Birmingham approves $1.7M Yo’ Mama’s downtown redevelopment and expansion plan

It’s official. Yo’ Mama’s Restaurant will be moving into a much larger space blocks away from its 2nd Avenue downtown location.

Approved

The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved today a measure to redevelop a vacant city-owned retail space on 4th Avenue North.

As reported by Bham Now on May 5th, when Parking Deck #3 was remodeled in 2009, the city left room for retail space at the ground level  (2098 4th Ave. North). The city never found a tenant — and as a result, the space has been vacant for nearly two decades.

Under the redevelopment agreement, the city will spend $1.3 million to prepare the space for Yo’ Mama’s. 

Downtown Investment Fully Built Out

Cornell Wesley, Birmingham’s Director of Economic Opportunity, described the initiative as a way to bring an uncollected city resource to life.

“Even if it were not Yo’ Mama’s, someone else would stand to benefit from the investment and completion of the retail floor on Deck #3. We’re excited about being able to have this asset in our downtown community fully built out,” Wesley told the Council.

Yo’ Mama’s Contribution

Yo’ Mama’s will also contribute an additional $400,000 to transform the 5,760+ square foot site into a restaurant. The space will hold between 80-100 patrons. In addition to its own investment, Yo’ Mama will enter into a long term lease.

“I’m glad to see the city finish a retail space that has sat vacant for the past 20 years,” said Birmingham City Council Economic and Development Chair Hunter Williams. “This lease agreement with one of our very own local small businesses is a great answer to not only addressing vacant structures in our city but also gives a leg up to our small businesses.” 

Are you excited about Yo’ Mama’s expansion? Tell us what you think on social media by tagging us @bhamnow