Adaptive Reuse
Since 2008, Birmingham, Alabama has seen a wave of growth and revitalization. While many Southern cities lost much of their historic architecture during periods of urban renewal, Birmingham held on to a surprising number of early twentieth-century buildings. These structures are still useful today and form a strong foundation for continued development.
At a time when the construction industry produces a large share of global waste and new buildings often ignore the scale and rhythm of our streets, reusing what already exists feels both practical and meaningful.
Our team is passionate about breathing new life into these older buildings and helping them continue to shape the character of the city. We have worked on projects that qualified for historic tax credits at both the state and federal levels, and we have provided early planning support for a wide range of developments, from restaurants to larger mixed-use spaces. At Poole & Company, we bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges that come with older buildings, including architectural details, infrastructure needs, and code requirements. This experience allows us to create thoughtful designs that respect the past while supporting the future.
Featured Projects
2121 Building Renovations
As the 2121 Building’s envelope and systems began to show signs of significant aging, the county engaged Poole & Company to assess the building. Ultimately, following a Poole & Company assessment, the County opted to completely restore the ‘60s-era building and began a multi-phased renovation and restoration. The first phase was a core replacement, the second phase was a roof replaement, the third phase was an exterior seal, and the fourth phase is an ongoing 95-spot parking deck renovation. The building remained fully occupied during mechanical and electrical replacements, lobby and common area renovations, upgrades to comply with high-rise code requirements, and the complete renovation of the building’s envelope.
Skin Wellness Dermatology
Our team worked closely with the clinic’s owner to determine preferred layouts, features, and finishes of his other locations to incorporate into the new tenant space. The new clinic is part of a retail shopping center converted into a medical service center including allergists, orthodontists, physical therapists, and imaging. The resulting 4,200 SF dermatologist space includes a sleek and bright lobby/reception area with custom lighted product display cabinets, behind which sits a well-organized configuration of exam rooms, lab, and practice pods to create an efficient workflow.
Serra Hyundai
The Serra team asked Poole & Company to help update their aging existing facility to align with the latest Hyundai branding initiatives for aesthetics, flow, and quality. Our process allowed us to reconcile sometimes conflicting requirements with the local owner and corporate management while creating a coherent, affordable solution. The existing, lean structure posed several challenges to the program and aesthetic, but the new metal and glass exterior and open showroom/office provide a welcoming presence for customers and a beautiful, efficient workplace for staff.
