Northside Park — The iconic blue star kept watch over Birmingham for decades. Photo via Abandoned Southeast

After months of speculation, we finally know the name of the upcoming development on the old Carraway Hospital site. The name of the mixed-use entertainment district is…drumroll please…Northside Park!

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Northside Park will be a Multi-Use Redevelopment

If you’ve ever driven north on 31 from downtown, you’ll recognize the old Carraway Hospital. Just a short walk away from TopGolf and the BJCC, Carraway Hospital is one of Birmingham’s iconic buildings.

Over the next 10 years, investors aim to funnel $50 to $75 million into the redevelopment of several blocks in Birmingham’s Druid Hills and Norwood neighborhoods.

More than a simple redevelopment, Northside Park will have three main districts, each serving a specific purpose.

North: Single/Multi-Family Residential
Center: Mixed-Use Retail & Dining, Boutique/Creative Office, Hotel & Multi-Family Residential
South: Center for new employment and economic development opportunities

2. The Project is Led by BIG Partnership

Los Angeles Mayor — Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin flanked by Mayor Stephen Benjamin(L) and Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles in front of the American Life Building site of an Opportunity Zone. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

In 2018, local real estate company Corporate Realty purchased the site with the intention of turning it into a multi-use development for office, retail, entertainment, hotel and residential purposes.

However, BIG Partnership is taking the lead on this project. Birmingham Inclusive Growth (BIG) is a private-public partnership that aims to improve Birmingham’s quality of life while producing returns for investors.

BIG is currently involved in several other crucial redevelopments throughout Birmingham, such as:

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport District
The Frank Nelson Building
Hardware Park
Rising Tide Housing
Grocery Store at the Birmingham Sports CrossPlex Campus

3. The Hospital Will Be Demolished

Although the Northside Park development is promising, it comes at a cost. Birmingham’s iconic Carraway Hospital building will be demolished.

Dr. Charles Carraway moved his original hospital to the current lot in 1916, calling it Norwood Hospital. Over the years, the hospital changed hands and names while growing in size and serving much of Birmingham. Eventually, the hospital filed for bankruptcy in 2006. Although a group of investors tried to turn a profit, the hospital closed for good in 2008.

Carraway Hospital

Although I’m sad to say goodbye to the iconic Carraway Hospital, I’m excited to see the Northside Park development come to fruition. If you want to learn more about the project, check out the Northside Park Project.