Space 111's Impromptu Art Installation

Wednesday I went to the weekly figure drawing class over at Space 111.  Afterwards I invited everyone over to Storkland/Counts Bros. to see all the weird odds and ends and give me advice about making some art out of it that I could display in my new loft.  I showed them the display I put up in the window with all the weird old stuff I found.  

I used a couple of the old ladders and put up the Standard furniture sign, the ink bottle, an adding machine (the only one I could lift), the thread box and various spools, and other odds and ends.

They asked if they could make their own display, and I said "heck yeah!"  In a whirlwind of activity they put together a better display in 15 minutes than the one that had taken me days.

They used items which I had previously found less interesting: mason jars, mirrors, glass medicine bottles, glassware, balls of string.

My pictures don't do it justice, so if you're in the area walk by and take a look for yourself.

The Plans

Mike's been working diligently on the 1st draft of the renovation plans.  The first floor will have a split level parking deck in the rear with 12 spaces.  There are 3200 square feet available for lease to one or two retail businesses.  The right entryway will lead to a staircase and freight elevator, as well as an office space.  The left entryway will open directly to a retail business.

The front 2000 square feet of the 2nd floor will be my living space.  2 bedrooms, 2 baths.  The space behind the master bath is a large walk in closet.  The washer/dryer is in the closet for easy access.  The circle in between the master bedroom and the entertainment room is a spinning wall for a TV to move between the two rooms.

The back 5000 square feet will be self storage units catering to the neighborhood loft residents.  The basic unit is 4x8; the walls are modular and the spaces can be combined to accommodate larger requirements.  Units are secure and climate controlled.  Customers will have garage access to park next to the rear entry hall on the first floor, and can move their stored items to their unit via the freight elevator.

Treasure in the Coal Chute

Steve from What's on 2nd visited me on Sunday and we dug around looking for treasures. There's a coal chute next to the old freight elevator, and we found some cool items. We found an old ink bottle for refilling the ink wells used for fountain pens around the turn of the century.

When the building was first built it was the Counts Brothers sewing machine company. I haven't found many items from that time, but there was an old sewing machine in the chute.

20 years later the building housed Standard Furniture Co. Buried under the coal and debris was half of the Standard Furniture sign. I'm hoping  to be able to find the other half.

We also found some license plates from 1946. I wonder if I can find out to whom it belonged.

Finally we found an old piece of wood with an interesting brand: Wabash Stove Boards. Steve wasn't familiar with it, but heating stoves were not used much past the 1910s so this is around 100 years old.

2nd Floor "Loft"

Not a loft like you're thinking.  Guess they put this stuff in for some extra storage?  I like it, but it may have to be taken out in order to rework the rest of the space; maybe it can be put back?  This is the West front of the 2nd level.

The Brick

On the upper floor the brick is exposed.  Perfect.  We don't have to worry about historic issues and can just use it.  Part of this will be my living space.  Part of it will be self storage.

Plaster

To get the historic tax credits, we have to take the walls down to something no less than 50 years old.  The first floor has several layers, most recently drywall.  There is some old plaster under the drywall.  We can't go down to the brick because the plaster is more than 50 years old, probably original to 1904.  Mike denies it, but I think he was a little worried.  But the plaster will look so cool; if you need an idea of what the finished plaster restoration will look like, head over to Pat's place.  There are a few places the plaster still shows.  Imagine this polished; it will be the interior walls of the retail space.

Some of the Businesses Within Walking Distance

Spent a nice afternoon doing some errands after work.  Walked over to Mr. Burch to pick up my dry cleaning.  Then I headed to Butler's Executive Grooming; didn't need a haircut but wanted to pick up some shampoo.  Finally I went over to get a couple of steaks and some other groceries from Antonio over at Mamanoe's.  On my way home I ran into Mr. Baldone in front of his shop, Baldone Tailoring and talked to him for a while.  Tonight I'm heading over to the Festival Theater (unfortunately have to drive there) to hang out with David and see Camille in her new play, "Talking With..."

Downtown Birmingham to get a new Dog daycare facility | NBC 13

Downtown Birmingham to get a new Dog daycare facility | NBC 13. Congratulations Jimmy and Sue!  It looks beautiful.  Nice work, Appleseed.

Co-owner Jimmy Johnson said, “We’ve made a significant personal investment in downtown because we believe in it. We’re delighted to be able to bring a needed service to downtown and look forward to becoming part of the neighborhood, both as business owners and residents.”

Appleseed's Doggie Day Care Project

Appleseed just finished up the Doggie Day Care ( @DogDays_Bham ) live/work project on 112 18th St N. The grand ribbon cutting is at 2:30. I'm going over there to congratulate them. http://ow.ly/2E9pR

Stop by Storkland at Artwalk

2nd Avenue is so much fun, but especially during Artwalk.  Jerry and Roxane have been so kind as to volunteer to give some tours during the event.  Not sure how Roxane got roped into this but I suppose she's just a nice girl.  Artwalk brings over 10 thousand people downtown, and maybe one of them is looking for a cool 2nd Avenue space. From the Artwalk website:

Artwalk is an arts festival that transforms Birmingham's loft neighborhood into an arts district, featuring the work of more than 100 visual artists, live musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors, and children's activities.

The event is free to the public and in the last three years has become a much anticipated fall event drawing visitors from all over to downtown Birmingham. For the past two years, more than 10,000 people walked the streets of downtown during the two-day event.

Through the good will of area businesses and the work of a dedicated staff of volunteers, Artwalk hosts established and emerging regional artists in the unique and architecturally rich setting of downtown Birmingham. Art lovers will see original work in all mediums priced from the affordable to the extravagant. Participating artists are predominantly from Birmingham and surrounding communities, showcasing the wealth of regional talent.

People of all ages can enjoy being downtown at a safe, family-friendly, community event. Friday night has been compared to a huge gallery opening with a street festival atmosphere, while Saturday afternoon caters more to the family crowd with special children's activities.

Before pictures- 1st Floor

The first floor has possibly two store fronts, but could be one large space.  Mike and Jacob have got some cool plans to fix up all the heart pine floors and ceilings and take the walls down to the original plaster.  It is going to look great and I can't wait to see a fun retail small business in this space to compliment the rest of the 2nd Avenue scene [gallery]

Birmingham News Article Published

Martin Swant's Birmingham News article was on the front page of the Money section today.  Thanks! http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2010/09/new_lofts_shops_planned_for_ol.html

Birmingham News

Thanks again to ONB for all the help; this time turning on the Birmingham News to the Storkland project.  Martin Swant called and I gave an interview filled with exciting "ums" and "uhs."  I finally told him to call Mike and Jerry because I have no idea what I'm doing.

Reasons I love 2nd Avenue

Reasons I love 2nd Avenue:Talked to Juannelle today about how to transition Rhodes Carroll finances after I leave; I know it's in good hands. After work I walked over to Space 111 to take a figure drawing class. I headed home. Virginia drove by in her awesome car and we caught up on our various lovelifes. On the walk home I stopped in Mamanoe's to get some groceries. Outside I bumped in to Pat with a guitar strapped over his shoulder; said he was walking over to @RogueTavern for open mike night, and told him I would head over to see him after I put up the groceries. On the way to Rogue I ran into Jerry who was bringing home dinner to his pretty daughter Maddie. At Rogue I got some great advice from Wayne about some potential tenants at Storkland. Watched Pat play a great set of classical guitar. Went home and thought about what I need to get done for @bhamartwalk. It was the perfect evening; My heart would break if I ever left 2nd Avenue

Operation New Birmingham

ONB has really gone out of their way to guide me through the resources available through the city for this project.  Fran and Aimee have been so incredibly helpful.  From historic tax credits, to city easements, to financing, ONB has helped me so much that I'm not sure how to thank them, but for them it's all in a day's work.  If you want to do business in Birmingham, talk to ONB.

Appleseed Workshop

So think about every horror story you've ever heard about architects and builders; then reverse it.  Appleseed is incredible.  If you live in Birmingham, use them.  They care about downtown Birmingham, which is the first feather in their cap in my book.  More importantly, they care about their clients, and their clients' finances and interests.  I've never met a bunch of smarter, more professional people.

Ballard Law Office

I closed on the building August 10th.  Pat Ballard was the closing attorney and made it so easy.  Pat's office is right in the middle of the 2nd avenue scene, and I've never had so much fun closing on a real estate deal.  There was a question of the "party wall."  We simply walked across the street to look at it.  I was as disappointed as you to find out that the party was not going on at the time.  Also, I highly recommend Pat's chili, and gig 'em Aggies!  Saw Varsity's horns off!

Jerry Melton and Louis Josof Realty

Special thanks to Jerry Melton who has worked as my real estate agent and project advisor on this adventure.  Jerry developed the Legg Lofts along with another friend of mine, David Demonbreun who has given me some great guidance.  Jerry hosts some of the best parties in town and constantly works to bring great people to the loft district.