In Birmingham Alabama, the railroad is the heart of the city. It runs through the city’s urban center providing connectivity and vibrancy. The historic east-west axis of Birmingham is prospering again with Pepper Place’s recent re-development. The district is located in the heart of Birmingham with views of Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark and a connection to the Jones Valley Trail.

Pepper Place begin its redeveloped in 1988 to spur new growth in Birmingham. Suburban sprawl, strip malls and four lane highways began to spread across Alabama’s landscape. Pepper Place started as a few blocks of abandoned warehouses and has since turned into over 350,000 square feet of retail, office, workshop spaces and farmer’s market.

Today, Pepper Place is a destination for the residents and visitors of Birmingham. The district plays host to Michelin star restaurants, a renewed Farmer’s Market and high end retail. The streetscape accommodates a weekly farmer’s market where the area’s occupants balloon to over 4000 people, spilling into the streets and sidewalks. Dirtworks is is developing pedestrian friendly sidewalks and street crossings, shaded plantings to combat the oppressive Alabama sun and increased seating opportunities.

The Master Plan works to develop a distinct design language for Pepper Place. Uniquely designed Way Finding, Signage, Paving and Site Furnishings help create a cohesive gesture linking the distinct spaces. A green alley, acting as the spine of the district, features large shade trees and native Alabama woodland plantings. These plantings aid with stormwater management, urban heat island and air pollution. Rain gardens and bioswales are highlighted through the landscape to encourage sustainability education and green best practices.