Inside the $8M renovation of Birmingham’s historic Massey Building [PHOTOS]

Over the past three years, real estate management group Colliers | Alabama has invested $8M into a top-to-bottom renovation of the historic Massey Building in downtown Birmingham.

Colliers’ Partner Jamie Justice took Bham Now on a tour to see the newly renovated interior.

The Massey Building is nearly 100 years old

Located at 2025 3rd Ave N in downtown Birmingham, the Massey Building was completed in 1925, nearly 100 years ago. The building was commissioned by developer Richard Massey, whose daughter—Eleanor Massey Bridges—famously owned Homewood’s iconic Pink House.

The 10-story building was designed by William Leslie Welton, a prominent local architect in the early years of Birmingham. Other examples of Welton’s work include:

• The American Life Building
• The Ridgley Apartments—now known as the Tutwiler Hotel
• Several residences in Birmingham, including the “Little Villa on Highland“

Renovating the Massey Building

Although the Massey Building has undergone several renovations over its 99-year history—notably in 1984 and 1991—the interior looked dated by modern standards.

“When we bought the building, most of the interior was very dark, narrow and boring. We decided to open up the space and lean heavily into natural light.”

Jamie Justice, Partner, Colliers | Alabama

In 2021, Colliers | Alabama purchased the Massey Building and announced a renovation of the entire building. Colliers | Alabama had previously renovated four buildings in Birmingham, including:

• The Zinszer Building at 2115-2117 2nd Avenue North
• The Forbes Building at 1914 4th Avenue North
• The Denham Building at 1143 1st Ave South
• The Carvana location at 115 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd South

Colliers | Alabama utilized local firm CCR Architecture & Interiors on the renovation, which included:

• Replacement of all 387 of the building’s windows
• New chiller system and HVAC units throughout
• New interior lighting systems as well as increased access to natural light
• Improved on-site security features, including Bluetooth-enabled floor access
• A completely redone parking lot
• A renovated lobby with free common meeting space for tenants

The most visually-impressive portions of the renovation are the new-and-improved office spaces for the Massey Building’s tenants. Currently, the building is 50% occupied, with tenants such as:

• Phelps Dunbar LLP
• First Horizon Bank
• Forager Capital Management
• Park Lane Ventures
• And more

What’s next for the Massey Building?

Now that Colliers | Alabama has completed renovations for its current tenants, the firm is shifting its focus to find new tenants and complete the build-out of unoccupied space, including the 2nd floor.

One of those unoccupied areas is a ground floor retail space, ideal for a public-facing business.

“This space is about 2,200 square feet, so it’d be perfect for an intimate restaurant, a larger bar or even a coffee shop.”

Jamie Justice, Partner, Colliers | Alabama

What would you like to see go into the ground floor retail space at the Massey Building? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!