Vacant, historic Protective Life building has been purchased

There has been quite a bit of construction, renovation and development in Birmingham recently, especially on the North Side of the city . The latest, the historic and vacant Commerce Center or the former Protective Life building, sold for $2.875 million.

The seller is listed as Aksut Enterprises LLC and the buyer as JK Commerce LLC. No information on JK Commerce is available, and the real estate broker declined to comment on the new owner’s plans.

The Protective Life building, at 2027 1st Avenue North, on the southwest corner of Richard Arlington, Jr Boulevard North, was built in 1928. The Art-Deco style building was designed by Birmingham firm, Warren, Knight & Davis.

Warren, Knight & Davis was a prominent architecture firm in Birmingham from 1920-1989. Some of their best  known buildings are the UAB administrative building, AT&T City Center, Vulcan Park and the VA Medical Center.

So, for now it remains a mystery!

Could it be another swanky boutique hotel to join the Redmont and Elyton? New luxury apartments, or maybe a new tech company headquarters?  It will be great to see an old, beautiful Birmingham building brought back to life. Of course, with renovation and revitalization comes jobs! Stay tuned to Bham Now for more information.

What would you like to see in the North Side of Birmingham?