Work is nearly done on the poster child for urban redevelopment in downtown Birmingham. The expansion of the Briggs Building is set to wrap up in 60 days and its tenants (the building is fully leased) are expected to move in by the end of summer.
The project is a standout because it makes the most of its underutilized space while preserving the historic character of the original building at Old Woodward Avenue and Maple Road. All while adding parking spots and creating mixed-use space in the heart of downtown.
"We're very happy with this project," says Ted Fuller, developer of the project.
The overall project (between old Woodward and big Woodward) will add 62,000 square feet of space and 175 parking spaces. Approximately 42,000 square feet of that will be set aside as Class A office space, 10,000 square feet will be set aside for retail and another 10,000 square feet will be set aside for luxury apartments.
The key to making this happen was adding a third story to the Briggs Building. Even though the structure was built in 1930, its footings are strong enough to support up to four total stories.
The other key aspect was turning a decades old surface parking lot into a five-story building adjacent to the Briggs Building. The parking lot stretched from Old Woodward to Peabody Street. The new building on top of it will have ground floor retail on Old Woodward, of which Universal Watch has leased space.
Office space occupied by money managers and attorneys will be on the second, third and fourth floors. Luxury apartments are set up for the fifth floor. A 175-space parking deck will go behind the building, facing Peabody. The whole project is expected to significantly increase foot traffic in the downtown area while adding 10 net parking spaces.
Source: Ted Fuller, developer of the project
Writer: Jon Zemke
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