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.

Highland Avenue remained unpaved until 1904. The Birmingham Board of Aldermen's street committee received bids for paving the roadway from 20th Street to Lake View Park at the eastern limit of the city. One bidder proposed using bituminous macadam and another priced creosoted wooden block pavers. The committee invited property owners along the avenue to attend a meeting to select between the two options.

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 (1900–1919)
      • 2008: former location of Richard Boland (1900)
    • 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 (1909–1915), Edmond Jackson (1935)
    • 2020–2028: William Hassinger residence (built 1898), Hassinger Daniels Mansion Bed & Breakfast (2011-), former location of William Hassinger (1898–1919), Grover Seale (1935), 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 Allen Haskell residence (1900), 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 (1915–1953); proposed site for 2040 Highland Avenue (1957)
  • 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 Moffatt Drug Co. (1935), King Drug Co. (1953-1964)
          • 2001: former location of Lyle Drug Co. (1929)
          • 2003: former location of Patricia's Exclusive Specialty Shop (1929)
      • 2005–2007: former location of Eva Murrah (1946), Carmel Inc. clothier (1953)
        • 2005: former location of Cross Town Shop fine arts (1935), White Swan Laundry (1950s)
        • 2007: former location of John Tomlinson residence (1900–1909), Mrs A. R. Tomlinson (1915), Mrs H. B. Taylor (1919) Marinello Shoppe beauty parlor (1929–1935), Carmel Inc. women's clothing (1959), Medical Arts Brace Shop (1964), Hair
      • 2009: former location of Husted Gowns corsets (1935), Lehman & Klein Flowers (1959), Klein's Flowers (1964-1980s). Flamingo's
      • 2011–2013: former location of Kate Fabbretta Shop clothes (1935)
        • 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 John Tillman residence (1900–1919), Annie Tillman (1935)
    • 2031: former location of Richmond Wetmore residence (1900–1909), C. L. Robertson (1915), V. A. Welsh (1919), Joseph Gray (1935–1946), Walter Catching Jr (1953)
    • 2033: former location of W. A. Moody residence (1909), Mrs M. A. Moody (1915), S. A. Moses (1919), William Alexander (1935), J. Rupert McGregor (1946)
    • 2035: former location of Richard Johnston residence (1900), R. C. Redus (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), Roberta Bowling (1935), Alvie Staton (1946)
    • 2120: former location of Lewis Morris residence (1900), W. G. Oliver (1909), C. R. Hartzell (1915–1919), Highland Progressive School / Pearl Rosenfield music teacher (1935),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), Mrs M. S. Black (1915), George Hanson (1919)
      • 2124: former location of Beatrice Johnson residence (1900), Crawford's Beauty Shop (1935)
        • 2124 basement: former location of Berkley Coffee Shop (1935)
      • 2128: former location of Edwin Wilkinson residence (1900), R. M. Jenkins (1909), R. H. Holmes (1915), A. G. Arapian (1919), James Kelley florist (1935)
  • south side (Block 850):
    • 2101: 2101 Highland Avenue (formerly the A. G. Edwards Building, built mid-late 1960s), former location of the Fairmont Apartments (1915-1959)
    • 2103: former location of Frederick Ferguson residence (1900)
    • 2105: former location of Frank Grafford residence (1913)
    • 2111: former location of Rebecca Anderson residence (1900–1909), F. H. Gafford (1915), Minnie Gafford (1935), R. Lawson Hanks (1946), J. Hayes Williams physician (1953), vacant (1959)
    • 2117: former location of James Johnston residence (1900), Edward Wald (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), Birmingham University School (1922–1926), Lola Luther School for Girls / Academy of Music, Mrs Burr Nabors music studio (1929), Beff Allen (1935), 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 Christopher Wenzel residence (1900), Louise Cone artist (1935), Lula Nabors music teacher (1935), Lucy DuBose artist (1935–1938), Colonial Apartments annex (1946–1953), Lad & Lassie Kindergarten (1953), Saxon Dance Studio / WAPI-AM & WAPI-FM / Shell Oil Co. (1964)
    • 2150: former location of Lincoln Green residence (1900), B. D. Sibley (1909–1915), Mrs J. E. Sibley (1919), John Sibley (1935), 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), Davis & Norris LLP & Bates & Bone LLP, former location of Caldwell Bradshaw (1892–1919),Walter Lower (1935) 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: Environmental Law Group, former location of Hector Johnson residence (1900), Sidney Smith (1935), 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), Donald Watkins Jr insurance (2014-)
    • 2164: former location of George Whatley residence (1900), Morris Wertheimer (1909), Barbara Wertheimer (1915–1946), Retta Wertheimer (1953-1959)
      • 2164 rear: former location of Lucile Hayman (1935)
    • 2168: former location of J. C. Patterson residence (1915–1919), Christine Patterson (1935), John Anderson (1935–1946), 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 (1915–1919), Thurston Powell (1935), 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), H. C. Parker (1915), Charles Wilson / Gerrit Pool / J. A. Forbes (1919), Carrie Krebs (1935), Edwin Fruitticher (1946), Laney Chiropractic Clinic (1953-1959, demolished 1990s)
      • 2172 rear: former location of Alberta Thomas (1935)
    • 2176: former location of David Fox residence (1909), W. O. Snyder (1915), Lula Fox (1915–1919), James Simms (1935), Randall Lawrence (1946)
    • 2178: former location of Schuessler Pharmacy (1929), Beech Street Drug Co. (1935), Charm Beauty Shop (1946), Meer's Kosher Food Mart (1953), Bernie's Kosher Foods (1959)
    • 2180: former location of E. W. Barrett residence (1909–1915), M. J. Dillard (1919), Sunshine Cleaners (1929), Pan-Am Petroleum Co. (1929–1935), Towles Cleaning & Dying Co. (1935), Benton Bros. clothes cleaners (1946), Joe Winters photographer (1953-1959)
    • 2184: former location of Evelyn Swann delicatessen (1929), Mitchell Physical School gymnasium (1935)
    • 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)
      • 2127: former location of William Chenoweth residence (1900)
    • 2135–2137: former location of Margaret Apartments (1909–1935)
    • 2145-2151: One Highland Place (formerly the Gulf Building, built 1961)
      • 2145: Rheumatology Associates, former location of Miles Messer (1915–1935), Emma Messer (1946), Germain Wilkinson (1953), IBM (1959-1964), Harbert Construction (1964)
      • 2147: former location of Morris Adler residence (1900–1915), Louise Tea Room / Samuel Reed (1935), 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 J. Morgan Smith residence (1900), Christian Enslen (1909–1915), Minnie Thomas (1935), Joseph Bell (1946), George Hunter (1953)
      • 2163: former location of Jacob Fies residence (1900–1909), C. S. Sibley (1915), Monte Apartments (1929-1959)
      • 2167: former location of Albert Adler residence (1900), Herman Saks (1909–1929), Vera Stewart physician (1946–1959), Roddie Stewart physician (1953-1959), Tom Caldwell physician (1959)
      • 2173: former location of Leo Steiner residence (1909–1915), Benjamin Reynolds (1935), 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 Jack Johnston residence (1900–1909), Mrs E. B. Johnston (1915), Jackson Apartments (1935–1953)
    • 2179–2181: Temple Beth-El (built 1926)
      • 2181: former location of Truman Aldrich residence (1900), J. W. Sibley (1909–1915)

• Arlington Avenue/21st Way South intersects
  • north side:
    • 2200: former location of Preston Service Station (1935), 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)
    • 2206: former location of Great A. & P. Tea Co. grocery store (1935)
    • 2208: former location of Hill Grocery Co. (1935–1946), Lane Tile & Marble Co. (1953)
    • 2210: Birmingham Fire Station No. 3 (built 1992), former location of John White residence (1900), S. A. White (1915), L. G. Clark (1919), Engine Co. No. 3 / Truck Co. No. 3 (1927-1992)
    • 2220 (formerly 2210) (built 1906 as the William Merritt residence) Galley & Garden restaurant (2015-), former location of Alex London residence (1900), C. H. Merritt (1915–1919), Sallie Wise (1935), 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 (1909–1935), 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), Robert Baugh (1915–1935), 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 (1909–1915), Abraham Newman (1935), 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 Joseph Hardie residence (1900), James Going (1909), Ella Going (1915), Henry Going (1935), Boykin Rhodes (1935), 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 (1909–1915), Carl Stier (1935–1946), 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 Harry Sinnige residence (1900), John L. Parker (1909–1915), Lillie Parker (1935), 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), Cecelia Burt (1935), 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:
    • 2225: former location of William Rushton residence (1900)

• 22nd Street South/southbound Red Mountain Expressway onramp intersect:
  • north side:
    • • 2234–2236: Highland Shell (1980s-), former location of Gulf Oil Co. gas station (Joe Epperson 1970s)
        • 2234: former location of J. L. Kaul residence (1909–1919), Seale Harris Clinic (1935–1946)
        • 2236: former location of Birmingham Baptist Hospital Highland Avenue unit (1935-1964), Sneaky Pete's / Little India (2019-), Grande Mexico (–2022)
    • 2240: Bottega Favorita building, Bottega Restaurant and Bottega Café, former location of Gus Mayer clothing (1935), Burke-Andrews Inc. specialty shop (1946-1959)
      • 2240½: former location of Charlotte Black (1935), William Post (1946-1959), Kate Burke (1959)
    • 2244: former location of Charlotte Black florist (1935), 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 (1909–1915), Ethel Privett / Cornelia Ehren music teacher (1935), Martin Schmarkey (1946), Lora Schmarkey (1953–1959)
    • 2235: former location of W. H. Welsh residence (1909), W. J. Milner (1915), Harry Jackson physician (1935), Milton Lipscomb / Henry Plasse / William Gillingham (1946), apartment building (1953)
    • 2245: former location of John Coughlan residence (1900), J. H. Minge (1909–1915), Joseph Elliot (1935), 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 Edward Cabaniss residence (1909–1935), 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, improved with Highland Avenue Overlook Plaza (built 1989)

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), Birmingham College of Music (Guy Allen / Charles Allen 1935), 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), J. M. Caldwell (1915), Mrs B. C. Johnson (1919), Alvah Wade (1929–1935), Fred Bender (1946), Home for the Aged (1953)
    • 2310: Phares Apartments (built 1920s), former location of Mrs B. C. Johnson (1909), Coleman Phares residence (1915–1919)
    • 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 & Leona Fies residence (built 1914), Roderick Beddow (1929–1953)
      • 2316: former location of Jacob Fies residence (1881–1915), J. S. Willcox (1919), Elizabeth Wilcox (1929–1935), Perkins Prewitt (1946), Elbert Sanders (1953)
      • 2320: former location of G. B. Forbes (1915–1919), Ford Cromer (1929–1935), Hugh Morrow (1946), Zelma Youell (1953)
      • 2326: former location of Julius Jaffe (1915–1919), E. R. Wright residence (1929), William Oldham (1935), Nellie Peterson (1946), David R. Moore (1953), Nathaniel Brantley / John C. White / George Graham physicians (1959)
    • 2330: former location of William Yeilding residence (1915–1935), 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 (1900–1915), Mrs M. B. Woodward (1929), Joseph Durick (1946), John Carroll Convent (1953-1964)
    • 2317: former location of John Carroll Catholic High School (1947-1992)
    • 2319: former location of Eli Smith residence (1900), Thomas Hopkins (1915)
    • 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), Frederick Gunster (1915), August Hirsch (1929), Isaac Saks (1935), apartments (1946-1959), Jaycees Haunted House
  • 2545: Highland View office building
  • 2595: former location of Edgar Adler residence (1909–1935), Helene Adler (1946–1953)

• 26th Street South (north) / Niazuma Avenue (south) intersect
  • north side:
    • 2600–2606: 2600 Highland condominiums (built 2008), former location of the Otto Marx residence (built 1909, demolished 2005), Otto Marx (1909–1915), Lewis Clark / F. B. Clark (1919), C. P. Noland (1929), Noland Powell (1935–1946), Mary Lewis Convalescent Center (1953-2005)
    • 2608–2614: proposed site of George's restaurant (Miller Mobley)
      • 2608–2612:
        • 2608A (2608): former location of Green Central Station (2012-2014), EATS Highland (2019-2022)
          • 2608: former location of C. H. Nabb residence (1915–1919), Margaret Wallace (1929–1935), boarding house & apartments (1946-1960s)
        • 2608B (2610–2612): former location of The Store on Highland (-2016)
          • 2610: former location of Clarence Meglemery residence (1900)
          • 2612: former location of William Denson residence (1915–1953)
      • 2614: former location of W. K. McAdory residence (1915), H. A. Spielberger (1919) Halman Long (1929), Katie Davenport (1935), Ernie Littleton (1946), Charles Auton window dresser (1953), Truss Clinic (C. Orian Truss (1971–2000s), Redmont R & D (2013)
    • 2620: Hanover Court apartments (built 1919)
  • south side (Block 844):
    • 2601 Highland Avenue: Christopher Architecture & Interiors (Chris Reebals 2019–), former location of Southern Medical Association (1959-1964), Jefferson County Council on Aging / SenioRx
    • 2611: former location of V. H. Marx (1915)
    • 2615: former location of John Robinson residence (1900)
    • 2617: former location of Moses & Jennie Joseph residence (1911–1929), Joseph Crowder / Thomas Washburn Jr / Cecil Parsons / Robert Lilley (1946), George Corker / John A. McDaniel (1953), apartments (1959)
    • 2621: Ferd Caheen residence
    • 2625: Kingsridge on Highland condominiums (built 1979), former location of the Samuel Adler residence (built 1904)

• 27th Street South intersects
• Highland Court intersects
• Rhodes Park
  • north side:
    • 2700-2704: Colonial Apartments (1953)
      • 2704: former location of Cyrus Orr residence (1900–1919), Inalee Zeigler / William Coleman (1929–1946)
    • 2708: former location of F. H. Crockard (1915), 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 Fred Caheen (1915), Grant Shoop (1935), Wayne Parker (1946)
    • 2717: Park Tower (formerly Park Tower Apartments, built 1969), former location of W. E. Kelley (1915), E. O. Stafford (1929), Henry Morewitz (1935), Ella Hulsey (1946), Johnnie Hulsey (1953)
    • 2725 (formerly 2669): former location of Sam Will John residence (1900–1910), J. F. Stallings (1915–1929), Annabelle Stallings (1935), 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 Mrs A. M. Wheelock (1915), R. C. Woodson (1919), Charles Whelan (1929), Knights of Columbus hall (1953-1964)
    • 2738: former location of William M. Walker (1915–1935), Birmingham Teachers Club (1959)
  • south side:
    • 1211 27th Place South: Olmsted Building (built 1960 as the Professional Building)
    • 2731-2737: "Three sisters"
      • 2731: George Harris residence (built 1907), former location of George Harris (1907–1935), Manly Hamric / Daniel Robb (1946), Ernest Green (1946–1953), Green Apartments (1959-1964)
      • 2733: Robert Warner residence (built 1907), former location of Robert Warner (1907–1915), E. R. McDavid (1929), Daisy Rosenstihl (1935), Joseph Johnson (1946), apartments (1953)
      • 2737: Eugene Enslen residence (built 1910), Trimmier Law Firm, former location of Eugene Enslen (1910–1915), J. A. Robicheaux (1929), [[Noble Lanier] (1935), 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:
    • 2800: former location of Hugh Morrow (1935)
    • 2820: former location of Hill Food Stores (1959)
    • 2834: Mortimer Jordan residence (built 1906-1908), former location of Mrs F. E. Jordan (1915–1919), J. A. Levert (1919), Annie Cabell (1929–1935), Joy Carter (1946–1953), Frank George (1953)
    • 2838: James Donnelly residence (built 1906), former location of James Donnelly (1906–1935), W. H. Blaney (1929), Minnie Donnelly (1946–1953), Birmingham Civic Ballet School (1964)
    • 2848: Stephen Thompson residence (built before 1915), former location of Stephen Thompson (1915–1935), E. F. Hettrick (1919), Helen Hettrick (1946–1953)
  • south side:
    • 2801: former location of Tom Joy residence (1915), Robert Ingalls (1929), Victor Hanson (1935), 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), Hubert Scruggs (1935)
    • 2807: Rhodes Park Manor apartments (1929-)
    • 2809: former location of W. D. Wood (1915), W. P. Byrd (1929), Birdie Moore (1935), Allen Tucker (1946), James McClung (1953)
    • 2811: former location of Sumpter Bethea (1915–1929), Miriam Bethea (1935–1953), apartments (1959)
    • 2815-2823: Highland Terrace apartments (1929)
    • 2827-2835: Altamont Apartments (built 1929), Greenbrier at the Altamont
      • 2827: Birmingham Historical Society (2022–), former location of Hill Grocery Co. (1935), Gibbs-Doster Drug Co. (1964), Title Books wholesaler (1971), Strawberry Fields Yogurt Garden (1983-1993), Celestial Realm coffee house (1990s), Lodestar Books, Pilates on Highland
      • 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 (1935–1946), Altamont Harper Method Shop (1953), Altamont Beauty Salon (1953-1959), Utopia Cleaners & Dyers (1959)
        • 2833: former location of Altamont Restaurant, George's Grill, Caddell's Altamont Delicatessen (1935), Altamont Delicatessen (1946–1953)
        • 2835: former location of Loyd-Leonard Drug Co. (1929), Woods Drugs (1935), 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 1915) William Rushton (1915–1919), J. C. Crouch (1919), Emma Drennen (1929–1935), Houston Drennen (1946–1953)
    • 2906: Crews Apartments (1959-), former location of Z. L. Nabers (1915–1919), W. S. Mudd (1919), C. E. Cole (1929), John Chitwood (1946), Barbara Dickinson / Dan Wonderly (1953)
    • 2908: Clubhouse on Highland (built 1910 as W. S. Brown residence), former location of William S. Brown (1910–1915), S. Y. Caldwell (1919), Mary Brown (1919–1929), Laura Fowlkes (1935), Helen Beaumont (1946), Women's Club House (1947–2004)
  • south side:
    • 2901–2903: former site of Eugene Brown residence (built 1902, demolished 1961) former location of Eugene Brown (1902–1915), Frank Spain (1929), Fred Gillem (1935), Charles Oakley (1946) Ernie Littlejohn (1953)
    • 2907: former location of F. B. Fowlkes residence (1915), Andrew Stabler (1929–1935), Ola Wood (1946–1953)
    • 2909–2911: Sheraton Apartments (built 1951), former location of Culpepper Exum residence (demolished 1920s)
      • 2911: Sheraton Laundry, former location of Mullendore Drug Co. (1953-1964)

• 30th Place South intersects (north only)
  • north side:
    • 2910-2930: Rushton Park
  • south side:
    • 2913–2933: side of Sheraton Apartments (built 1951), former location of Culpepper Exum residence (demolished 1920s)
      • 2913: former location of Carrie Drake physician (1929–1946)
      • 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
    • 2925: former location of Philip Harris residence (1900)
    • 2927: Montcalm Apartments, formerly Havenwood Apartments (1929-1959)
    • 2931: Willis Colby residence (built c. 1924), former location of Willis Colby interior decorator (1935), Marguerite Sarris milliner & dressmaker (1946-1959)
    • 2933: former location of William Forster residence (1900), DuBose School (Joel DuBose 1901)

• 30th Street South intersects (south only)
  • 3005-3017: Avalon Condominiums, formerly The Avalon apartments (1929-1959)
  • 3030: former location of Arunde Cepok (1935)
  • 3053: former location of Leopold Loeb (1915), Edward Doyle (1929–1935), Frederick Sertell (1946), James Knighton / George Saunders / Bruce Bailey / Charles Logan / Everette Croslaw (1953)
  • 3065: former location of Jonas Schwab (1929–1935)
  • 3075: Independent Presbyterian Church parking lot, former location of Mrs H. A. Harrington (1915), Misses Howard School for Girls (1929-1970s)
  • 3087: former location of Mrs S. M. Bergamy (1915), Fannie Patten (1935), Misses Howard School for Girls dormitory / annex (1946–1959)
  • 3091: former location of J. W. Patton residence (1929), John Cleage Jr (1946)

• 31st Street South intersects
• Cliff Road intersects
  • 3100: Independent Presbyterian Church (built 1926)
  • 3116: Independent Presbyterian Church's "Highland Hall" (2013-), former location of 1st Church of Christ Scientist (1950-2011)
  • 3115: former location of Sarah Burgamy residence (1900)
  • 3119: former location of J. I. Wilder residence (1915) G. L. Martin (1929), Terrace Beauty Shop (Morris Bernheim 1935, Lillian Sullivan 1946)
  • 3121: former location of The Forest Court apartments (1929–1959)
  • 3131: former location of James Wilder residence (1900)
  • 3160: former location of Louis Phillips / Morris Hirsch (1919)

• 32nd Street South intersects
  • 3204: former location of Oscar Smith residence (1900)
  • 3206: former location of Elmer Stephenson residence (1900)
  • 3210: former location of John Carter residence (1900)
  • 3227: former location of Griffin Roberts (1915)

• 33rd Street South/12th Avenue South/Highland Drive intersects
  • 3300: former location of D. F. Dienna (1915)
  • 3304: former location of N. Lorinda Sauls (1900)
  • 3308: former location of William Tomlin (1900)
  • 3315: former location of William Hale (1900)
  • 3316: former location of Frank Murphree (1900)
  • 3320: former location of Trinity Methodist Church (1915–1919)
  • 3366: former location of J. M. Wright residence (1915–1919)
  • 3369: former location of R. H. Screven (1915)
  • 3370: former location of Archer Gibson residence (1913–1919)
  • 3373: former location of B. C. McCoy / T. E. Hodges (1915)
  • 3374: former location of A. C. Bruce residence (1915), Honora Bruce (1919)
  • 3376: former location of Mrs C. G. Davidson (1915), J. W. Key (1919)
  • 3377: former location of Albert Latady (1915)
  • 3380: former location of S. M Hanby (1915–1919), B. W. Roberts (1919)
  • 3384: former location of D. T. Howell residence (1915), J. T. Duncan / Mrs M. E. Hammett (1919)
  • 3387: former location of Mrs J. E. Oliver (1915)
  • 3388: former location of L. F. Whitten residence (1915), J. F. Hackstadt (1919)
  • 3398: former location of Oscar Underwood residence (1919)

• • 3403: former location of Mrs J. A. Ford (1915)
  • 3407: former location of Mrs Kinney Staley (1915)
  • 3408: former location of H. H. Gary residence (1919)
  • 3411: former location of E. M. Kinney (1915)
  • 3415: former location of William Godfrey (1915)
  • 3416: former location of G. R. Harsh residence (1915–1919)
  • 3421: former location of A. E. Wroth (1915)
  • 3424: former location of J. S. Turner residence (1915–1919)
  • 3425: former location of Louis Pizitz (1915)
  • 3430: former location of C. P. Beddow (1915–1919), F. A. Robertson (1919)
  • 3431: former location of C. H. Scott (1915)
  • 3433: former location of P. A. Rossiter (1915)
  • 3446: former location of C. C. Huckabee residence (1915), F. G. Grace (1919)
  • 3450: former location of Mrs C. L. Montgomery (1919)
  • 3456: former location of J. A. Montgomery residence (1915), P. White (1919)
  • 3457: former location of N. L. Mewhinney (1915)
  • 3465: former location of Basil Manly (1915)
  • 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 (1915–1919)
  • 3471: former location of N. C. Bilbrey (1915)
  • 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

• "Highland Avenue. Property Owners Will Meet With Street Committee This Morning." (August 3, 1904) The Birmingham Age-Herald, p. 5
• 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