birmingham_city_center_historic_resources_2019_report_vs3

Southside Historic District

As listed: 123 Resources (90 Contributing; 33 Noncontributing)

Automotive Historic District, General Views

The Automotive Historic District, situated south of the railroad reservation, is defined by 20th Street S to the west, 25th Street S to the east, and 5th Avenue S to the south Its significance is highlighted in the National Register nomination statement.

The Automotive Historic District plays a crucial role in the history of transportation, featuring buildings and structures specifically designed for automotive and rail transit Many of the district's buildings were constructed for the sale and service of automobiles Additionally, viaducts were built to facilitate the movement of streetcars and later automobiles over railroad tracks located north of the district, while a railroad tunnel was established to enable trains to pass through the area without obstruction.

The Automotive Historic District is significant in the area of architecture because it contains buildings that represent architectural styles dating from 1890 to 1940

Within the district are late Victorian commercial buildings that display Italianate and

The district showcases a blend of Romanesque Revival architecture and early 20th-century design, with most buildings remaining well-preserved These structures vividly represent the area’s historical significance as an automotive hub.

Since 1991, one-third of the resources in the district, totaling 36 out of 106 (excluding parking and vacant lots), have been demolished or significantly altered Notably, two entire blocks west of Richard Arrington Jr Blvd between 1st and 3rd Avenues S, comprising 22 individual resources, have been lost to recent demolition Given the complete loss of these resources and their replacement with new or pending buildings, this area should be removed from the district Additionally, the block bounded by 5th Avenue S west of Richard Arrington Jr Blvd is currently facing imminent threat.

3 formerly noncontributing resource (Resources #22, 59, & 60) would contribute to the district with an expanded period of significance

1 formerly contributing resource has been altered is now noncontributing (Resource #66)

35 resources have been demolished (see list below); 17 vacant/parking lots should be removed from the inventory (Resources #3, 5, 21, 25, 27, 39, 45, 48, 49, 52, 58, 60, 67, 68, 73, 80, & 83)

Left: 3 rd Avenue S Art Deco style garage demolished; right: new development that replaced one block of buuildings

Of the contributing resources, none had been individually listed previously

Resource #6 Demolished; contributing; replaced by new building

Resource #7 Demolished; noncontributing; replaced by new building

Resource #18 Demolished; contributing; site vacant

Resource #40 Demolished; contributing; new building under construction

Resource #45 Demolished; noncontributing; site vacant

Resource #76 Demolished; noncontributing; new building under construction

Resource #85 Demolished; noncontributing site vacant

Resource #91 Demolished; new building under construction

To ensure accuracy and relevance, it is essential to update the district nomination to incorporate recent changes within the district and to revise its period of significance in accordance with the National Register's 50-year evaluation criteria.

Automotive Historic District Map Current, as Listed in 1991

Automotive Historic District Map – Proposed

Note: Red line indicates a proposed boundary reduction

2) Birmingham Civil Rights Historic District

The article highlights a total of 40 resources, which include 35 contributing and 5 non-contributing elements Notably, 6 of the contributing resources were previously recognized individually in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Additionally, 3 contributing resources and 1 non-contributing resource were also individually listed in the NRHP as part of overlapping historic districts.

Civil Rights Historic District Top: Left to Right:, A G Gaston Motel, Prince Hall Grand Lodge, 16 th Street Baptist Church

Bottom, Left to Right: Kelly Ingram Park, A G Gaston Building, March Route to the Retail Section

The Birmingham Civil Rights Historic District is an irregularly-shaped area defined by 14th Street S to the west, Interstate 20/59 to the north, Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard to the east, and 2nd Avenue S to the south This district features three clusters of significant resources connected by march routes along 5th and 6th Avenues N and 19th Street N.

The linear corridors highlight the physical separation between the African American neighborhood where the marches began and the retail and government areas that represented the Movement's goals for equal access.

The district is part of several National Register listings in the greater Birmingham area, which collectively highlight the city's globally important Civil Rights heritage The nomination's statement of significance emphasizes this historical importance.

"But for Birmingham, we would not be here today." So stated the Reverend Fred L

In the summer of 1963, Shuttlesworth met with President John F Kennedy at the White House to discuss the formulation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a pivotal legislation aimed at realizing the ideals of freedom and equality outlined in the Declaration of Independence.

The events of that spring in Birmingham highlighted the failure of democracy in the United States, revealing the widespread racial prejudice and discrimination that persisted both legally and socially This pivotal moment in history underscored the long-standing struggle for racial equality, positioning Birmingham as a critical battleground for civil rights.

The streets of Birmingham, where courageous black men, women, teenagers, and children marched for justice against fierce opposition, are now considered hallowed ground Here, they faced fire hoses and police dogs, embodying the struggle for civil rights and equality.

Nonviolent protesters significantly impacted the United States, compelling the nation to confront and dismantle state-supported white supremacy The civil rights reforms initiated in Birmingham were pivotal in promoting inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation—were embraced within the American system This movement underscored the importance of ending discrimination and fostering diversity to realize the dream articulated by Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Luther King, Jr., later described so eloquently in his peroration that summer at the

Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D C Consequently the structures and streets of

In the spring of 1963, Birmingham emerged as a pivotal battleground for civil rights, warranting the same federal recognition as iconic historic sites like Boston's Old North Church and Gettysburg.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Historic District in Birmingham, Jefferson County,

Alabama, is eligible under Criterion A for the National Register of Historic Places as a nationally significant property associated with the climax of the civil rights struggle

The statement of significance continues:

The Birmingham Civil Rights District is locally significant under the Birmingham Civil

Rights Movement, 1933-1979 Multiple Property Submission (MPS) beginning in

1933, when a major demonstration took place in West (Kelly Ingram) Park and until

In 1979, large-scale protests in Woodrow Wilson (Linn) Park against police brutality galvanized support for Richard Arrington Jr.'s political campaign, leading to his historic election as Birmingham's first African-American mayor that fall, which marked a significant milestone in the city's black political empowerment.

Five resources are also located within overlapping adjacent historic districts:

Resource #8 is also noncontributing resource #7 in the Fourth Avenue H D

Resource #9 is also noncontributing resource #8 in the Fourth Avenue H D

Resource #30 is also contributing resource #76 in the Birmingham Retail and Theatre H D

Resource #31 is also the site of contributing resources #42 and #90 and noncontributing resource

#41 in the Birmingham Retail and Theatre H D., all three of which were replaced by the expansion of the McWane Science Center in 1997

City Center Historic District

National Register eligible study list

General Views of City Center H D

The City Center Historic District, recognized in the National Register as part of the Civil Rights Historic District, includes the municipal and county government complex around Linn Park This district not only highlights the Civil Rights area but also extends to encompass significant commercial and governmental buildings that have played a crucial role in the historical development of downtown.

The contributing properties in the district would include:

2) Birmingham Board of Education Building (ca 1955)

3) Birmingham City Hall Parking Deck (ca 1950)

4) Birmingham Parking Authority Deck #2 (1976; Renneker, Smith & Kirkwood, architects; Brasfield & Gorrie, general contractors)

5) Birmingham Museum of Art (1959,1962, 1965, 1975; Eugene & Albion Knight, architects;

Raniel, Rives, Doster, & Mann Brothers, general contractors)

Individually eligible resources that could be included within the district include:

3) Family Reserve Insurance Co Building

Recommendation: Conduct a historic resource survey to further evaluate eligibility

City Center Historic District, Eligibility Map

Birmingham Warehouse Loop East Historic District

Top: General Views of Birmingham Warehouse Loop East H D

The Birmingham Wholesale Warehouse Loop (East) Historic District holds local significance under National Register criterion A for its role in Birmingham's industrial history during the early to mid-20th century This area emerged as a hub for wholesale, light manufacturing, and warehousing, particularly thriving during the industrial booms of World Wars I and II.

Located next to the city's primary rail hub, this area offers an ideal site for trucking bulk goods received by train, facilitating distribution throughout the city and surrounding regions Additionally, the district holds local significance under criterion C for its notable examples of early to mid-20th century warehouse and industrial architecture.

Recommendation: Recent construction and announced plan construction have eroded the integrity of this potential district since fieldwork for this project commenced Conduct a historic resource survey to further evaluate eligibility

Birmingham Warehouse Loop East Historic District, Eligibility Map

Southern Research Institute Historic District

Top: Views of Southern Research Institute; Bottom: Quinlan Castle (NR) on the campus of Southern Research Institute

Founded in 1941 as the Alabama Research Institute and renamed in 1944, Southern Research Institute initially aimed to foster industrial development in the South Over time, it evolved into a prominent center for cancer research.

Southern Research Institute Historic District, Eligibility Map

Southtown Court Historic District

Southtown Court, a 480-unit public housing project developed in 1941 with funding from the U.S Housing Authority, holds local significance in Social and Ethnic History as a model of planned low-income housing for Black residents during a segregated era It reflects the social ideals and planning standards of the federal public housing program Additionally, it is notable for its Community Planning, Design, and Architecture, showcasing typical characteristics of public housing from that period Designed by the prominent local architecture firm Warren, Knight, & Davis, Southtown Court embodies the planning and design principles of its time.

Recommendation: Southtown Court is scheduled to be razed in its entirety and replaced by a new mixed use development Appropriate documentation should be completed as part of the Section

Southtown Court Historic District, Eligibility Map

Sixth Avenue South Industrial Historic District

Period of Significance: circa 1935 to circa 1955

The Sixth Avenue South Industrial Historic District is a notable area featuring a collection of industrial buildings located at the intersection of the L&N Railroad Viaduct and 6th Avenue S Key structures in this district include the 1935 viaduct, the former Standard Oil Company General Office and Warehouse built around 1935 and 1955 respectively, the America Brake Shoe Company Foundry, and the Birmingham Municipal Garage complex, designed by architect Charles H McCauley and constructed in 1953 by general contractor J F Holley.

Left to Right Top: Standard Oil Co General Office, Standard Oil Co Warehouse, L&N Railroad Viaduct

Bottom: American Brake Shoe Co Foundry, Birmingham Municipal Garage

Sixth Avenue South Industrial Historic District, Eligibility Map

A Vulcan Salute to Some Recently Lost Birmingham Landmarks

Left to Right Top: W C Davis School, Southern Freight Depot

National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places, managed by the U.S Department of the Interior's National Park Service, aims to recognize and promote sites significant to American history, architecture, and culture This program enforces strict eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for properties seeking inclusion Importantly, being listed does not mandate property owners to seek approval for changes unless they are utilizing federal or state funding, licensing, or assistance.

The significance of American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture is evident in various districts, sites, buildings, and structures These elements exhibit integrity in their location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, and overall association, reflecting their historical and cultural importance.

A are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or

B are associated with the lives of significant persons in our past; or

The article highlights that certain constructions embody unique characteristics of a specific type, period, or method, showcasing the work of a master and possessing high artistic values These constructions represent significant and distinguishable entities, even if their individual components may not stand out distinctly.

D have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history

Cemeteries, birthplaces, graves of historical figures, and properties associated with religious institutions are typically ineligible for the National Register This includes structures relocated from their original sites, reconstructed historic buildings, and properties that are primarily commemorative or have gained significance in the last fifty years However, these properties may qualify if they are essential components of districts that meet the criteria or fall into specific categories.

A a religious property that derives its primary significance from architectural or artistic distinction or historical importance; or

A relocated building or structure holds significance primarily for its architectural value or as the last remaining structure linked to a notable historical figure or event.

C a birthplace or grave of a historical figure of outstanding importance when there is no other site or building directly associated with the individual’s productive life; or

D a cemetery that derives its primary significance either from the graves of persons of transcendent importance, from age, from distinctive design features, or from association with historic events; or

A well-executed reconstructed building, situated in an appropriate environment and presented with dignity as part of a comprehensive restoration master plan, is significant, especially when no other structures with similar historical associations remain.

F a property primarily commemorative in intent if design, age, tradition, or symbolic value has invested it with its own historical significance; or

G a property achieving significance within the last fifty years if it is of exceptional importance Benefits of National Register Designation

Misconceptions about National Register listing

Listing on the National Register does not obligate private property owners or local governments to maintain their properties unless they seek federal funding, licenses, or permits, such as a DHEC permit or preservation tax credit While some local ordinances may offer protections for historic properties, these regulations are enacted by local governments and are not included in the National Register program.

• Listing does not guarantee the owners state or federal funds or a low interest loan for renovation

• Listing does not require the owners to provide public access to the properties

Listing is used primarily to encourage the preservation of our national heritage Listing does not burden owners of significant properties It rewards them

• Recognition can enhance property values

National Register designation may not offer the same documented economic benefits as local historic districts with design review controls, but it does confer a sense of exclusivity that can increase property value This uniqueness mirrors the value placed on antiques and collectibles, highlighting the finite nature of National Register recognition.

According to Section 40-8-1 of the Code of Alabama, historic buildings and sites are classified under Class III property, which is taxed at a ten percent assessed ratio, irrespective of their current use Historic properties are defined as buildings or structures that are either deemed eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places by the state historic preservation officer or are situated in a registered historic district certified by the United States Secretary of the Interior for their historic significance.

The federal tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic income-producing buildings offers a 20% credit on qualifying expenditures for properties listed on the National Register This program excludes owner-occupied residences, and all rehabilitation work must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

A 25% state tax credit is available for the rehabilitation of historic income-producing buildings listed on the National Register, covering qualifying rehabilitation costs This program excludes owner-occupied residences, and all work must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Federal Tax Incentives for Historic Preservation

Adapted from PRESERVATION TAX INCENTIVES FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS

U S Department of the Interior National Park Service Cultural Resources Heritage Preservation Services Preservation Tax Incentives

Historic buildings serve as vital connections to our past, providing communities with identity, stability, and orientation The Federal government actively promotes their preservation through initiatives like the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program, which is recognized as one of the most effective and economical community revitalization efforts This program encourages private investment in the rehabilitation of historic properties, including offices, rental housing, and retail spaces, ultimately enhancing the fabric of local communities.

Since 1976, the National Park Service, in collaboration with the Internal Revenue Service and State Historic Preservation Officers, has administered tax incentives that promote the rehabilitation of historic structures across various periods and styles These incentives play a crucial role in preserving the unique character of cities, towns, and rural areas by attracting private investment to historic districts Additionally, they generate jobs, increase property values, and boost revenues for state and local governments through enhanced tax collections The Preservation Tax Incentives also facilitate the creation of moderate and low-income housing in historic buildings, revitalizing abandoned or underused properties such as schools, warehouses, and churches while maintaining their historic integrity.

Current tax incentives for preservation, established by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (PL 99-514; Internal Revenue Code Section 47 [formerly Section 48 (g) include:

• a 20% tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of certified historic structures

A tax credit is distinct from an income tax deduction; while a deduction reduces the taxable income, a tax credit directly decreases the amount of tax owed Essentially, for every dollar of tax credit, the taxpayer's liability is reduced by an equivalent dollar.

• The 20% rehabilitation tax credit equals 20% of the amount spent in a certified rehabilitation of a certified historic structure

Tiêu đề	Birmingham City Center Reconnaissance Level Historic Resource Survey 2019
Tác giả	David B. Schneider
Trường học	Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham
Chuyên ngành	Historic Preservation
Thể loại	historic resource survey
Năm xuất bản	2019
Thành phố	Birmingham

Định dạng
Số trang	86
Dung lượng	9,87 MB