Like The Battery? You’ll love Battery II—a new development in Birmingham’s Southside

In 2018, The Battery brought restaurants, breweries, event space and more to Birmingham’s Southside. Now, developer Ward Neely is out to do the same thing—right across the street. Say hello to Battery II, the newest project in Birmingham’s Automotive Historic District.

A Buzz About The Battery

In February, Ward Neely started a buzz on Facebook when he discovered antique letters inside a hundred-year-old hotel in Southside. This old building, known as the Eyers-Raden Building, is part of the next phase of The Battery—Battery II.

Say Hello to Battery II

“I’ve had my eye on this building for five years now. Matter of fact, I tried to buy it before The Battery across the street.”

Ward Neely, Property Partners

Last year, Ward Neely acquired the historic Eyers-Raden Building and several other buildings around it. Now, he’s looking to expand upon the success of The Battery, and we can’t wait.

Home to Gus’s World Famous Hot Chicken, Birmingham District Brewing Company, Magic City Flower Market, True40 and Wasabi Juan’s, The Battery offers food, brews and more. And Battery II is going to make this cool hangout even better.

Here Are the Details

With a little help from federal and state historic tax credits, this $10 million project aims to bring several new businesses to Southside. This 40,000 square-foot development will include space for several retail shops, restaurants, a coffee joint, a brewery as well as a cocktail bar. In addition, Battery II will feature an old Florida dive bar concept inside a shipping container, similar to Unplugged in Five Points South.

Wondering what’s going on with the Eyers-Raden Building? In honor of its past as a boarding house, Battery II will utilize the top two floors of the building as a new 22-room hotel.

Next Steps for Battery II

Ward Neely and his team have been hard at work prepping the Eyers-Raden for its next life. Although it’s more than 100 years old, the historic structure has great bones. Construction is expected to start in the next six to eight weeks—and I can’t wait to see the final product!

What are you looking forward to in Battery II? Tag us on social media @bhamnow and let us know!