Sandi is blogging from the WhistleStop Cafe kitchen. It's all about good home cooking; food, family and fun. Thousands of posts . . .

~In the south and around the world.



Sunday, September 02, 2007

Moving on up...

Birmingham Alabama is a lot like most large old cities.
Old, empty, and in need. Years ago we all started moving to the burbs... and left behind some beautiful and graceful old ladies of style.

The good news is that these old ladies are getting dressed up once again.










There is a new generation breathing life into the downtown areas. Can you tell this 1920's building used to house the Southern Bell offices?Loft living is becoming the ideal atmosphere for the young and hip.But~Mom doesn't mind when the view is of Police headquarters!

26 comments:

dot said...

I'm glad someone is sprucing up those old buildings. I've never been to the downtown area but when we drive through it's always a pleasure how easy the drive is compared to Atlanta.

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

I've never been to Birmingham, and being from the northeast and of a certain age, I remember the Birmingham we read about in the 1960s. I'm so glad the city is benefiting from the energy of a younger population that is restoring it to physical and emotional health. I look forward to visiting!

tut-tut said...

Love those handles! glad they left 'em there.

PAT said...

There is a rejuvenation of Downtown St Louis happening, also. I love that these wonderful old buildings are getting a new life!

Pat

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Sandi, we've heard that things are changing down there & you can tell when you drive around that some buildings are being reno'd. I think that's fantastic, there really are some lovely old buildings down there & I love it when they are not torn down, but rehabbed.

Rhoda

Tina Leavy said...

that's nice to see things being refurbished. those phone door handles are so cool too.

Justabeachkat said...

Loved seeing the photos!

Hugs!
Kat

ShabbyInTheCity said...

I wanna be young and hip!
When I hear Birmingham...I think of a boy in college that I had a crush on...David Gurley...whew he was cute. We called him 'Bamaham'.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Dot~ you must not have been driving on I65 at rush hour!
Lydia~ Those were ugly times for sure.
Tut-Tut~ Isn't that cute! But I don't think they are original=D
Pat~ New life is just what the city needs.
Rhoda~ There is still a ways to go, but these buildings are lovely.
Goose~ there are lots of 'phone' touches
Kat~ ((huggs)) back!
Shabby~ What college was that? Bamaham is funny.

Mallow said...

What a fabulous post. You just added a new city to my "must see" list!

Cheryl Wray said...

How cool is that? Birmingham has a great old downtown and I just hate that it's not being used. Good to know that it's starting too! The pics are great!!!

JANET said...

Great pictures! Montgomery has done a lot with its downtown too, especially the riverfront.

Tammy said...

It might get a little noisy around the PD with sirens and all...we live on a 911 route jeepers all hours of the night...I think I'm getting used to it though!
:)

Kevin said...

Sandi,
It's not just the hip moving downtown. Old folks (like I'm almost) are also finding city center living a great option. Here in Knoxville there are a umer of center city condos I'd love to own -- but priced way beyond my means.

Sandi McBride said...

I think Alabama is one of the most beautiful states we ever lived in...my husband's family is from Selma and Mac was a Navy Recruiter in Demopolis...both towns have such beautiful old houses. The pictures you have posted today are just lovely. I always enjoy coming in to check your site. Check you later, girlfriend
Sandi

Unknown said...

This is too funny! My Dad worked and retired from General Telephone in California. I even worked and sang for them. Now it is Verizon. I love those brass telephones. That is sooo classic.

I also love the view. That was actually the view my Dad had from the 9th floor of General Telephone. So much better for a collegiate to see!

Tootles, kj

Adriann said...

Thanks for sharing! I love old buildings. There's some renovation going on in downtown Montgomery as well. The city is not as big as Birmingham, but there are some great old brick buildings.

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

My son lived in a loft downtown for a while. It was awesome. It was in the old Liberty Trousers factory.

Sugar Bear said...

It is always so wonderful to see old buildings brought back to life and used in new and exciting ways.
Karla

TaunaLen said...

I absolutely adore architectural photography! These pictures are great. Thank you so much for your birthday wishes. I am so blessed to have found sisters online who will celebrate this decade-corner with me.

Blessings,

~TaunaLen

Andi said...

I'm so glad the trend is to move back into the city and revive those wonderful old buildings.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Mallow~ Well, let us know when your in town. Lunch at the WhistleStop Cafe is a must!
Cheryl~ she is right behind the Alabama Theater...ever been there?
Janet~ The riverfront is neet!
Tammy~ You forget at her age she will be more concerned with blocking out the daylight =D
Kevin~ You and me both buddy!
Sandi~ Alabama is a beautiful state
KH~ I thought it was perfect
Adriann~ I agree
Susan~ I know where the Liberty building is.
Sugar & Andi~ there are beautiful old buildings like this everywhere... just look up!
Tauna~ Happy BD

Susie Q said...

I love such old buildings...and am always glad they spiffy them up and continue to use them.

Birmingham is a great city. It has been awhile since I was last there but still have some family members living near by and loving it there.

Hugs,
Sue

Sandi McBride said...

Hi Sandy, just stopping in to see if you were here...just wanted to say that tomorrow is Kari at Just Livin Large's birthday...hope you'll give her a big Happy Birthday yell

Sandi McBride said...

Good grief, and then I mispell your name! MEA CULPA, Darlin...I meant Sandi...blame my wandering mind and arthritic fingers lol

Jolene George said...

I so love historic buildings. I'm glad to see that they care enough about them to give them a little TLC.

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