Leer Tower
Leer Tower is the name for the Leer Corporation's proposed $20 million redevelopment of the Cabana Hotel at 1631 2nd Avenue North into condominiums, restaurants and retail and office space. The proposal, which was first publicized in 2005, was delayed by a challenge brought by Atlanta's Inman Park Properties over the sale of the building to Leer.
After a July 2006 judge's ruling in favor of Leer's claim, the corporation has announced that they are moving forward with their plans even as Inman Park prepares to appeal the decision. The company has received approval from Birmingham's Design Review board for their proposed tower-top signs while Hendon & Huckestein Architects work on condominium and renovation plans.
Announced plans include four sizes of condominiums, each with two bedrooms. "The Jefferson" is a 1,665 square foot layout with private elevator access. "The Lincoln" has 1,350 square feet and "The Roosevelt" has 1,318. The smallest unit is "The Washington" at 1,097 square feet. All units will have gated parking, pre-wired high-speed internet and multiple phone lines, 24-hour security, mail and package pick-up and delivery, and access to a fitness center.
The plans call for condomuniums on 16 floors (3-18), regional offices for Leer Corporation on the 19th floor, a penthouse residence on the 20th, and renovation of the existing lobby, ballroom, restaurant and banquetting hall on first two floors. Other design features include a rooftop spa and garden and a fitness center. Ground floor retail space is available for a coffee shop, salon, dry-cleaner and/or deli that would serve residents as well as the public.
The exterior renovation is aimed at the building's original 1927 appearance with bronze railings outside the corner windows, canopies and awnings at ground level, and large flagpoles near the base of the tower. The lobby is to have a concierge table with a water wall as backdrop, a grand piano, and a fireplace with seating area, bookcases, and wireless internet access alongside Mr Leer's restored Model T automobile. A billiard and games room is planned, along with a fitness center and a few retail spaces for lease. The rooftop will have a garden with elevated swimming pool and two jacuzzis (indoors and out). The original mooring mast for airships is to be restored and specially lit as an architectural feature of the tower.
Part of the marketing plan for Leer Tower includes the use of a 4-seat GEM electric car for each residence to make downtown trips more efficient and convenient. In addition to a secured deck adjacent to the tower, Leer Corporation has leased off-hour spaces from the Birmingham Police Department's parking lot and plans a 40-car gated lot on land not yet purchased.
References
- Tomberlin, Michael (July 29, 2006) "Vrooms available: Leer condos cleared; free car to be included." Birmingham News.
- Tomberlin, Michael (November 23, 2006) "Leer tower lists lobby, rooftop as focal points. Birmingham News.
External links
- Leer Tower website at LeerCorp.com