André Natta/Flickr

This longtime downtown Birmingham sign will soon be going away. Harbert Realty Services announced this morning that they will be demolishing the former La Paree restaurant, located at 2013 5^th Avenue North, to allow for more space in the planned 4-Diamond Marriott Renaissance Hotel. The $52 million luxury hotel will be contained in the former Regions Bank headquarters at the intersection of 5^th Avenue North and 20^th Street.

The landmark downtown eatery last served customers in December of 2003 after more than 60 years in business. The demolition will allow for the hotel to have 281 guest rooms instead of the original 255 as the new space can be used for a tremendous increase in restaurant and ballroom space.

Check out this transcript and audio clip from the Michael Matsos, a previous owner of the restaurant.