Urban Supply Project Breaks Ground In Parkside District

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A new project in one of Birmingham's fastest growing areas has taken another step forward, as ground was broken on Urban Supply, a mixed-use redevelopment of historic buildings at the west end of Birmingham’s Parkside district.

The goal of the project is to create a vibrant and walkable entertainment destination connecting surrounding neighborhoods.

The first phase will feature a mix of pop-up tenants, including local retailer Cahaba Cycles and retail concept Garage Sale and a calendar of outdoor community events.

Orchestra Partners, the project's developer, said the recent developments are a major step forward in realizing its vision and that of renowned landscape architect Tom Leader as outlined in the Parkside master plan.

A key feature in the Urban Supply project is an alleyway called “The Aisle” that will connect to integrated outdoor spaces throughout the development. Orchestra Partners said Urban Supply will offer a safe environment for Birmingham residents to get outside and enjoy the city.

“We intentionally incorporate outdoor elements throughout every Orchestra experience, and Urban Supply is the best realization of this approach to date,” said Hunter Renfroe, Orchestra Partners co-founder and principal. “Revitalizing this historic district into an outdoor-friendly destination will provide a safe community gathering place for our residents to come together throughout COVID-19 and in the future.”

The Parkside area is named for its relationship to Railroad Park, the urban green space in the center of the city that has sparked a surge of redevelopment in surrounding blocks. Leader was a principal designer of Railroad Park, which opened a decade ago.

To build excitement around The Aisle, Orchestra Partners is joining with local businesses to host a series of coronavirus-safe outdoor events at Urban Supply. The first kicks off this weekend with “Fearless Fest,” a wellness pop-up celebrating self-care and community. It is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Other events this spring include “Magic City Marketplace” March 6, April 3 and May 8; “Grub on the Lot” on March 13, April 10 and May 15; “The Barking Lot” on March 17 and a chicken and beer festival on April 16.