INCORPORATED IN 1871 + POPULATION GREW BY 748% BETWEEN 1880 AND 1890
1.1 MILLION POPULATION* + 3.6 MILLION ANNUAL VISITORS** + $2.2 BILLION
+ ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD WITH ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING STEEL.
BILLION SPENT ON FOOD, SHOPPING, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT**
*Source: ESRI, 2020 Census.
**Source: CVB
WE’RE HERE FOR A REASON.
PEPPER PLACE ISN’T HERE BECAUSE WE WANTED PEOPLE TO COME TO BIRMINGHAM TO SHOP. IT’S HERE BECAUSE WE WANTED TO PRESERVE THE WILD,
When we began this project in the late-1980’s, suburbs, strip malls, and four-lane highways were spreading across what had been pristine Alabama forests and farmlands and showing no sign of slowing down. How could we preserve that land for the future? The answer seemed to be getting people back into our city.
We started redeveloping Pepper Place in 1988 to spur new growth in a Birmingham that hadn’t seen a lot of love for several decades. We started with a few blocks of abandoned warehouses and turned them into more than 475,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, office, showroom and workshop space, and a renowned farmers market.
“A POTENT SYMBOL OF THIS ‘NEW’ BIRMINGHAM IS PEPPER PLACE, A COMPLEX OF RENOVATED CENTURY-OLD BRICK BUILDINGS, INCLUDING A FORMER DR. PEPPER BOTTLING PLANT.”
–
HIGH LIFE MAGAZINE, BRITISH AIRWAYS
The growing demand for Dr Pepper syrup required new plants be established in the late 1920s – one in Dallas and a second for expansion East of the Mississippi River in Birmingham. Both were considered state-of-the-art at their time, and both were located on 2nd Avenues in their respective cities.
The Dr Pepper Building in Birmingham is a 3-story industrial building with a partial daylight basement. It was built as a syrup plant with an adjacent bottling facility. The Birmingham plant served all Dr Pepper’s distribution east of the Mississippi River. The plant remained in operation until 1982 when Buffalo Rock bought the rights to bottle and distribute Dr Pepper products in the Birmingham area, thus forcing its closure, but giving us our name.
Sacks of sugar wait to be made into syrup at the Dr. Pepper factory.
WE’RE IN A GOOD
“NEW HOTELS, INDEPENDENT SHOPPING, AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AND EXCEPTIONAL, EASILY ACCESSIBLE WILD SPACES MAKE ANY SEASON A GOOD SEASON FOR TRAVELING TO BIRMINGHAM.”
– JENNY ADAMS , GARDEN AND GUN
WE’RE EASY TO GET TO FROM THE MAJOR HIGHWAYS AND THE BIRMINGHAM-SHUTTLESWORTH
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AND ONCE YOU’RE HERE IT’S EASY TO GET AROUND.
Neighbors to the historic Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Pepper Place is the link between the redevelopment of downtown Birmingham to the west and revitalization of the old “streetcar suburbs” of Avondale, Crestwood and Woodlawn.
• Ample complimentary parking lots and curbside parking are available throughout Pepper Place, as well as several bike racks.
• Expanded sidewalk and alley improvements make Pepper Place one of the most walkable areas of the city.
• Pepper Place connects directly to the Jones Valley Trail and the Rotary Trail, making it a connected part of Birmingham’s walking and biking network.
• In February of 2019, Pepper Place was designated as a Birmingham’s Entertainment District, allowing a more cohesive, inviting and active community to flourish.
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5
1.1 POPULATION OF BIRMINGHAM
OUR CITY MILLION
4.6 ANNUAL VISITORS TO BIRMINGHAM MILLION
300,000+ ANNUAL PEPPER PLACE VISITORS * $2.2B spent by TOURISTS in BIRMINGHAM in the year 2021 * BILLION
*SOURCE: BIRMINGHAM CBV.
PREMIERE
BIRMINGHAM IS COMPOSED OF 30+ MUNICIPALITIES, MANY OF WHICH ARE THE MOST AFFLUENT, ACTIVE AND EXCITING IN THE STATE.
(2 TO 4 MILES)
34% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE $200,000+ INCOME
51% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE $130,000+ INCOME
ALABAMA’S WEALTHIEST COMMUNITY AND ESTIMATED 89TH WEALTHIEST COMMUNITY IN THE UNITED STATES.**
HOMEWOOD (2 TO 4 MILES)
5% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE $200,000+ INCOME HOOVER (6 TO 10 MILES)
26% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE $100,000+ INCOME
11% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE $200,000+ INCOME VESTAVIA HILLS (4 TO 7 MILES)
35% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE $100,000+ INCOME
5% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE 200,000+ INCOME
26% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE 100,000+ INCOME
*SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, CENSUS 2010. ESRI FORECASTS FOR 2015 AND 2020. **2008 RESEARCH COMPILED BY STEPHEN HIGLEY, PH.D
Our railroad corridor is Birmingham’s river of steel. From our earliest days, the tracks that bisect the city center provided a connectivity necessary for vibrancy and growth. Today, this historic east - west axis of Birmingham is again driving prosperity. The city, bounded on the west by Regions Field and the award-winning Railroad Park and on the east by the National Historic Landmark, Sloss Furnaces and Pepper Place, is alive. But not until the Birmingham Rotary Club made the investment to turn old, unused, sunken railroad tracks into a walkable, urban park, did the historic connection become complete again.
38% POPULATION INCREASE DOWNTOWN OVER THE LAST DECADE*
$1.3B
In 1988, Pepper Place was one of the first projects that sought to rehabilitate Birmingham’s downtown. Its success showed the possibilities of downtown redevelopment that continues today.*
ONE OF THE TOP 10 MID-SIZED AMERICAN CITIES OF THE FUTURE FDI MAGAZINE
$64 MILLION:
$70 MILLION:
$30 MILLION:
$2 MILLION:
$40 MILLION:
$59 MILLION:
$10 MILLION:
$4.5 MILLION:
$11 MILLION:
$30 MILLION:
$50 MILLION:
$10 MILLION:
$25 MILLION:
$39 MILLION:
$13 MILLION:
$3 MILLION:
* SOURCE: REV BIRMINGHAM
REGIONS FIELD
WESTIN HOTEL AND UPTOWN
LIV PARKSIDE
NEGRO SOUTHERN LEAGUE MUSEUM
METROPOLITAN APARTMENTS
PIZITZ BUILDING - MIXED USE
IRON CITY LOFTS
ROTARY PARK TRAIL
LYRIC THEATRE RESTORATION
INTERMODAL STATION
20 MIDTOWN
REDMONT HOTEL
RAILROAD PARK
VENUE AT THE BALLPARK
NEW IDEAL LOFTS
LAKEVIEW GREEN
“THE ONLY SUSTAINABLE CITY IS A CITY IN BALANCE WITH ITS COUNTRYSIDE.”
- WENDELL BERRY
Founded in 2000, The Market at Pepper Place connects small family farms with the consumers and restaurateurs of Birmingham. Our market vendors live and work in Alabama, within 200 miles of the Market. We see generations of family members working together, finding ways to maintain their small family farms while providing Birmingham with fresh, healthy food, and it all happens every Saturday, 7 am to noon, rain or shine.
What we started with seven tents in a small parking lot in the summer of 2000 has grown into an independent 501(c)3 organization with a community of over 200 vendors. Almost 100 of those vendors serve as many as 10,000 visitors most Saturdays and drawing patrons from all over the region. Economic impact studies have hailed the almost 200 jobs the Market has created and the $20 million dollars that are fed back into the local economy. We’ve been recognized by national publications like The New York Times and the Washington Post for our market, but no recognition is greater than the community that comes together every Saturday morning.
“PEOPLE ASKED ME TO GO OUT AND SELL MY BREAD, AND I JUST THOUGHT THERE WAS NO DEMAND FOR IT. THE FIRST TIME I WENT TO PEPPER PLACE
... I JUST COULDN’T BELIEVE HOW MUCH BREAD I SOLD. IT WAS CRAZY.”
–COREY HINKEL, MARKET VENDOR, HINKEL’S BAKERY
“THE MARKET [...] HAS DEVELOPED AN
“WE’RE GOING TO ALL BAND TOGETHER AS A COLLECTION OF BUSINESSES TO CREATE NEW AND DYNAMIC EVENTS.”
- CHRIS HASTINGS, JAMES BEARD AWARD-WINNING CHEF AND OWNER OF TWO PEPPER PLACE RESTAURANTS
On February 22, 2019, Pepper Place became Birmingham’s second Entertainment District. This legal designation means that participating businesses with alcohol licenses can sell alcohol to be consumed off-premises within the boundaries of the district and within its hours of operation. What that means is that Pepper Place is a much more cohesive, inviting and active place for Birmingham to come together.
WHEN YOU LOOK AND SEE THE CROWD AND ATMOSPHERE AT PEPPER PLACE, ESPECIALLY ON THE WEEKENDS, HAVING THAT AS A DESIGNATED ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT JUST MAKES COMMON SENSE. IT’S ABOUT IMPROVING THE EXPERIENCE. YOU CAN SHOP, WALK AROUND WITH A DRINK, LISTEN TO MUSIC AND JUST HAVE A GREAT TIME. WE BELIEVE IT WILL ADD TO INCREASED SALES REVENUES AT THE BUSINESSES WITHIN THE FOOTPRINT OF THIS DISTRICT.”
- COUNCILOR HUNTER WILLIAMS, CHAIR OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
WE WERE GREEN BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
FOR 25 YEARS WE’VE BEEN FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABILITY. AND WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED.
With low-flow fixtures, motion-controlled LED lighting, reflective roofs, permeable pavers and recycled building materials, we’re continually looking for ways to make sure Pepper Place stands as an example of urban renewal and sustainable living.
When you walk around Pepper Place, you’ll notice several signs that point out various sustainable initiatives currently happening within the district. They’re small reminders of the steps we’re taking towards a more sustainable future.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ONE PLACE.
WHEN YOU’RE HERE, YOU’RE DOING GOOD. YOU CAN’T HELP IT. SUSTAINABILITY IS WOVEN INTO THE FABRIC OF PEPPER PLACE.
AUTOMATIC LIGHTS | YOU’LL REALLY LIGHT UP THE PLACE
When you walk into a room at Pepper Place you might notice the lights flash on. The automatic lighting systems found throughout Pepper Place ensure no photon is wasted lighting up an empty room. Also, it feels like a super power.
LOW-FLOW TOILETS | DO GOOD WORK!
Flushing at Pepper Place is 33% more efficient than at most other places. This is thanks to our low-flow toilets. If you’re like us, you don’t want to be a drain on the fresh water supply. Now you don’t have to lose it when you use it.
CFL/LED LIGHTING | THESE LITTLE LIGHTS OF OURS
We will spread the good word about the LED—the Light Emitting Diode. Its efficiency is unparalleled, its light is cool and bright, and it’s in almost every socket at Pepper Place. It’s a small improvement in becoming more energy efficient, but the devil’s in the details.
PERMEABLE PAVING | WALK ON HOLEY GROUND
Did you know Birmingham gets more water every year than Seattle? We want that water to return to the soil quickly and efficiently, so we incorporated permeable pavers into our landscape architecture.
LOW-VOC PAINT | TAKE A WHIFF OF THAT
Amidst the exotic aromas now entering your nose—the coffee and wood-fired pizzas, the rising bread and pungent rosemary—you will not catch a whiff of the low-VOC paint throughout the Martin Biscuit Building. Step inside for some fresh air.
SKYLIGHTS | SUNSHINE ON OUR SHOULDERS MAKES US HAPPY (IT’S SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN)
Whenever we get a chance, we let a little sunshine in. You’ll notice skylights throughout Pepper Place, not just because natural light reduces energy use; it also lets in vitamin-D that helps build strong bones, improve moods and enhance daydreams.
REFLECTIVE ROOF | BEYOND THE PALE
You won’t see the mysterious, revolutionary, energy-efficient technology installed on the 6,000 square foot roof of the Pepper Place building, so you’ll have to take our word for it: It’s white.
That’s right. White roofing material reflects 90% of sunlight reducing heat, conserving power and lasting three times longer than the industry standard.
QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS | WE’RE VERY SUPERFICIAL
Quartz is the second most common mineral on earth. It’s so common, in fact, that when you’re in our restroom it’s right under your nose. These quartz countertops are naturally formed and sustainably sourced, their sealed surfaces don’t let bacteria in and they will last a really long time. That’s a counter you can count on.
“YOU CAN USUALLY CATCH ME AT PEPPER PLACE, ONE OF THE CITY’S BIGGEST SUCCESS STORIES. THE COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION PROJECT TRANSFORMED 350,000 SQUARE FEET [...] INTO A VIBRANT ENTERTAINMENT AND RETAIL DISTRICT.
- TARA MASSOULEH MCCAY TRAVEL AND CULTURE EDITOR, SOUTHERN LIVING
Esteemed law offices are next door to an award-winning publication. Our homegrown coffee shop is across the street from a time-tested environmental advocacy group. A nationally-recognized fashion designer’s shop looks out onto a James Beard Award-winning restaurant and scattered throughout are some of the most interesting restaurants and design studios the city has to offer. All these shops come together to make something that is uniquely us: Pepper Place.
“THIS PLACE HAS A FIELD OF ENERGY THAT IS A PART OF EVERYTHING COMING TOGETHER.”
- CHRIS HASTINGS
JAMES BEARD AWARD-WINNING CHEF AND OWNER OF PEPPER PLACE’S OVENBIRD AND HOT & HOT FISH CLUB
WE CONNECT PEOPLE FROM ACROSS ALL OF BIRMINGHAM’S NEIGHBORHOODS.
OUR SMALL CORNER OF THE CITY HAS BECOME A CENTER OF UPSCALE INTERIOR DESIGN.
FROM NATIONAL BRANDS TO LOCAL MAKERS, OUR TENANTS KEEP YOU LOOKING GOOD FROM HEAD TO TOE.
WE’VE WORKED HARD TO MAKE SURE THERE’S SOMETHING FOR BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT HERE.
OUR CHEFS ARE CREATING A NEW SOUTHERN CUISINE THAT BLENDS THE WORLDLY WITH THE DOWN-HOME.
NATL HI STO RIC LANDMAR K
TO BACK FO RT Y BREWERY @ SLOSS DOCK S
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
BACK FORTY BEER COMPANY
BETTOLA
BLUEPRINT ON 3RD
BLUEROOT
HOT & HOT FISH CLUB
JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAM
THE LUMBAR OVENBIRD
THE RED CAT COFFEEHOUSE
THE SON OF A BUTCHER
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE
FRED
JP HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY
PERITUS PUBLIC RELATIONS
VERANDA MAGAZINE
DESIGN
CAROLINE GIDIERE
INTERIOR DESIGN
FERGUSON
JAMES B. LAUGHLIN
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
HEATHER CHADDUCK
INTERIORS & TEXTILES
M. SHERRILL DESIGN
OFFICES
2B SOLUTIONS
BATTLE & WINN
CHAPEL STEEL
CRAWFORD SQUARE
EPIC
HIGHLINE REAL ESTATE
HOTTEL CAPITAL
ICARIO
IN8BIO
LAKEVIEW RISK PARTNERS
MOMENTUM LEADERSHIP
ONOVI
SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER
SHOPPING & RETAIL
BILLY REID
DESIGN SUPPLY
FARMSTAND BY STONE
HOLLOW FARMSTEAD FOUND
LILLIEKAT RUGS
LITTLE PROFESSOR
THE MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE
RICHARD TUBB INTERIORS
HEALTH & BEAUTY BODYROK
THE COLLECTIVE SALON IGNITE CYCLE
NOVA PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS
ORTHOLOGIC
STEEL STRENGTH TRAINING
SPARKLING REVITALIZATION
PRESERVATION MAGAZINE
50 STATES IN 52 WEEKS: EAT AND DRINK THE WORLD IN ALABAMA’S PEPPER PLACE
HIGH LIFE, BRITISH AIRWAYS
AMERICA’S BEST FARMERS’ MARKETS
COOKING LIGHT , 2015; SOUTHERN LIVING
SHOP LOCAL
BIRMINGHAM HOME & GARDEN
PEPPER PLACE COVER STORY
B-METRO
OVENBIRD IN THE SOUTHERN AGENDA
GARDEN & GUN
10 THINGS I ATE ABOUT YOU: BIRMINGHAM
FOOD NETWORK BLOG
AN ACTUALLY USEFUL GUIDE TO BIRMINGHAM, AL
BON APPETIT
THE MAGIC CITY’S NEXT ACT GARDEN & GUN
MOST UNDER-RATED CITIES
CONDE NAST TRAVELER
THINGS TO DO IN BIRMINGHAM WASHINGTON POST
36 HOURS IN BIRMINGHAM, ALA.
NEW YORK TIMES
50 STATES: 50 FARMERS MARKETS
USA TODAY
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK TIME OUT NEW YORK
SOUTHERN IS NOT A STYLE THE NEW YORK TIMES
HOW TO SPEND A DAY IN PEPPER PLACE
STYLE BLUEPRINT
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF THE MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE
BIRMINGHAM MAGAZINE
THE SAME.
BECOMING PART OF PEPPER PLACE ALLOWS OUR TENANTS TO SAY WHAT OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES CAN’T—THAT THEY’RE DEDICATED TO DOING BUSINESS SUSTAINABLY. THE STRIDES WE’VE MADE IN GREEN INITIATIVES BELONG TO EVERYONE AT PEPPER PLACE, AND SO WILL THE INNOVATIONS IN THE YEARS TO COME:
• Extensive outdoor spaces and gathering spots
• Directional wayfinding and signage to unify the Pepper Place experience
• Upgrades for green and sustainability features
• More than $2 million in grants and investments to enhance streetscapes and provide better connectivity to the Rotary Trail, Sloss Furnaces and the Jones Valley Trail Corridor
• Innovative architecture and landscape design
• Pioneering green development in Birmingham’s Lakeview District
• Spurring new local economic growth
• Collective marketing and event planning
COME SEE WHAT WE’RE MADE OF.
Sloss Real Estate has been building Birmingham since 1920. Now in our 4th generation of family leadership under Cathy Sloss Jones, we are committed to supporting walkable urban neighborhoods and sustainable places that build community across the Magic City.