Demolition of UAB Town House expected to take 2 months. Remember to support nearby shops (VIDEO)

Demolition of the 10 story UAB Town House began this week.

Located on the corner of University Boulevard and 20th Street, one of Birmingham’s busiest intersections, the 1953 building will take approximately 2 months to be taken down and cleared, according to sources at UAB.

The 66 year old building was originally an apartment complex and later became a known for hosting patients and families in need of long term care at UAB.

Here is a description of the Town House from an excerpt in Bhamwiki.

“The property was originally owned and operated as an apartment building by Morton Bright. Its convenience to the Medical Center led UAB to lease space there for visiting professors and hospital patients. The university purchased the building in 1985. The Birmingham Baptist Association, which had offices on the 7th floor of the Town House, managed 15 fully-furnished apartments for families of hospital patients needing affordable extended accommodation.”

Congestion Concerns Nearby Businesses

The demolition of the Town House coupled with work being done across the street at the McCallum Health Sciences Building has local nearby shops encouraging customers to develop strategies to reach their establishments.

“I’m hoping it is important to build it into their (customers) schedules to allow a little bit more time to walk to places,” said Lucy Bonds, owner of Lucy’s Coffee & Tea.  “It is going to be inconvenient and hopefully they will be done quick enough so we can get back to normal foot traffic.”

Bonds plans to give out  free drink coupons for employees of UAB in the area especially along University Boulevard west of the coffeehouse.

She also noted four other businesses, Subway, Wings Around the Clock, University Tacos, and the Hilton are going to be impacted.

“A lot of people are depending on folks to take a little time to come visit us,” she added.

Visit and say goodbye to the Town House

Watching the UAB Town House come down piece by piece just off 21st Street and 7th Avenue is a nice show. While you are saying goodbye, visit  Lucy’s and the nearby restaurants and shops.  They would love to see you.