Auburn University’s College of Architecture Design and Construction (CADC) and Harbert College of Business has long held a presence in Birmingham – but it’s never had a permanent space. Now, with the assistance of a talented team at Williams Blackstock Architects (WBA), the Loveliest Village on the Plains will soon have a new home away from home in the City’s fast-developing downtown.
Currently dormant, the 44,000 sf Hood McPherson Building located on 4th Ave. N. will undergo a comprehensive renovation to prepare it for Auburn’s planned growth in the City of Birmingham. The former furniture gallery and warehouse will be modernized into a beautiful space for events, offices and classrooms, reflecting the University’s longstanding work with the City through CADC’s Urban Studio.
“Urban Studio has had such a presence in Birmingham, but this will really put them into the urban fabric and give them a space of their own,” said Auburn University Architect Mary Melissa Taddeo. “The focus is on expanding the footprint, and this is the first step in that direction.”
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Auburn’s Urban Studio and its work in Birmingham. Notably, the team at Williams Blackstock features several participants of the program who have continued their work in the city long after graduation.
“I would like to congratulate all of you on 30 years,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “But the work doesn’t stop now. And it won’t stop 30 years from now. Our mission of revitalization looms but we dance in parallel with the work you all do here. So, know that I feel that this city and this community will remain in good hands because of organizations like you.”
The adaptive re-use of the historic showroom and warehouse building will provide not only a permanent home for the College of Architecture Design and Construction, but also Auburn’s College of Business, and will hold space for events and offerings in Birmingham.
“This is not only an educational facility, but a place for the community and Auburn family to engage, collaborate and celebrate,” said Matt Foley, a principal at Williams Blackstock and Auburn graduate. “I expect it to be a place of experience and event that will be identifiably Auburn, a place that will generate memories and meaningful impact upon people’s lives.”
Auburn and WBA plan for the building to come alive along 4th Avenue North with a restored façade that includes a new modern entrance inspired by the original building canopy. In addition to spaces for study and collaboration, the building will feature flexible event spaces and galleries to support University functions and fundraising, including a video wall on the ground level to host Auburn watch parties.
“It’s a unique mashup of folks that may lead to creative opportunities and synergy,” Taddeo said. “It’s a game-changer.”
The Hood McPherson building will provide a presence for Auburn University in downtown Birmingham that has not previously existing, this will be a home away from the Plains for the University to host and display a commitment to education, innovation, and the betterment of our community. The investment will also bring this beautiful building back to life, adding to the growing energy in downtown Birmingham.