This local company is revamping historic buildings—see them now

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Birmingham is known for a plethora of historic homes and buildings. To ensure they live long, happy lives, one local real estate company is helping preserve and restore them into restaurants, living spaces and offices.

Here’s a look at H2 Real Estate’s newest projects in Southside, plus one on their radar for later this year. 

1. Berry Building—2015 2nd Ave N

Birmingham’s 2nd Avenue North has become a popular spot for local businesses, including new spots like Bayonet Seafood and Raw Bar and Ralph’s Listening Room, which is opening later this year.

It’s also home to the Berry Building, which was constructed as a four-story, 33,500-square-foot commercial building in 1906 for Burger Dry Goods Co. 

Original features included:

• Brick + terracotta facade
• Closely-spaced double-hunt windows
• Pressed metal cornice

After changing owners and purposes over the years, the Berry Building has now been almost entirely renovated by H2 Real Estate. 

“We’ve had our eye on this block for a long time and wanted to make it another hub of activity with unique high-quality restaurants, bars and office buildings. The Berry Building was just one part of a larger dream that we had for this area.”

Carter Hughes, owner, H2 Real Estate 

Here’s a look inside the building and what you’ll find there:

H2 Real Estate’s Headquarters

An elevator ride to the Berry Building’s fourth floor leads you to H2 Real Estate’s current office. H2 renovated the space in 2020, and it is gorgeous! It has large windows that draw in natural light, an open kitchen with bar seating, a conference room and more.

Bayonet Seafood + Raw Bar

Bayonet is open in the Berry Building on 2nd Ave North in Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Bayonet officially opened on the ground floor of the Berry Building on March 10. While the restaurant is new to 2nd Avenue, its owners James Beard Award semifinalist, chef Rob McDaniel, and his wife, Emily McDaniel, have been heating up the block for awhile. 

The couple opened their first Birmingham restaurant, Helen, in 2020, and it’s located right next door to the Berry Building.

H2 will complete renovations on the Berry Building by the end of 2025. 

FUN FACT: The Berry Building’s second floor is now for rent. Learn more and request a tour by emailing leasing@h2realestate.com.

2. The Montrose—1226 29th Street South

One of H2 Real Estate’s biggest projects has been at the Montrose in Birmingham’s Highland Park neighborhood. We took you on a tour in September last year when construction was at its height.

H2 acquired the building in 2022 to rehabilitate the multi-million dollar structure. With nearly a century of history, H2 was able to salvage some of the Montrose’s historical gems, like steel windows and natural wood floors.

The coolest part is the two-level parking garage—a luxury in Highland Park—which was revamped for upcoming new tenants.

“It’s such a great building and one of Highland Park’s most iconic historic buildings. The building has been there for a century and sadly fell into neglect in the latter half of that time.

The amount of work we put into ensuring the building was structurally sound, refreshed and maintained took years. But now, we can bring it back to life and invigorate the community even more.”

Carter Hughes, owner, H2 Real Estate 

Construction on Montrose apartments will wrap up In May 2025, and 41 units will be available for rent.

3. Patton Place—1513 16th Ave South

When H2 Real Estate decided to restore Patton Place apartments, they knew it would require real attention inside and out. But with the building’s great Southside location overlooking Red Mountain, it was a project they couldn’t resist. 

They began construction on the 40-year-old building in 2023, giving it a total exterior revamp. 

The interior also underwent an extensive renovation. All flooring was removed and replaced with vinyl wood and new appliances and granite countertops were installed.

Interested in renting with H2 Real Estate in Birmingham? See what’s now.

H2 Real Estate’s impact in Birmingham + what’s next

Wondering how the Birmingham community feels about H2 Real Estate’s renovation projects? Here’s some input from a local resident.

“As a resident of Birmingham for almost 55 years and a downtown resident for 16 years, I’ve seen a lot of change. The shining light in the past 20 years has been local companies and developers such as H2 that have taken on the role of community builders.”

Don Lupo, Birmingham resident

Next up for H2 Real Estate: a new renovation project at The Marie on 18th Street South later this year. We’ll be watching to see its progress from old to new.

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

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