Highland Avenue

The 2900 block of Highland Avenue in October 2006

Highland Avenue is an east-west street that winds for about two miles along the northern slope of Red Mountain in Birmingham's South Highlands.

History

Highland Avenue was constructed by the Elyton Land Company in order to provide access to its 1,500-acre wooded property on South Highlands, which it wished to develop as residential estates. In 1884, with the company celebrating the payment of its first issue of bonds, secretary-treasurer and chief engineer Willis Milner suggested that the time was ripe to turn attention to the property, which was still "unbroken primeval forest", protected from timber poaching by agents of the company.

Given charge of the project, Milner planned a mule-drawn passenger railway beginning at 1st Avenue North and 19th Street and turning south along 22nd Street and branching east and west at 5th Avenue South. The two end-points, after extension, were at Five Points South and the intersection of 29th Street and 3rd Avenue South. Milner then planned, with a detailed topographic survey, the winding thoroughfare that would complete the loop.

Construction of Highland Avenue in 1885

The right of way was set at 100 feet, with no more than 3% slope to accommodate horse-drawn carriages and trolleys. Care was taken to maximize attractive lot frontages wherever possible, and to provide parks in low areas where building would be impractical. Henry M. Caldwell, president of the Elyton Company, suggested the name "Highland Avenue". Milner's plan was located on the ground by his cousin, John A. Milner by April 1, 1884.

Immediately grading and construction was begun on a 25-foot wide roadbed in the center of the right-of-way. When that was completed, during the summer, the artificial lake at Lakeview was created by piping three springs into an excavated basin within the park's boundaries. Lakeview Park was planned as a resort to attract Birmingham residents up into the hillside for pleasure, and to inspect the prospective home sites along the way.

The construction of the rail line itself had to wait for the Alabama Legislature's approval of a change in the company charter. In the mean time, the unpaved roadbed was opened to traffic. With the approval of the legislature, construction of the Highland Avenue Railroad began in earnest in 1885.

Later it was decided to replace the horse-drawn carriages with heavier, steam-powered dummies. The old 16-pound rails were pulled up and replaced with 40-pound rails to accommodate them. The result, which opened on June 26, 1886 was the first dummy line in the South, with trains leaving every 15 minutes, alternating directions on the one-hour round-trip loop.

Part of Highland Avenue was incorporated into the town of Highland in 1887. That section was regraded and curbed by the town. When the City of Birmingham annexed the entire area in 1893, the city graded and curbed the remainder of the avenue.

Renovations

By the 1960s, with the streetcar gone, the wide avenue's center median was frequently used for automobile parking. The issue of preserving accommodations for parking proved to be the key dispute in proceeding with improvements to the avenue. A report created in 1964 by Harold Bartholomew and Associates recommended street and landscape improvements. The Jefferson County Historical Commission was beginning a campaign to preserve the historic character of the street. By 1972 residents and business owners were meeting regularly with city officials to discuss ideas for improvement.

A major revitalization of Highland Avenue finally proceeded in the late 1970s. City Councilor Angi Grooms Proctor convinced the city to commission a landscape architect to oversee the project. Michael Kirk's design narrowed the road from four to two lanes and filled the middle lane with raised planting beds. Angled parking was added in front of apartment and commercial buildings and wide sidewalks were created with new lighting and other features. The project also involved repairs to storm and sanitary sewers.

The first phase, between 23rd Streeet South and 27th Place South, was begun in 1975 and completed in 1977 for $800,000. The second phase, which continued the work to 33rd Street South, was budgeted at $1.3 million, with the general contract awarded to the Donahoo Contracting Company. Older trees were saved wherever possible and new plantings included azaleas, cherry trees, dogwood trees, crape myrtles, sugar maples, scarlet oaks, dwarf yaupon holly, dwarf Chinese holly, and blue rug juniper. Kirk specified materials from local manufacturers where possible, even redesigning the brick panels to match available paver sizes.

Route

The 2100 block of Highland Avenue in February 2006

The western end of Highland Avenue begins at the intersection of 12th Avenue and 20th Street South in Five Points South. It follows roughly the path of 12th Avenue with the exception of the areas of Rhodes Park and Caldwell Park. Highland Avenue is home to many apartments, condominiums, office buildings, restaurants and bars as it winds it way approximately 14 blocks to the Highland Golf Course, where it takes a sharp northward turn. Its eastern end is at the intersection of Clairmont Avenue in the Lakeview District.

Highland Avenue hosts numerous events, the largest of which is the annual Do Dah Day parade and festival.

Notable locations

Five Points South neighborhood

• Terrace Court (built 1907)
• Intersection with 20th Street South/12th Avenue South
  • north side:
    • 2000-2006: Chick-fil-A, former location of Five Points Service Station (1946), 5 Points Gulf service station (1953-1959), Shop-A-Snak, Connie's Famous Foods, Ruby Tuesday (1994-2010), formerly proposed location for Renaissance Plaza
      • 2006: former location of John Gillespy residence (1909–1919)
    • 2010-2012: former location of Toddle House restaurant (1946–1959), Steak & Egg Kitchen (1984)
      • 2012B: former location of Alley Cats t-shirts & gifts (1984)
    • 2014: former location of Toddle House restaurant (1964)
    • 2016: former location of R. W. Boland residence (1909)
    • 2028: William Hassinger residence (built 1898), Hassinger Daniels Mansion Bed & Breakfast (2011-), former location of William Hassinger (1898–1919), Leo Bashinsky physician / O K Rubber Welders (1953), Mail-Me-Monday letter shop / Howard Hinton & Associates accountants / Daniels Opticians (1953-1964), National Toddle Home Corp. restaurants (1959), R. H. Daniel Real Estate (1959-1964), Chaffin Carousel Carving School (2011-2016)
    • 2030: The Richmond apartments (built 1912), former location of a residence, former location of Inter Se Club (1920), Dairy Council of Greater Birmingham (1959), Family Counseling Association (1959)
    • 2040: Highland Manor (built 1961 as Colony Motor Hotel) later the Sheraton Motor Inn, former site of the Highland Town Hall (built 1889), Mary London residence (1919–1953)
  • south side:
    • 2001-2011: Shepherd-Sloss building (built 1928)
      • 2001-2005: former location of King Drug Co. (1946), Cadillac Cafe (1972-), Louie Louie (1982-1997), Bell Bottoms (1997-2008), Uranus (2009), Crush (2009-)
        • 2001-2003: former location of King Drug Co. (1953-1964)
          • 2001: former location of Lyle Drug Co. (1929)
          • 2003: former location of Patricia's Exclusive Specialty Shop (1929)
      • 2005-2009: former location of Carmel Inc. clothier (1953)
        • 2005–2007: former location of Eva Murrah (1946)
          • 2005: former location of John Tomlinson residence (1909), White Swan Laundry (1929–1950s)
          • 2007: former location of Mrs H. B. Taylor (1919) Marinello Shoppe beauty parlor (1929), Carmel Inc. women's clothing (1959), Medical Arts Brace Shop (1964), Hair
        • 2009: former location of Lehman & Klein Flowers (1959), Klein's Flowers (1964-1980s). Flamingo's
      • 2011: former location of Mussey & Latady antiques (1938), Electrik Maid Bake Shop (1946-1964), Dugan's pub (1973-2005), Little New Orleans, Twist & Shout, Black Market Bar (2012-2015), Buck Mulligan's (2015-2017)
    • 2013: former location of Highland Avenue Creamery bakery (1929)
    • 2015: office building (built 1956), former location of Service Bureau Corp. (1964), Southern Institute (1970s-1990s), Assagio! restaurant, Tantra, Courtyard Oyster Bar & Grill, Club Red (2005), NV Ultra Lounge (-2014)
    • 2019: Prudential building (built c. 1955), Prudential Insurance Company (1955-1959), Scheaffer Eye Center (2010s), former location Southern Institute School of Interior Design (1970s-1990s), Alabama Republican Party
    • 2023: former location of J. P. Tillman residence (1909–1919)
    • 2031: former location of R. P. Wetmore residence (1909) V. A. Welsh (1919), Joseph Gray (1946), Walter Catching Jr (1953)
    • 2033: former location of W. A. Moody residence (1909), S. A. Moses (1919), J. Rupert McGregor (1946)
    • 2035: former location of R. C. Redus residence (1909)
    • 2041: South Highland Presbyterian Church (built 1892)

• 21st Street South/Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard South intersects
  • north side:
    • 2100-2112: Temple Emanu-El (built 1914)
    • 2116: former location of B. L. Wyman residence (1909–1919), 7-story apartment building (1928-), Alvie Staton (1946)
    • 2120: former location of W. G. Oliver residence (1909), C. R. Hartzell (1919), Carron-Walker Decorators (1953)
    • 2124–2128: Berkley on Highland (built 1927 as the Kenilworth Arms), later the Berkeley Apartment Hotel (1946-1964), former location of J. W. Davis residence (1909), George Hanson (1919)
      • 2128: former location of R. M. Jenkins residence (1909), A. G. Arapian (1919)
  • south side:
    • 2101: 2101 Highland Avenue (formerly the A. G. Edwards Building, built mid-late 1960s), former site of the Fairmont Apartments (1929-1959)
    • 2105: former location of Frank Grafford residence (1913)
    • 2111: former location of Mrs R. P. Anderson (1909), R. Lawson Hanks (1946), J. Hayes Williams physician (1953), vacant (1959)
    • 2117: former location of Edward Wald residence (1909)
    • 2121: Southern Life & Health Insurance building (built 1920s), Progress Bank (2017-), former location of Southern Life & Health Insurance Co. (1920s-1959), Dominick, Fletcher, Yeilding, Wood & Lloyd attorneys (1978-2012), First Partners Bank (2013-2017)

• 21st Place South intersects
  • north side:
    • 2130: Twenty One Thirty Building, Taylor & Taylor attorneys, former location of Lone Star Cement Co. (1959), Weygand Engineering Co. (1964)
    • 2140-2142: Lanny Vines & Associates, former location of Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. (1964)
      • 2142: former location of The Byrd Companies (1986)
    • 2144-2146: Dobbins Building
      • 2144: former location of Margaret Allen School (1906–1934), Lola Luther School for Girls / Academy of Music, Mrs Burr Nabors music studio (1929), Louise Cone artist (1938-1953), apartments (1946), Colonial Apartments (1953), Lemuel McDaniel artist (1953), National Cement Co. (1959-1964), Longview Lime Co. (1964)
      • 2146: Prewitt Group, former location of Lucy DuBose artist (1938), Colonial Apartments annex (1946–1953), Lad & Lassie Kindergarten (1953), Saxon Dance Studio / WAPI-AM & WAPI-FM / Shell Oil Co. (1964)
    • 2150: former location of B. D. Sibley residence (1909), Mrs J. E. Sibley (1919), Lovett's Flowers (Arthur Lovett 1946-1964), Huggins Flowers
    • 2152 (formerly 2154): former location of Erskine Ramsay residence (1909–1919), Charles F. Lewis, physician (1953-1964)
    • 2154 (formerly 2160): Caldwell Bradshaw residence (built 1892–1919), Davis & Norris LLP & Bates & Bone LLP, former location of P. Churpes boarding house (1946), W. Nicholson Jones physician (1953-1959), Stanbur Co. management consultants / House of Physical Fitness health studio (1964), Stewart Perry Company (1985)-, Bradshaw House Gallery (1990s), O2 Ideas (2004-2007)
    • 2156: former location of Joseph Dixon physician (1959)
    • 2160: Donald Watkins Jr State Farm Insurance (2014-), former location of Earle Drennen physician (1946–1953), Benjamin Goldstein physician (1946–1959), Mary Lytle dentist (1946–1959), Jerome Chapman physician (1946–1953), Sigmond Kahn physician (1946–1959), Don E. King physician (1959), O2 Ideas (-2007), Complete Health, Summit Products (-2014)
    • 2164: former location of Morris Wertheimer residence (1909), Barbara Wertheimer (1919–1946), Retta Wertheimer (1953-1959)
    • 2168: former location of J. C. Patterson residence (1919), John Anderson (1946), Agnes Anderson (1953)
    • 2170 Highland Avenue (built 1961 as the Traveler's Building) Alamerica Bank, Arcadis, Donald Watkins & NMI Mortgage, former location of F. B. Keiser residence (1919), Iva Hagan (1946), Kenneth Brealand physician (1953), Thomas Lewis physician (1953-1959), Travelers Insurance Companies (1964), former location of Complete Health (late 1980s-late 1990s)
    • 2172: parking lot, former location of W. T. Fox residence (1909), Charles Wilson / Gerrit Pool / J. A. Forbes (1919), Edwin Fruitticher (1946), Laney Chiropractic Clinic (1953-1959, demolished 1990s)
    • 2176: former location of David Fox residence (1909), Lula Fox (1919), Randall Lawrence (1946)
    • 2178: former location of Schuessler Pharmacy (1929), Charm Beauty Shop (1946), Meer's Kosher Food Mart (1953), Bernie's Kosher Foods (1959)
    • 2180: former location of E. W. Barrett residence (1909), M. J. Dillard (1919), Sunshine Cleaners / Pan-Am Petroleum Co. (1929), Benton Bros. clothes cleaners (1946), Joe Winters photographer (1953-1959)
    • 2184: former location of Evelyn Swann delicatessen (1929)
    • 2188: Tom & Jerry's Chevron (1981-), former location of Standard on the Highlands service station
  • south side:
    • 2123-2131: former location of Margaret Apartments (1946-1959)
    • 2135–2137: former location of Margaret Apartments (1909–1929)
    • 2145-2151: One Highland Place (formerly the Gulf Building, built 1961)
      • 2145: Rheumatology Associates, former location of Emma Messer (1946), Germain Wilkinson (1953), IBM (1959-1964), Harbert Construction (1964)
      • 2147: former location of Morris Adler residence (1909), Beatrice Bell (1946), Saxon Dance Studio (1953)
      • 2151: Burke, Harvey & Frankowski & Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates of Birmingham, former location of Huggins Flowers (1946-1955), Gulf Oil Co. & Mammy's Pancakes (1964), Todd's (1973), New Tokyo
    • 2155–2177: Cortland Vesta Apartments (built 2021)
      • 2155: former location of Christian Enslen residence (1909), Joseph Bell (1946), George Hunter (1953)
      • 2163: former location of Jacob Fies residence (1909), Monte Apartments (1929-1959)
      • 2167: former location of Herman Saks residence (1909–1929), Vera Stewart physician (1946–1959), Roddie Stewart physician (1953-1959), Tom Caldwell physician (1959)
      • 2173: former location of Leo Steiner residence (1909), William Mason building contractor (1946), Vulcan Life & Accident Insurance (1949-1953), Britling on the Highlands cafeteria (1959-1964), and Highland Diagnostics
      • 2177: former location of J. W. Johnston residence (1909), Jackson Apartments (1946–1953)
    • 2179–2181: Temple Beth-El (built 1926)
      • 2181: former location of J. W. Sibley residence (1909)

• Arlington Avenue/21st Way South intersects
  • north side:
    • 2200: former location of U. S. Tire Supply Co. service station (1946–1953), U.S. Tire Service (1959)
      • 2200½: former location of Mitchell Physical School gymnasium / Anna Smith dressmaker (1946), McCoy School for Dancing (1953)
    • 2204: former location of Highland Cleaners & Dyers (1946-1959)
    • 2208: former location of Hill Grocery Co. (1946), Lane Tile & Marble Co. (1953)
    • 2210: Birmingham Fire Station No. 3 (built 1992), former location of L. G. Clark (1919), Engine Co. No. 3 / Truck Co. No. 3 (1927-1992)
    • 2220 (formerly 2210): Galley & Garden restaurant (2015-), formerly the William Merritt residence (built 1906), C. H. Merritt (1919), Frank Merritt / Nellie Hunter (1946), Sallie Wise (1953-1959), The Pillars restaurant, Merritt House restaurant (-1999), Veranda on Highland restaurant (1999-2014)
  • south side:
    • 2201: BancorpSouth (built as Weaver Nelson Building) former location of Louis Saks residence (1909), Gregory Owen chiropractor (1946), Weaver Nelson Realty Co. (1959), Weaver Nelson Mortgage Co. (1959-1964), Birmingham Police Department South Precinct
    • 2205: former location of C. R. Patterson residence (1909), Adaline Leibold antiques (1938), Carl Liebold (1946), Martha Green / Hillary Henderson Jr physicians (1953), Martin Anderson / Claude Blackwell / Robert Green Jr / Donald Sweeney physicians (1953-1959), Dan Beatty / Charles Grant / Buford Word physicians (1959)
    • 2207: former location of T. C. McDonald residence (1909), Kate Fabretta women's clothes (1946)
      • 2207½: former location of Letitia Bizzell (1946), Kate Fabretta & Associates interior decorators (1953-1964)
    • 2211: BancorpSouth, former location of J. A. Going residence (1909), Henry Going (1913), Elizabeth Boykin (1946), Fay Randall physician (1953), Ruth Berrey / Hugh Linder / William Warrick / Hampton Smith / George Warrick / Ernest Pope / Leonard Bleidt physicians (1953-1959), GMAC / Coca-Cola Co. / Minute Maid Co. (1964), Highland Bank
    • 2217: former location of Mrs M. G. Earle (1909), Carl Stier (1946), Simon Newfield physician (1953-1959), Samuel Wainwright physician (1953-1964), Harry Goldner physician (1959-1964), Robert May / Clay Wells physicians (1964)
    • 2219: former location of John L. Parker residence (1909–1910), Seale Harris Clinic (1953-1964)

• 11th Court South intersects
  • north side:
    • 2222–2232: Highland Plaza shopping center (formerly Plaza Stores, built 1938)
      • 2222: Subway, former location of Utopia Cleaners (1946–1953), Mayfield Cleaners (1964–1969), Annabelle & Lulu's, T-Bones
      • 2224: Lovely Nails, former location of Beauty Land salon (1946–1964), Movie Time
      • 2226: Taj India, former location of Savage's Bakery (1939–1953), Ben Franklin Stores (1941), Marsh Bakers (1959), Pasquale's Pizza & Pasta, Pizza Pub (1974)
      • 2228: Highland Package Store former location of T. G. Bush residence (1909), Plaza Variety Store, Dixie 5¢-10¢ & $1.00 Store (1946), Stewart's Variety Store (1953-1959), Spivey 5 & 10¢ Store (1964), Lovett's Flowers, Dollar Tree
      • 2230: Western Supermarket (1953–2019), former location of B. M. Allen residence (1919–1924), A & P supermarket (1946)
      • 2232: (expansion of supermarket), former location of Lane Drugs (1946), Lane Rexall Drugs (1949), Posey's Plaza Drugs (1953), Cleere Pharmacy (1959–1964)
  • south side:

• 22nd Street South/southbound Red Mountain Expressway onramp intersect:
  • north side:
    • • 2234–2236: Highland Shell (1980s-) / Sneaky Pete's / Little India (2019-), former location of Gulf Oil Co. gas station (Joe Epperson 1970s)
        • 2234: former location of J. L. Kaul residence (1909–1919), Seale Harris Clinic (1946)
        • 2236: former location of Birmingham Baptist Hospital Highland Avenue unit (1946-1964)
    • 2240: Bottega Favorita building, Bottega Restaurant and Bottega Café, former location of Burke-Andrews Inc. specialty shop (1946-1959), Gus Mayer
      • 2240½: former location of William Post (1946-1959), Kate Burke (1959)
    • 2244: former location of Selene Lighthall art goods (1938–1946), Plaza Beauty Salon / Plaza Gift Shop (1953), Boy Scouts of America Birmingham Area Council (1959-1964)
    • 2250: Highland Plaza Condominiums (built 1924 as Highland Plaza Apartments), former location of Highland Plaza Cafe (1946)
  • south side:
    • 2231: former location of Edward Hiller residence (1909), Martin Schmarkey (1946), Lora Schmarkey (1953–1959)
    • 2235: former location of W. H. Welsh residence (1909), Milton Lipscomb / Henry Plasse / William Gillingham (1946), apartment building (1953)
    • 2245: former location of J. H. Minge residence (1909), Maud Elliot (1946–1953), Arthur Burdin (1959)
    • 2251-2257: Highland Towers apartments (built 1951), former location of the offices of Birmingham Weekly, former site of the E. H. Cabaniss residence)
      • 2251: former location of E. H. Cabaniss residence (1909), Highland Terrace Gardens (1946)
      • 2253: Freddy's Wine Bar (2018-), former location of Highland Towers Apothecary & Drug (1953), Highland Towers Sundry Shop (1559-1964), Highland Booksmith, Highland Coffee Company
      • 2255: former office of Owen Hughes physician (1953), Walter Haynes physician (1953-1964)
      • 2257: former location of Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. (1959)
• avenue continues over Red Mountain Expressway on Highland Avenue Overpass

Highland Park neighborhood

1968 photograph of a boarding house at 2608 Highland Avenue

• 23rd Street South intersects
  • north side:
    • 2300: former location of C. O. Locke residence (1909–1919), Pauline Locke (1929), Marye Dabney physician (1946–1953), LeRoy Kincannon / William McCracken dentists (1953), Wilmot Littlejohn physician (1953-1959), John Jenkins Jr physician (1953-1964), Edward Peterson physician (1959-1964)
    • 2304: former location of John Caldwell residence
    • 2306: former location of Thomas Hopkins residence (1909), Mrs B. C. Johnson (1919), A. M. Wade (1929), Fred Bender (1946), Home for the Aged (1953)
    • 2310: Phares Apartments (built 1920s), former location of Mrs B. C. Johnson (1909), Coleman Phares residence (1919)
    • 2312: Gordon Court Apartments, former location of the Emilar Apartments (1929–1953)
    • 2314-2324: 2320 Highland Avenue office building (built 1987)
      • 2314: former location of Ralph Fies residence (1919), Roderick Beddow (1929–1953)
      • 2316: former location of Jacob Fies residence (1881–1915), J. S. Willcox (1919), Elizabeth Wilcox (1929), Perkins Prewitt (1946), Elbert Sanders (1953)
      • 2320: former location of G. B. Forbes (1919), F. D. Cromer (1929), Hugh Morrow (1946), Zelma Youell (1953)
      • 2326: former location of Julius Jaffe (1919), E. R. Wright residence (1929), Nellie Peterson (1946), David R. Moore (1953), Nathaniel Brantley / John C. White / George Graham physicians (1959)
    • 2330: former location of W. J. Yeilding residence (1919–1929), Mary Drake (1946), Lavell Nalley (1953)
    • 2340: former location of Louis Schwacke residence (1946)
  • south side:
    • 2311: Crescent Building (Brice Building Company, Sirote & Permutt, Koch Aesthetic Dentistry)
    • 2313: former location of J. H. Woodward residence (1909), Mrs M. B. Woodward (1929), Joseph Durick (1946), John Carroll Convent (1953-1964)
    • 2317: former location of John Carroll Catholic High School (1947-1992)
    • 2325: former location of Bishop Toolen's Catholic Center (1953-1964)

• Caldwell Park
  • • 2401: Highland Crescent subdivision (built 2005), former location of the Eli Smith residence
    • 2415: former location of Mrs A. B. Smith (1909)

• Milner Crescent / Highland Crescent intersect (south only)
  • 2507: First Lutheran Church (built 1951)

• Milner Street / Caldwell Avenue intersect (south only)
  • 2525: Clivenden Court Apartments (1929–1953)
  • 2535: Parklan Apartments (1929–1953)
  • 2541: former location of M. B. Lewis residence (1909), August Hirsch (1929), apartments (1946-1959), Jaycees Haunted House
  • 2545: Highland View office building
  • 2595: former location of E. L. Adler residence (1909–1929), Helene Adler (1946–1953)

• 26th Street South (north) / Niazuma Avenue (south) intersect
  • north side:
    • 2600: 2600 Highland condominiums (built 2008), former location of the Otto Marx residence (built 1909, demolished 2005), Lewis Clark (1914–1919), F. B. Clark (1919), C. P. Noland (1929), Noland Powell (1946), Mary Lewis Convalescent Center (1953-2005)
    • 2608: former location of C. H. Nabb residence (1919), M. S. Wallace (1929), boarding house & apartments (1946-1960s)
      • 2608A: EATS Highland (2019-), former location of Green Central Station (2012-2014)
      • 2608B: former location of The Store on Highland (-2016)
    • 2612: former location of William Denson residence (1919–1953)
    • 2614: former location of H. A. Spielberger residence (1919) Halman Long (1929), Ernie Littleton (1946), Charles Auton window dresser (1953)
    • 2620: Hanover Court apartments (1919–)
  • south side:
    • 2601: former location of Southern Medical Association (1959-1964)
    • 2617: former location of M. V. Joseph residence (1929), Joseph Crowder / Thomas Washburn Jr / Cecil Parsons / Robert Lilley (1946), George Corker / John A. McDaniel (1953), apartments (1959)
    • 2621: Ferd Caheen residence
    • 2625: Kingsridge Condominiums, former location of the Samuel Adler residence (1929), Bertha Adler (1946)

• Intersection with 27th Street South
• Intersection with Highland Court
• Rhodes Park
  • north side:
    • 2700-2704: Colonial Apartments (1953)
      • 2704: former location of C. P. Orr residence (1919), Ina Zeigler / William Coleman (1929–1946)
    • 2708: former location of R. F. Burnett / R. D. Burnett (1919), Robert Aland (1929–1946), Highland Terrace Garden tea room / restaurant (1953-1964)
  • south side:
    • 2705: former location of Wayne Parker (1946)
    • 2717: Park Tower (formerly Park Tower Apartments, built 1969), former location of E. O. Stafford (1929), Ella Hulsey (1946), Johnnie Hulsey (1953)
    • 2725: former location of Sam Will John residence (1910), J. F. Stallings (1929), Waights Taylor (1946), General Convalescent Home annex (1953), Plaza Nursing Home (1959)
    • 2727–2729: Highland Condos, former site of George Cruikshank residence

• 27th Place South intersects
  • north side:
    • 2732: former location of R. C. Woodson residence (1919), Charles Whelan (1929), Knights of Columbus hall (1953-1964)
    • 2738: former location of W. M. Walker (1919–1929), Birmingham Teachers Club (1959)
  • south side:
    • 2731-2737: "Three sisters"
      • 2731: George Harris residence (built 1907), former location of Manly Hamric / Daniel Robb (1946), Ernest Green (1946–1953), Green Apartments (1959-1964)
      • 2733: Robert Warner residence (built 1907), former location of E. R. McDavid (1929), Joseph Johnson (1946), apartments (1953)
      • 2737: Eugene Enslen residence (built 1910), Trimmier Law Firm, former location of J. A. Robicheaux (1929), Harry Woodson / Woodson Convalescent Home (1946), General Convalescent Home / Birmingham Conservatory of Music branch / Dorsey Whittington (1953), Home for the Aged (1959)

Postcard view looking east from near 28th Street South and Rhodes Park

• 28th Street South / 28th Place South intersects
  • north side:
    • 2820: former location of Hill Food Stores (1959)
    • 2828: James Donnelly residence (built 1906)
    • 2834: Mortimer Jordan residence (built 1906-1908), former location of Mrs F. E. Jordan / J. A. Levert (1919), A. R. Cabell (1929), Joy Carter (1946–1953), Frank George (1953)
    • 2838: former location of J. W. Donnelly (1919–1929), W. H. Blaney (1929), Minnie Donnelly (1946–1953), Birmingham Civic Ballet School (1964)
    • 2848: Stephen Thompson residence (built before 1919), former location of Stephen Thompson (1919–1929), E. F. Hettrick (1919), Helen Hettrick (1946–1953)
  • south side:
    • 2801: former location of Tom Joy residence, Robert Ingalls (1929), Winston Davis florist (1946–1953), Lou Davis dressmaker (1953), Davis Dress Shop (1964)
    • 2803: Unity of Birmingham (1959-), former location of Josiah Scruggs residence (built 1908, demolished 1970s)
    • 2807: Rhodes Park Manor apartments (1929-)
    • 2809: former location of W. P. Byrd (1929), Allen Tucker (1946), James McClung (1953)
    • 2811: former location of Sumpter Bethea (1929), Miriam Bethea (1946–1953), apartments (1959)
    • 2815-2823: Highland Terrace apartments (1929)
    • 2827-2835: Greenbrier at the Altamont, formerly Altamont Apartments (1929-1959), with Altamont Restaurant / George's Grill
      • 2827: Pilates on Highland, former location of Gibbs-Doster Drug Co. (1964), Title Books wholesaler (1971), Strawberry Fields Yogurt Garden (1983-1993), Celestial Realm coffee house (1990s), Lodestar Books
      • 2829: former location of Altamont Beauty Shoppe (1929), Hill Grocery Co. (1946–1953), Christian Science Reading Room, Pantsari Architecture, SouthTrust Bank branch office
        • 2831: former location of Altamont Florist / Altamont Cleaners & Dyers (1929), The Altamont Grill (1946), Altamont Harper Method Shop (1953), Altamont Beauty Salon (1953-1959), Utopia Cleaners & Dyers (1959)
        • 2833: former location of Altamont Delicatessen (1946–1953)
        • 2835: former location of Loyd-Leonard Drug Co. (1929), Lane Drug Store (1946), Altamont Drug Store (1953), The Party Shoppe restaurant (1964)

• 29th Street South intersects
  • north side:
    • 2900: apartment building, former site of William Rushton residence (built before 1919) William Rushton / J. C. Crouch (1919), Mrs E. H. Drennen (1929), Houston Drennen (1946–1953)
    • 2904:
    • 2906: Crews Apartments (1959-), former location of Z. L. Nabors / W. S. Mudd (1919), C. E. Cole (1929), John Chitwood (1946), Barbara Dickinson / Dan Wonderly (1953)
    • 2908: Women's Club House (built 1910), former location of S. Y. Caldwell (1919), Mary Brown (1919–1929), Helen Beaumont (1946)
  • south side:
    • 2901: former site of Eugene Brown residence (built 1902, demolished 1961)
    • 2903: former location of Frank Spain residence (1929), Charles Oakley (1946) Ernie Littlejohn (1953)
    • 2907: former location of A. L. Stabler residence (1929), Ola Wood (1946–1953)
    • 2911: Sheraton Laundry, former location of Mullendore Drug Co. (1953-1964)
    • 2913: former location of Carrie Drake physician (1929–1946)

• 30th Place South intersects (north only)
  • north side:
    • 2910-2930: Rushton Park
  • south side:
    • 2915–2933: former location of Culpepper Exum residence (demolished 1920s)
      • 2915–2921: Sheraton Apartments (built 1951)
        • 2915: O'Henry's, former location of Mayfield Cleaners (1953-1969), News Break news stand (1986), Highlands Floral Design, Clay Scot Artworks
        • 2917-2921: ROJO
          • 2917: former location of Highland Music, Triple Platinum salon
          • 2919: former location of Horace Weaver architect (1953), Jeff Bagwell / Elbon Christian / William K. Blake, architects (1964)
          • 2921: former location of Sheraton Grocery & Delicatessen (1953), Sheraton Grocery (1964), Highland Market
    • 2927: Montcalm Apartments, formerly Havenwood Apartments (1929-1959)
    • 2931: W. D. Colby residence (built 1920s), former location of Marguerite Sarris milliner & dressmaker (1946-1959)
    • 2933: former location of DuBose School (Joel DuBose 1901)

• 30th Street South intersects (south only)
  • 3005-3017: Avalon Condominiums, formerly The Avalon apartments (1929-1959)
  • 3053: former location of Edward Doyle (1929), Frederick Sertell (1946), James Knighton / George Saunders / Bruce Bailey / Charles Logan / Everette Croslaw (1953)
  • 3065: former location of J. C. Schwab (1929)
  • 3075: Independent Presbyterian Church parking lot, former location of Misses Howard School for Girls (1929-1970s)
  • 3087: former location of Misses Howard School for Girls dormitory / annex (1946–1959)
  • 3091: former location of J. W. Patton residence (1929), John Cleage Jr (1946)

• Intersection with 31st Street South (joined briefly)
• Intersection with Cliff Road
  • 3100: Independent Presbyterian Church (built 1926)
  • 3116: Independent Presbyterian Church's "Highland Hall" (2013-), former location of 1st Church of Christ Scientist (1950-2011)
  • 3119: former location of G. L. Martin residence (1929), Terrace Beauty Shop (Lillian Sullivan 1946)
  • 3121: former location of The Forest Court apartments (1929–1959)
  • 3160: former location of Louis Phillips / Morris Hirsch (1919)

• 32nd Street South intersects
• 33rd Street South/12th Avenue South/Highland Drive intersects

• • 3320: former location of Trinity Methodist Church (1919)
  • 3366: former location of J. M. Wright residence (1919)
  • 3370: former location of Archer Gibson residence (1913–1919)
  • 3374: former location of Honora Bruce residence (1919)
  • 3376: former location of J. W. Key residence (1919)
  • 3380: former location of S. M Hanby / B. W. Roberts (1919)
  • 3384: former location of J. T. Duncan / Mrs M. E. Hammett (1919)
  • 3388: former location of J. F. Hackstadt (1919)
  • 3398: former location of Oscar Underwood residence (1919)

• • 3408: former location of H. H. Gary residence (1919)
  • 3416: former location of G. R. Harsh residence (1919)
  • 3424: former location of J. S. Turner residence (1919)
  • 3430: former location of C. P. Beddow / F. A. Robertson (1919)
  • 3446: former location of F. G. Grace residence (1919)
  • 3450: former location of Mrs C. L. Montgomery (1919)
  • 3456: former location of P. White residence (1919)
  • 3466: former location of G. M. Schollian residence (1919), Mary E. Newman's Pure Pork Sausage (1923)
  • 3470: former location of G. P. Dexter residence (1919)
  • 3474 (29th Street): former location of Stephenson Studio photography

Forest Park neighborhood

• Highland Park Golf Course (former site of Lakeview Park)
• Intersection with Clairmont Avenue

References

• Milner, Willis J. (1911) "History of Highland Avenue". typescript. Birmingham Public Library Archives., rpt. in Johns-1979
• "Americana—It Could Be This Gently Winding, Shady Avenue Of Churches" (December 10, 1949) Birmingham News - via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections
• Alexander, Martha (June 28, 1961) "Old Highland-av mansions bow to progress" The Birmingham News - via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections
• Polk's Birmingham (Jefferson County, Ala.) City Directory (1964) Richmond, Virginia: R. L. Polk & Co.
• Casson, Barbara (April 3, 1972) "Parking a problem on Highland-Av" Birmingham Post-Herald. (Via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections.)
• "Amid protests— Restoration of Highland Ave. about to begin." (August 17, 1975.) The Birmingham News, page 4-B. (Via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections.)
• Stevens, Deborah L. (April 19, 1979) "Highland Avenue, street with proud history, starts new phase" Birmingham News. (Via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections.)
• Johns, Lyn (July 1979) "Early Highland Avenue and the Magic City, 1884-1893 Including Willis J. Milner's 'History of Highland Avenue'." Journal of the Birmingham Historical Society. Vol. VI, No. 2, pp. 33-43
• Morris, Philip (1988) "Urban Design: Everybody's Business: Birmingham" Design Alabama, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 10-11
• Brock, Glenny (May 2008) "Traversing this thoroughfare; A grand walk on Highland Avenue." Birmingham Weekly

External links

• Highland Avenue photographs on Flickr.com