20th Street North’s transformation: A new chapter for downtown
February 7, 2022 · 20th Street, Culture & History, Develop, Engage, Visit
Birmingham’s 20th Street has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, becoming a revitalized gateway for downtown’s bustling business, residential and entertainment communities. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability and urban vibrancy, the 20th Street refresh has transformed the street into a more pedestrian-friendly corridor — one that better reflects the city’s evolving dynamic.
A bold vision for 20th Street North
The revitalization of 20th Street was years in the making, drawing from a variety of planning initiatives and community-driven feedback. The Downtown BHM Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the City of Birmingham and REV Birmingham, spearheaded the project aimed at enhancing the area’s streetscape and functionality.
Stretching from the railroad tracks to Linn Park, the project brought new landscaping, pedestrian-friendly features and café-style seating to the street, creating a welcoming space for both locals and visitors. The redesign also expanded bike and flex lanes, building on a 2020 initiative that introduced dedicated spaces for cyclists and flex-use areas for various modes of transport.
A look back: The history behind the transformation
The transformation of 20th Street was inspired by Birmingham’s commitment to long-term urban planning. In the 1970s, the Birmingham Green project reimagined the street, introducing green medians, street furniture and improved sidewalks. While the redesign revitalized the street, the 20th Street we know today is the result of more recent efforts that began with the 2018 APPLE study by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB). The study revealed a need for a more people-centered 20th Street, with less focus on cars and more emphasis on creating spaces for people to live, work and play.
In fall 2019, REV Birmingham realized there was an increasing demand for something on 20th Street. The economic development nonprofit pitched the idea to the mayor — that with the 2022 World Games on the horizon, now was the time to create a space that would showcase Birmingham’s growth while improving the downtown experience for years to come. They demonstrated their plan to the mayor’s team, detailing how it could be executed at an affordable price, and the plan was approved!
REV began working with staff from City departments and organized six professional landscape architecture firms — Dix Hite + Partners, Golightly Landscape Architecture, Goodwin Mills Cawood, Macknally Land Design, Renta Urban Land Design and Studio A Design — to provide pro bono designs for the street. The Downtown BHM BID partnered with REV Birmingham and collaborated with community partners to fund further planning and design for the project. PNC also supported pre-development work.
What’s new on 20th Street?
The results of this ongoing transformation are visible throughout the corridor. Key updates include
- Enhanced Crosswalks & Sidewalks: Replacing old, cracked concrete, the crosswalks now feature beautiful new brick patterns, improving accessibility and aesthetic appeal.
- Expanded Flex Lanes: More space for cyclists, pedestrians and alternative transportation.
- Sustainable Landscaping: Native, drought-resistant plants line the street, similar to the green spaces of Railroad Park and Rotary Trail.
- Improved Public Seating: New movable bistro tables and chairs encourage social interaction and outdoor dining, adding flexibility to the public spaces.
- Increased Safety Features: Bulb-outs at key intersections reduce crossing distances, making it safer for pedestrians.
These enhancements have reimagined 20th Street as a vibrant hub where residents and visitors can enjoy a mix of leisure, business, and connectivity.
What’s next for 20th Street North?
With the major construction phases complete, 20th Street is now a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly destination. The new flex lanes and refreshed landscaping are already enhancing the area, making it a more inviting space for visitors, cyclists and pedestrians alike. The addition of movable seating and expanded public spaces continues to breathe new life into this historic street.
To stay updated on new projects and ongoing improvements to 20th Street, check out our 20th Street Initiative page. Here, you’ll find details about the latest developments and future plans to keep shaping downtown Birmingham’s main street.
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