clark building, birmingham, al
TRANSCRIPT
THE CLARK BUILDING
then and now
THE
CLARK
BUILDING
Built in 1908
This significant commercial building was designed by Harry B. Wheelock and constructed in 1908. It was built by local real estate entrepreneur Louis V. Clark (1862-1934), among whose other developments was the Lyric Theater and whose generosity to the Birmingham Little Theater resulted in its building on Caldwell Park being named after him, The Clark Theater.
Clark Building in the 1930s
The Clark Building was originally intended to be a larger department store, when plans fell through, the present structure was built instead. Its timber frame is of heart pine salvaged from an old fertilizer factory. Modernized and screened in 1962, it continued to house a number of popular businesses, including the Smith & Hardwick bookstore. In the late 1980s it was emptied of tenants, remained vacant for over twelve years and plans for demolition were under way.
Clark Building in the 1960s
1997
The Clark Building – Present Day
Architectural Design: Bob Moody & Stan CorsonMoody & Associates
General Contractor: Charles FerlisiCharles & Vinzant Construction Company
Developer: John LaurielloSouthpace Properties, Inc.
Financing: Tom GenettiFirst Commercial Bank
Legal: Sam FrazierSpain & Gillon, LLC
Ownership Group: Clark Building, LLC Individual Partners ofLightfoot, Franklin & WhiteJohn Lauriello
Tenant: Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC
William SilsbeeLaureate Capital
Don SiegalLeitman, Siegal & Payne, P.C
Our Team
Special thanks to the City of Birmingham, Mayor’s Office, Economic Development Office and City Council, Developer,
John Lauriello (Southpace Properties, Inc.), Stan Courson and Bob Moody (Moody and Associates), Andy Anderson and
Danny Bowen (Charles & Vinzant Construction Co.), AnoopMishra and Michael Calvert (ONB) and many, many others
who assisted in the redevelopment of this wonderful property.
The owners and restorers hope all who pass by will enjoy the Clark Building for a long time.
Special Thanks
A very special thanks to the 1997 partners ofLightfoot, Franklin & White LLC for having faith in us.