Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Demolition begins on Highland Plaza—former Western Supermarket location—making way for new apartments
In January 2023, the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved rezoning Highland Plaza—the former site of the Western Supermarket on Highland Avenue—to make way for new apartments and a limited amount of retail. Now, we’ve got updates.
Demolition begins on Highland Avenue
Built in the 1930s, Highland Plaza has been home to multiple several Magic City businesses, including Western Supermarket and Taj India (which relocated to the former Bogue’s location in June).
However, after a rezoning from General Business District to to Qualified Mixed Use High District, the site will soon be home to a new development. According to the design approved in January, the project will feature:
- 272 unit luxury multifamily apartment development, called The James
- 373 space accessory parking garage
- Outdoor pool + outdoor courtyard for residents
- Less than 10,000 feet for retail
Birmingham Design Review Committee recently gave final approval for the project, and demolition has officially begun on the site.
A long time coming for Daniel Corporation
The Vice President of Daniel Corporation—the developer of the project—gave some background and context during a presentation to the Birmingham Design Review Committee on November 15.
“When we bought the site, I had no kids. Today, I have a second grader and two kindergarteners. So, we’ve been working on the site for about half of a childhood.”
Cameron Conner, Vice President, Daniel Corporation
Conner explained that multiple pivots in the design process, COVID interruptions and the site’s difficult topography and shape were just some of the reasons why this project has been such a long time coming.
“It’s just been a whole heck of an effort to get to where we’re at today, but we’ve got something that we’re excited about.”
Cameron Conner, Vice President, Daniel Corporation
Though the project won’t have much retail space, Conner hopes that it will open the door for future retail developments in the Highland Avenue area.
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