Yes, I know this is not the Birmingham Public Library, but it is their sign! and it is one more thing to see in downtown Birmingham.

Built in 1927 by Paramount Studios, the Alabama Theatre has become a true Birmingham landmark and destination. Still open today, the Alabama Theatre features programs and shows throughout the year.

You can get directions to the Alabama theatre here.

Obviously, Babe’s Hot Dogs has been out of business for quite a while. Like I have mentioned before. I really like the old painted signs and ads on the sides of “older” buildings downtown. I bet they served a mean dog back in the day.

Let me note, again, that this (nor the next few pictures I may post) do not “represent” downtown Birmingham Alabama as a whole. There are a lot of revitalization efforts going on down there (lofts, entertainment, restaurants, urban work spaces) which will hopefully continue to improve the downtown area.

Powell School was named after the very first mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. He believed so strongly in education and that Birmingham children should go to school that he donated his salary as mayor to the cause.

One of the things I like about “older” buildings is the painted ads and names that used to be on the side of them. I can only assume that “American Life” at one point in time may have been an insurance company or something of the sort here in town. I really don’t know. 

I just thought it spoke to the fact that even here in Birmingham Alabama, we are living the “American Life.”

Let me note, again, that this (nor the next few pictures I may post) do not “represent” downtown Birmingham Alabama as a whole. There are a lot of revitalization efforts going on down there (lofts, entertainment, restaurants, urban work spaces) which will hopefully continue to improve the downtown area

If you have spent any time in downtown Birmingham, you have seen CAP is Downtown riding their bikes around. I was so surprised to see a truck with their logo on it, that I had to pause. (I thought they only had bikes!)

In case you don’t know who CAP is and why they are here, straight from their website…

“CAP is City Action Partnership in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, a team of dedicated professionals (CAPs) who patrol on bicycles and in vehicles marked with award-winning graphics and rotating green lights.  We work in tandem with law enforcement, businesses, and government to keep downtown safe and friendly for folks who work, live, or visit.  The CAP Service Area is one of the safest in the metropolitan region. In addition to patrols, we act as ambassadors of the downtown, giving directions and providing stranded motorist services free of charge to anyone in the CAP Service Area.”

I was downtown this week at Shift Workspace and had to park out back. On my way out through the alley I noticed this wall. Immediately I was struck by the colors on this wall and how they contrasted so well together.

Let me note, again, that this (nor the next few pictures I may post) do not “represent” downtown Birmingham Alabama as a whole. There are a lot of revitalization efforts going on down there (lofts, entertainment, restaurants, urban work spaces) which will hopefully continue to improve the downtown area.

I spent a little time downtown this week and just realized how much I appreciate the architecture of buildings built years ago… so I snapped a few pictures.

I loved in this picture the windows with their aged tints and the window guard at the bottom of it.

Let me note, that this (nor the next few pictures I may post) do not “represent” downtown Birmingham Alabama as a whole. There are a lot of revitalization efforts going on down there (lofts, entertainment, restaurants, urban work spaces) which will hopefully continue to improve the downtown area.

I saw these ticket booths downtown today and loved the bright color contrasting with its surroundings.

I can only assume they are there in preparation of City Stages 2009 coming this weekend. If you want to go, make sure you look at the City Stages Schedule to see when the best times to be there will be!