6460: former location of [[Martin Animal Hospital]] (1964-2011)
** 6460: former location of [[Martin Animal Hospital]] (1964-2011)
Line 304: Line 325:
* 65th Street intersection
* 65th Street intersection
** 7110: [[East End Memorial Hospital]]
** 7110: [[East End Memorial Hospital]]
** 7627-7631: former location of [[77th Street Church of Christ]] (1948-1996-)
* [[Oporto-Madrid Boulevard]] intersection
* [[Oporto-Madrid Boulevard]] intersection


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* 83rd Street South intersection (road terminus)
* 83rd Street South intersection (road terminus)
* 87th Street South intersection (road terminus)
* 87th Street South intersection (road terminus)
** 8721: former location of [[Faith Lutheran Church|Faith Lutheran Chapel]] (1959)
** 9016: former location of [[Pan Am Service Station & Cafe]] ([[P. T. Harrison]] 1951)
** 9016: former location of [[Pan Am Service Station & Cafe]] ([[P. T. Harrison]] 1951)


Revision as of 13:28, 23 April 2024

1st Avenue South (originally called Avenue A) is an east-west avenue in Birmingham running from I-65 in the west to Roebuck in the east. In the downtown area it is just south of Powell Avenue and one block from the Railroad Reservation. As it proceeds eastward it is interrupted by I-20/59 near Gate City and resumes in Woodlawn separated from 1st Avenue North by Division Avenue. It is once again interrupted by I-59 at 82nd Street South in East Lake and then terminates at 87th Street South just shy of Parkway East near the Roebuck Municipal Golf Course

The downtown section of 1st Avenue South is undergoing large scale redevelopment. It the main frontage for the Railroad Park between 14th and 18th Streets, and is also experiencing significant redevelopment around the location of the 1st Avenue Cut, which was redeveloped as the Rotary Trail. In 2016 the Birmingham City Council approved changing the name of a two-block section of 1st Avenue South adjacent to Regions Field to Willie Mays Drive.

Railway cut

Main article: 1st Avenue South railway cut
The 1st Avenue Cut, looking west from the 24th Street Viaduct in 2005

The 1st Avenue Cut is a depressed railroad bed which formerly served the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, which runs through the center of 1st Avenue South, below grade, from 20th Street South to 24th Street South. The reinforced concrete construction creating the grade separation was begun in the mid-1890s.

The presentation of the City Center Master Plan in 2005 showed the possibility of filling the cut to create a tree-lined boulevard. Some residents, vocally represented by then-City Councilor Elias Hendricks, expressed their view that the cut should be preserved for its interpretive and nostalgic value, but "cleaned up" to make it an asset to the area. The Central City neighborhood sponsored a clean-up day for the cut in June, 2005.

Main article: Rotary Trail

In 2016 the Rotary Club of Birmingham partnered with the city of Birmingham, Freshwater Land Trust, Operation New Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation to redevelop The cut as a linear public park, known as the "Rotary Trail". The park is part of the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System, connecting Railroad Park with Sloss Furnaces and beyond.

East of downtown

Moving east from the 24th Street viaduct the street is home to recent construction on the former Seaboard Air Line Railroad yard and spillover from the adjacent "Design District" around Dr Pepper Place in Lakeview. The 24th Street viaduct and Red Mountain Expressway overpass occasionally shelter small groups of homeless persons. The CSX 32nd Street Yard was active on the south side of the street until 2012. Until then it had often provided a staging area for the Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey's Circus train.

Red Light District

The area around the western ends of the railyards served as Birmingham's Red Light District in the early 20th century.

According to a 1909 report by Mayor George Ward the policy of "Segregation" had a positive effect:

"It has reduced the number of unfortunates in our midst over 75 per cent by driving hundreds away. It has reclaimed every other section of the city from suspicion and contamination. It has made it possible for women and children to go and be seen in every other part of the city at all times without fear of being misunderstood or embarassed. It has done more to prevent thievery, debauchery, and murder; more to prevent insidious temptation; more to reduce licentiousness, incipient and chronic, than can ever by known by the public or the authorities. This district should be regulated sternly; treated fairly; kept in the background, and conditions improved from year to year."1.

The best known house in the district was operated by Blanche Bernard who, banned from soliciting at the Terminal Station instead offered gentlemen a free carriage to their hotel. The catch was that even if their hotel was located just down 5th Avenue North, the carriage would always tarry around the Southside Loop to show off the attractions of the Red Light District. The houses were finally razed in the 1930s.

On the relatively isolated stretch between 35th and 41st Streets there is frequent drag racing in the late evenings. Past 41st Street, 1st Avenue peters out into a local-access street.

East end

1st Avenue South re-appears in downtown Woodlawn. Morse Avenue, now vacated within the Connors Steel plant, was renumbered as a disconnected section of 1st Avenue South.

Georgia Road forks away to the south at 58th Street. The avenue continues underneath I-20 into East Lake and continues through 20 blocks of predominantly residential areas until it is again interrupted by I-59 a few blocks shy of its eastern end at 87th Street.

Notable locations

For an alphabetical list of locations, see the 1st Avenue South category.

North Titusville

Five Points South neighborhood

Southside neighborhood

North Avondale/Southside neighborhood

North Avondale/Forest Park-South Avondale

  • 42nd Street South intersection (south only)

North Avondale/East Avondale

East Avondale

Woodlawn

South Woodlawn

View looking east from 64th street in 1919

East Lake neighborhood

South East Lake

Notes

  • (Ward - 1909)

References

External links

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