Phoenix Lofts: Difference between revisions

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== The Phoenix Lofts ==
[[Image:Phoenix lofts.jpg|thumb|right|325px|The Phoenix Lofts in 2009]]
The '''Phoenix Lofts''' (formerly the '''Phoenix Building''') was originally built in [[1926]] as a large warehouse building on the site of a former horse carriage service on the northeast corner of [[17th Street North|17th Street]] and [[2nd Avenue North]].


In [[1926]], at the corner of [[17th Street South]] and [[2nd Avenue North]], the Phoenix Building replaced a horse carriage service, which replaced the residences before them. Built as a modern warehouse with storefronts on the street, the Phoenix signed a lease for a new tenant -- purportedly the longest ever in Birmingham -- for Southern Bell Company.
In the late 1940s, the [[Southern Bell Company]] signed a lease with the owners of the building which necessitated a major expansion. The deal is believed to have been the longest warehouse lease signed in the city. The building was extended over the site of the [[Jefferson Theater]], which was demolished. When it reopened in [[1950]], the building contained 168,000 square feet of warehouse space on six floors, plus ground floor retail tenants. The brick and terra cotta facade grew to extend for a total of 340 feet of street frontage. A café occupied the corner at ground level. [[BellSouth]] remained a tenant until [[1987]].


As part of the lease agreement, the [[Jefferson Theater]] was torn down and the Phoenix was doubled in size. When it reopened in 1950, the Phoenix had 168,000 square feet on six floors and 340 feet of terra cotta decorations along [[2nd Avenue North]] and [[17th Street South]]. With a cafe at the corner, the phone company (now BellSouth) remained until 1987.
In [[2004]], Metropolitan LLC commenced a massive renovation of the Phoenix Building, creating 74 lofts with parking, and restoring the terra cotta facade to its original splendor.


In 2004, Metropolitan LLC commenced a massive renovation to bring the Phoenix back to life -- creating 74 lofts with parking and restoring the terra cotta facade to its original splendor.
[[Category:17th Street North]]
 
[[Category:2nd Avenue North]]
[[Image:Loft.jpg|thumb|The Phoenix Lofts, 2009]]
[[Category:1926 buildings]]
[[Category:1950 buildings]]
[[Category:2004 buildings]]
[[Category:Warehouses]]
[[Category:Condominiums]]

Revision as of 16:23, 22 July 2010

The Phoenix Lofts in 2009

The Phoenix Lofts (formerly the Phoenix Building) was originally built in 1926 as a large warehouse building on the site of a former horse carriage service on the northeast corner of 17th Street and 2nd Avenue North.

In the late 1940s, the Southern Bell Company signed a lease with the owners of the building which necessitated a major expansion. The deal is believed to have been the longest warehouse lease signed in the city. The building was extended over the site of the Jefferson Theater, which was demolished. When it reopened in 1950, the building contained 168,000 square feet of warehouse space on six floors, plus ground floor retail tenants. The brick and terra cotta facade grew to extend for a total of 340 feet of street frontage. A café occupied the corner at ground level. BellSouth remained a tenant until 1987.

In 2004, Metropolitan LLC commenced a massive renovation of the Phoenix Building, creating 74 lofts with parking, and restoring the terra cotta facade to its original splendor.

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