Block 73
Block 73 is a Birmingham city block bordered by 19th and 20th Streets and by 3rd and 4th Avenues North.
The block is currently occupied by the Burger-Phillips building, Kress Building, New Williams lofts and the Kessler Building.
In 1979 the block was the first section of the city center to be targeted for redevelopment by a committee of Operation New Birmingham. ONB hired Crawford and Giattina Architects to propose redevelopment plans. Their proposal included various alternatives, one of which included a new hotel and department store in the existing structures. Other possibilities included demolishing the block and selling it as a single site for new construction. The possibility of constructing a parking garage across 3rd Avenue from the site was also proposed.
References
- "Kress, Burger block is subject of plans." (January 19, 1979) Birmingham News