Comeback Town: The Revival of Downtown Birmingham

I recently attended an evening event in the City Center and was amazed by the bustling activity along 2nd Ave North. The sidewalks were crowded with people, music filled the air, and bars and restaurants were buzzing with energy. Dogs were being walked, and the atmosphere was vibrant.

This lively scene starkly contrasted to 1981 when I started my 35+ years working in the City Center when downtown would empty every night at 5:30.

Reflecting on this transformation, I realized I had witnessed the efforts of several key individuals who played a major role in this remarkable change.

In 1995, our growing law firm needed more space. As the new managing partner, I worked with John Lauriello, a seasoned commercial real estate broker passionate about restoring old buildings.

John and his colleague Bob Moody convinced me and a partner to tour the Clark Building at 20th Street and 4th Avenue North. The building was an eyesore, abandoned for years and on the verge of being condemned and razed.

When we ascended the decaying stairs to the 2nd floor, I saw peeling plaster, collapsing ceilings, pigeons fluttering about, and empty whiskey bottles left by the homeless. However, John and Bob were enthusiastic, praising the skylights and brickwork. I finally grabbed John’s arm and said, “John, what building are you talking about? It’s not the same one I’m in!”

John and Bob had the vision to see the potential in the building. Our firm, composed of small-town natives, appreciated historic buildings and was willing to gamble on a massive restoration.

Nineteen months later, we moved into a beautifully restored building, and 25 years later, the Clark Building remains our home. It became another success story in the City Center’s renovation, thanks to John and Bob.

My work with the Clark Building led to my involvement with Operation New Birmingham (ONB), a public-private partnership focused on restoring the City Center. I recall monthly board meetings in a cramped conference room at the ONB office next to the Bon Ton on 20th Street.

Despite its small staff, ONB had a prestigious board, including Russell Cunningham, Mike Warren, Carol Garrison, Dudley Reynolds, and Neal Berte. Extended discussions often focused on the stalemated Railroad Park project.

Michael Calvert, ONB’s longtime CEO, convinced all stakeholders of the need for a renowned urban park architect, who in turn persuaded City Hall of Railroad Park’s potential. The rest is history.

Michael also played a key role in another game-changer. While I was ONB Chair, he presented me with a report on the success of minor league baseball teams relocating to city centers. Michael wanted to share the report with the Birmingham Barons’ owner, the Logan family. Initially skeptical, I agreed. The Logans were intrigued, and the rest is history.

Many have taken credit for Railroad Park and Regions Field, but Michael Calvert’s contributions often went unrecognized. He deserved more acknowledgment.

One early challenge in restoring the City Center was the misperception of crime. This was exacerbated by local TV news using the Birmingham skyline as a backdrop for reporting crimes occurring far from the City Center.

Fox DeFuniak and David Sher creatively established CAPS, a uniformed, unarmed security force patrolling the City Center on bicycles. They assisted workers and residents by fixing flat tires, removing graffiti, and retrieving car keys accidentally locked in cars.

To combat the crime perception, CAPS publicized FBI statistics showing the City Center was safer than the Galleria or Mountain Brook. Many credit CAPS with the City Center’s resurgence, and it wouldn’t have existed without Fox and David.

Dr. Neal Berte has been recognized for his leadership at Birmingham-Southern and in civic endeavors. However, some of his best work was done quietly. Through various City Hall regimes, Dr. Berte organized off-the-record meetings between the mayor and City Center/UAB leaders, fostering trust and communication.

Many thanks to these individuals and others who made Birmingham’s City Center better through their efforts and dedication.

Mac Moorer is a retired attorney and past ONB Chair, Kiwanis Club President, and a graduate of Leadership Alabama and Leadership Birmingham.