Historic Birmingham apartments are being revamped—from 1920s era to Dingbat-style

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From luxury apartment complexes to hire-rise condos, there are always new places popping up in Birmingham.

But what if you want to live somewhere with some history to it?

We spoke with H2 Real Estate‘s Principal Carter Hughes and Regional Manager Danielle Bush about their recent downtown renovations and focus on blending historic charm with modern comforts.

H2 Real Estate’s goal

If you live in downtown Birmingham, you’ve likely seen H2 Real Estate signs all over the place. 

While they may rent apartments, their main goal is renovating and preserving local historic properties. 

“Our locations mostly consist of assets that were built in the early or mid-20th century.

We aim to maintain the character of these beautiful structures that add so much to our community aesthetic, while also retrofitting them for modern-day amenities and lifestyles.”

Carter Hughes, Principal, H2 Real Estate

Their most recent projects include the Montrose and The Riviera. 

The Montrose

If you frequent places like Rojo and O’Henry’s Coffee in Highland Park, you likely know of the Montrose. Hint: It’s located right behind these two local hotspots on 29th Street South. 

Built in 1926 as the Iroquois and Waucoma Apartments, it included three buildings connected by courtyards. 

H2 acquired the building in 2022 and is currently rehabilitating the multi-million-dollar structure. 

I got to take a stroll through the construction happening at the Montrose.

While there is still much work to be done, it was easy to see the building’s charm and potential.

One thing especially unique about it is that it has a parking structure beneath it. This was a key decision for why H2 wanted to bring the Montrose back to life. 

“Underground parking in Highland Park is pretty rare, especially for a building of this age.

It’s such a unique feature that you don’t really see it in most of the areas older properties.”

Danielle Bush, Regional Manager, H2 Real Estate

Before + after

The wallpaper shows the history of Montrose apartments in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Over its nearly 100 years, the Montrose has seen layer upon layer of wallpaper.

One of the units I visited showed off the decades with a floral print topping stripes that overlapped another pattern.

Danielle told me one of the units displayed a beautiful Western scene.

“I love it when I’m renovating a historic apartment and come across all the layers of wallpaper. It’s like a little glimpse into the past.

Each layer tells its own story and you can see how design trends have shifted over the years.”

Danielle Bush, Regional Manager, H2 Real Estate

More fun renovation finds at the Montrose include wall cabinets and fold-out ironing boards. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

H2 told me that before renovations at the Montrose began, some of the apartments had not been updated in decades.

Aside from structural updates and modernizing decor, most of the building’s historical elements will be safely preserved.

While the wallpaper has got to go, historical gems like steel windows and natural wood floors are here to stay.

The Riviera

The Riviera is a recent project of H2’s that quickly gained renters upon completion.

I got to tour the property and I have to say I fell in love with it. It turns out, I’m a fan of Dingbat-style apartments. 

Dingbat is a 1950s-60s apartment style, typically a two-story walk-up with overhangs for street-front parking, exuding a young, hip and California vibe.

If Birmingham was next to the ocean, it would be the ideal setting to see surfers hauling their boards to and from the coast.

“It’s like living in a piece of functional art and architectural history.

The whole vibe of the building is so retro and distinctly West California. It definitely brings a cool, nostalgic allure.”

Danielle Bush, Regional Manager, H2 Real Estate

Before + after

In 2022, H2 purchased the building and began renovations. Outdated electrical and plumbing systems were major concerns, as the property hadn’t seen significant updates in over 50 years.

“I’ve had numerous people in Birmingham tell me stories about how this was ‘the spot’ to live in the 60s and 70s.

Our goal through the renovation was to bring that back to the Riviera.”

Carter Hughes, Principal, H2 Real Estate

Today, the apartment shines brightly along the hillside of 33rd Street South.

It’s been updated throughout with everything from new wiring and plumbing to paint and appliances. The pool was also refinished.

Balconies were added to the front of the building to maximize its potential and give renters a stunning view of Birmingham.

Bonus: The Riviera is close to English Village, Highland Park and Five Points South—all beloved spots to eat, play and live.

H2 is behind many more apartments in Birmingham. If you love historic homes with a modern twist, you’ll want to see what’s available now.

For more about H2 Real Estate and their properties around Birmingham, visit their website and follow them on Facebook + Instagram.

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