the frank interior rendering — The Frank will be a great new living space in downtown. Rendering via Orchestra Partners

This June, the Frank Nelson Building in downtown Birmingham is getting a makeover. The office campus will transform into The Frank as part of Orchestra Partners’ newest project. Keep reading to get the scoop on the latest downtown Birmingham renovation.

A little history

The Frank Nelson Building in Downtown Birmingham was built in 1903 as the First National Bank Building. According to Bham Wiki, it was one of the Magic City’s first skyscrapers at 10 stories tall. In 1939, the building was renamed for Frank Nelson, a real estate developer who was pivitol in the early life of the building.

Now Orchestra Partners will renovate the historic building as The Frank, which will include residential units on floors two through ten. The first floor will continue to host retail and dining options, like the fan favorite Trattoria Zaza.

Frankly stunning

the frank floor plan — The future of The Frank. Photo via Orchestra Partners

With a construction loan secured, work on The Frank begins in June. The transformation will include 180 residential units throughout eight floors of the building, with stores and restaurants on the first floor. According to Orchestra Partners, units will include studio and one-bedroom apartments “designed for urban dwellers who want to live a minimalist lifestyle.”

One of the new features coming to The Frank is a European-style courtyard (see the above rendering). The space will host community building events and socializing activities for residents, and provide a relaxing hangout spot.

“To attract new talent and continue to build on Birmingham’s momentum, we plan to position The Frank as a unique community for renters who are looking for an unbeatable urban location bustling with activity and amenities.”
Hunter Renfoe, co-founder and principal, Orchestra Partners

Get ready

the frank rendering — With 180 residential units, The Frank will be a hub for downtown living. Rendering via Orchestra Partners

The $40M project is expected to finish up in late 2022. During construction, the UPS store and Trattoria Zaza will remain open so don’t worry about changing your brunch or shipping plans. Plus, with leasing opportunities for the first floor still available, even more shops and restaurants could come to the historic building.

Check out a couple other projects from Orchestra Partners, including Urban Supply in Parkside and Mercantile on Morris.

Learn more about Orchestra Partners on their website and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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