Star Uptown development to receive $3.7M to finish demolishing former Carraway Hospital site
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Demolition of the old Carraway Hospital site is costlier than expected and is going to take more time to complete.
As a result, the Birmingham City Council approved a measure this week to give the developer, Corporate Realty, an additional $3.7 million to finish preparing the site for the $346 million multi-use development. Per the agreement, because the developer is receiving additional monies for the demolition and remediation, the Corporate Realty is giving back approximately $4.5 million in future tax abatements to the city saving the city nearly $1 million.
The vote on the measure was 6-1. Councilor Valerie Abbott was the dissenting vote.
Neighborhood Support for Star Uptown
Despite the brief delay, the project is strongly supported by neighborhood leaders.
“It’s a nucleus (Star Uptown) — aiding us to start that process of looking at the possibilities of having a grocery store,” Druid Hills Neighborhood President Charlie Williams, Jr.
“Looking at the possibility of having our youth take a second look at older neighborhoods, where individuals see those vacant lots becoming thriving homes for new families that can repopulate our neighborhoods.”
Where Did the Funds Come From?
The additional city funding for the demolition comes from the federal American Rescue Plan.
“Druid Hills neighborhood, Northside community and the city of Birmingham are worth this investment to see the demolition completed. We’re worth the investment — to see the fulfillment of all the plans that we’ve worked for, not just for six years, but for 20 plus years,” Williams added.
According to Corporate Realty’s Brian Wolfe, demolition of the Carraway site is expected to be completed by late Spring 2023.
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