The $70 million renovation of the Pizitz in downtown Birmingham has earned LEED certification, co-owner and developer Bayer Properties announced.
The U.S. Green Building Council certified the Pizitz for meeting the criteria for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
“The revitalization of The Pizitz is part of a larger renaissance happening in downtown Birmingham. Through this restoration project, we brought appeal back to a historical development and created a vibrant gathering place for the community to relish,” said Bayer Properties CFO Jami Wadkins. “Our team worked with some of the best talent in the Southeast to ensure that the building renovations were sustainably designed to promote a healthy environment and green lifestyle. We are proud to receive this distinguished certification.”
A former 1920s department store and downtown landmark, the Pizitz was empty for nearly three decades before the 251,210-square-foot building was transformed into 143 apartments, a food hall and retail space. The Pizitz held its grand re-opening a year ago.
The redevelopment implemented practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
“Market transformation happens one building at a time. The Pizitz project understands the value of LEED and has exemplified extraordinary leadership in reshaping their sector,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council. “The success of LEED is due to the partnership and support of those committed to advancing green building and sustainability.”
The redevelopment included repurposing the parking deck for the Pizitz, adding low-flow water fixtures, creating an open-air atrium to allow for sunlight and recycling 17 percent of building materials and 13.5 percent of the building content, diverting 65 percent of construction waste from a landfill.
“The Pizitz has been a treasured icon in Birmingham for nearly a century and our team is honored to have been involved in the renovation of the building, which has already seen great success since its re-opening last year,” said Gray Plosser, principal and president of KPS Group Inc., the architecture firm whose responsibilities for the project included securing the LEED certification. “Obtaining LEED certification is a significant honor that marks the culmination of this project and we look forward to seeing the impact the development will have on the local economy.”
Bayer Properties worked with contractors Brasfield & Gorrie as well as Creature to restore the building. Bayer Properties also partnered with several architects on the project, including Wisznia Architecture + Development, KPS Group, Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio, and Creature. The Pizitz building is owned by Bayer Properties, Wisznia Architecture + Development, and Stonehenge Capital.
