Leer Tower
Leer Tower is the name for the Leer Corporation's planned $25 million redevelopment of the Cabana Hotel at 1631 2nd Avenue North into 60 condominiums plus 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 its claim, Leer announced that they were moving forward with their plans. The Alabama Supreme Court affirmed the ruling in February 2007. By then, the company had already received approval from Birmingham's Design Review board for their new signage while Hendon & Huckestein Architects developed condominium and renovation plans. McCrory Building Company has been selected as the general contractor. A "lighting ceremony" for the rooftop sign was held on August 30, 2007.
Announced plans include four sizes of condominiums, each with two bedrooms. The "Jefferson" is a 1,665 square foot layout with private elevator access, and can be expanded to three bedrooms. The "Lincoln" has 1,350 square feet, but may be made smaller if it shares a floor with an expanded "Jefferson". 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. Prices range from $229,000 to $589,000.
The plans call for condominiums 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 banqueting hall on first two floors. Other design features include a rooftop spa and garden and a fitness center. The lower ballroom roof will have a tennis court and barbecue grills. 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 1929 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.
Construction is set to begin in February 2008, with completion expected in the summer of 2009.
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.
- Tomberlin, Michael (February 10, 2007) "Floor plans unveiled for Leer Tower." Birmingham News.
- Kent, Dawn (August 30, 2007) "Sign to be lit atop Leer Tower project." Birmingham News.
External links
- Leer Tower website at LeerCorp.com