Demolition of the old Carraway Hospital set to begin this month, pending Bham Council approval

The demolition of Carraway Hospital is set to begin this month, pending final activation of some provisions in the city’s development agreement with Corporate Realty, which owns the site.   

The Birmingham City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee today approved to move forward with the agreement. A vote on the measure is scheduled to be taken up by the full council on May 17. Among other things, the city is releasing $4.1 million in incentives that were approved by the council in 2020.

Working with the neighborhood

For years, Birmingham-based Corporate Reality has been working with the local neighborhoods on The Star at Uptown project, a transformative mixed-use development.

“We have been working with Druid Hills and the other neighborhoods of North Birmingham for more than four years, and we know how eager they are to see this work begin. We are grateful for their ongoing support and for the city’s commitment to revitalizing this community.”

Robert Simon, CEO + President, Corporate Realty

The Demolition

While several structures on the 50-acre site will be torn down by this summer, demolition will continue over the rest of this year. The buildings will be brought down gradually with heavy equipment, and no dramatic implosions are planned, Simon added.

The original hospital building will be cleaned out and converted into attainable multi-family housing, the first development to take place on the site. Single-family homes will also be built at the northern end of the property.

City leaders are ready to get started

Several city leaders are anxious for the project to start.

“The plans for Carraway will take a dormant site and transform it into a vibrant place that will improve the lives of our residents and generate new reasons for people to visit Birmingham. We are glad to get moving with demolition, but ultimately, we are eager for this revitalization to occur.”

Wardine Alexander, President, Birmingham City Council

The project will revive a once-thriving site that became a community eyesore after Carraway closed in 2008. The Star development marks one of the biggest private investments in Birmingham’s history.

“We want to see the Carraway property become the shining star it once was and to be an asset for the neighbors who live nearby.”

Randall Woodfin, Mayor, City of Birmingham

Groundwork

Thanks to the groundwork done by Corporate Realty and the community, the project expects to include multiple new housing options to the north Birmingham market, as well as some commercial and entertainment spaces.

“We want this to be a healthy community where people can live, work, and play.”

Robert Simon, CEO + President, Corporate Realty

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