Tag Archives: Walgreens

Construction of new Walgreens on Clairmont progresses

Walgreens under constructionConstruction of the new Walgreens location on Clairmont Avenue seems to be moving along smoothly – today’s sudden downpour notwithstanding.

The 13,000 square foot building looks like it’ll be ready to open late this year, its location the result of efforts to spare the historic fire station it now sits across the parking lot from that houses Bogue’s. As mentioned on this site last year, the agreement that served as the basis for the resulting project isn’t exactly being seen as binding anymore.

The drugstore chain’s practice in recent history of taking over former Borders locations and converting them into spaces similar to their flagship store in downtown Chicago might have one wondering if we’ll see any of those innovations in this new location, including the new “Well Experience Format” they’re beginning to roll out across the country.  They’ve also been looked to as a national chain attempting to tackle food desert issues, but its close proximity to a Piggly Wiggly would make that less important here.

The parent company has been busy too – naming a former McDonald’s CEO its new non-executive chairman and investing in European chain Alliance Boots, setting the stage for a full merger in as little as three years.

Incidentally, the Facebook group that was originally created to help lead to how this new Walgreens location was developed re-branded itself just this morning to focus on a new effort, to Save Birmingham’s Schools from their Board.

Council committee to consider Fire Station No. 22 sale

IMG_3168. JCMcdavid/FlickrToday’s Birmingham City Council Budget and Finance committee meeting is possibly going to be a little more crowded than usual.

The committee meeting takes place at 4 p.m. on the 3rd floor Birmingham City Hall in its administrative wing. Among the items on today’s agenda is a contract to sell the former Fire Station No. 22 to a developer who wants to replace the Spanish Revival structure with a Walgreens. The Birmingham News reports that the property is currently being offered by the city for $200,000.

The fact that the contract has not been approved as of yet by the City Council may partially explain why the presentation made to the city’s Design Review Committee was conceptual on April 29.

Citizens upset with the decision have turned to FacebookTwitter and blog posts in hopes that City Councilors would listen to “constructive alternatives” to the current proposal. The committee’s recommendation will be considered by the full council, which must still make a decision on the matter.

Photo: IMG_3168. JCMcdavid/Flickr

What’s the plan for the former Engine No. 22?

Surveying Engine Number 22; Birmingham, ALWorkers were surveying the former location for Birmingham Fire Department Engine No. 22 early this morning, just one day after the city’s Design Review Committee held over for review a conceptual design that would allow a Walgreens pharmacy to replace the structure – along with the car repair business immediately next door and apparently long time fixture breakfast venue Bogue’s Restaurant.

According to a Birmingham Business Journal article from earlier this month, there have been several inquiries made about redevelopment of the busy intersection where the Lakeview, Highland Park and Forest Park neighborhoods meet.

Jeremy Erdreich’s blog, Bhamarchitect, has received a great deal of traffic, and comments, as a result of his post about yesterday morning’s meeting.