New Elyton Hotel Blends Old Birmingham With New
The old Colonial Bank Building at the corner of 1st Avenue North and 20th Street downtown stood vacant for years. Today it opens as an upscale hotel with a polished face and a plush interior, reminiscent of the city’s history as a center for industry and commerce.
This 17-story stone-washed building sat on what was known as the heaviest corner, because of the sheer size of the buildings and the business they did. Now with its renovation into the Elyton Hotel, Birmingham leaders are looking toward more revitalization.
“It’s coming back to life now,” Mayor William Bell said while touring the building Tuesday. “Through the partnership with the developer, the city, and other interested parties, we look forward to doing other projects like this throughout the city of Birmingham.”
Hotel developers used state historic tax credits in the $45 million project. Its name, Elyton, comes from the former town that was the center of trade and government through the mid 19th century.
The Elyton includes 117 rooms, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant.
Denise Vandersall, the general manager, says that history is reflected in almost every aspect of the venue, from the chandeliers to the old brass mail chutes.
“It’s bringing back the past and integrating it with the modern and showing people what was there many years ago,” she says.
Only one building – the Brown Marx Building — remains vacant at 1st and 20th, but no development plans have been announced.
South Korea’s president removed from office over ill-fated declaration of martial law
South Korea's Constitutional Court removed impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office on Friday, ending his tumultuous presidency and setting up an election to replace him.
Alabama lawmakers advance proposed ban on cellphones in school
A growing number of states are moving to ban or restrict cellphones in schools. The push has been fueled by concerns that phones are a distraction in the classroom and that screen time and social media have a negative impact on mental health.
19 states sue over Trump’s voting executive order, arguing it’s unconstitutional
The lawsuit is the fourth legal challenge against Trump's executive order on voting. The attorneys general argue the order is "an unconstitutional attempt to seize control of elections."
Judge considers ‘contempt’ after Trump officials stonewall ruling on migrant removal flights
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg Thursday pushed, once again, the Justice Department to explain its use of the Alien Enemies Act and provide key details and the timeline of the flights.
On top of layoffs, HHS ordered to cut 35% of spending on contracts
Federal health agencies have to slash their spending by more than a third, on top of the 10,000-person staffing cuts.
R.E.M.’s hometown of Athens, Ga., still welcomes fans 45 years after the band started there
R.E.M. played its first concert there in 1980 and still draws fans to its hometown. A visit to Athens can be like a pilgrimage of the band's music.