Everything you need to know about Birmingham’s Carraway Hospital Development

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

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.

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.

What do you think about the Northside Park Redevelopment? Share your thoughts by tagging @bhamnow on social media!