This week, Centennial and The OPAL Fund announced the completion of the core-shell phase of The Hardwick, an adaptive redevelopment of a historic 110+-year-old building on 1st Avenue South.

Read on to learn more about the redevelopment of The Hardwick, what’s next and the building’s future tenants.

A major milestone in the redevelopment of The Hardwick

Located at 2308 1st Ave S, the Hardwick Building is a 30,000-square-foot former steel processing plant situated between the Railroad Reservation and Rotary Trail.

In 2020, the building was purchased by Bayer Properties (now Centennial) for redevelopment as The Harwick on the Rotary Trail, a mixed-use development with office and restaurant space.

With the help of Williams Blackstock Architects, a Birmingham-based architecture firm, Centennial has completed the core-shell phase of The Hardwick—clearing the path for the next phase of construction.

“We’re thrilled to reach this pivotal milestone in The Hardwick’s redevelopment.

We’ve preserved the building’s historic character while laying the foundation for its vibrant future.

This achievement brings us one step closer to delivering a space where history and modernity coexist, offering a unique destination for the Birmingham community.”
Scott Bloomston, VP of Development, Centennial

What’s next for The Hardwick?

With the core-shell phase of The Hardwick complete, Centennial’s contractors have begun preparing the interior for the building’s first tenants:

Ballard Designs, a renowned retailer of upscale home furnishings, will be the first tenant to open at The Hardwick. Although the official grand opening date is yet to be determined, decorating enthusiasts should be able to explore Ballard’s collection this fall.

Epice, an authentic Lebanese bistro based out of Nashville, TN, will be opening at The Hardwick this winter. This second location will offer modern takes on classic Lebanese dishes and incorporate spices and fresh herbs for an unforgettable dining experience.

Lapeer Steak and Seafood, a Maven Group concept from Alpharetta, GA, is anticipated to open in 2025. The restaurant was recently named The Best Seafood in Alpharetta for 2024.

In addition to these tenants, The Hardwick will feature three floors of modern office space with state-of-the-art workspaces seamlessly integrated with the building’s historic features.

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