How businesses are reimagining historic spaces in The Switch
February 20, 2026 · Develop, The Switch, Why Birmingham
Nestled between Birmingham’s City Center, Civil Rights and Parkside districts, you’ll find The Switch. Equipped with a rare combination of real-estate value and proximity to innovative resources, this emerging district is the place for visionaries, creators and startups to go for information and community.
At the heart of The Switch is a story of adaptive reuse, which is the practice of repurposing historic buildings for modern use while celebrating their architectural character. The switchyard that once guided train traffic through the district left behind a legacy of buildings steeped in industrial heritage. Today, these structures provide blank canvases for innovators ready to shape the next chapter of downtown’s growth.
Keep reading for a look at how businesses are reimagining historic spaces in The Switch.
Innovation Depot
One of The Switch’s most compelling examples of adaptive reuse is Innovation Depot. Housed in what was once a Sears department store, this 140,000-square-foot space was reconfigured into the Southeast’s largest tech hub, now home to nearly 200 startups and innovation programs. Its evolution from a retail anchor to an entrepreneurial powerhouse illustrates how preserving historic structures can directly fuel Birmingham’s tech economy.
NEXTEC
A landmark transformation in The Switch is the Nextec building, formerly the Edwards Motor Company facility dating back to 1928. Once a cornerstone of Birmingham’s automotive world, this historic warehouse sat largely underutilized until a visionary adaptive reuse project brought it back to life as a flexible workspace designed for startups and small businesses. Thanks to federal and state historic tax credits and strategic investment, Nextec now houses a diverse mix of tenants — from tech firms to community organizations — serving as a catalyst for innovation and revitalization in the district.
Eleven Productions
This creative studio is a great example of how modern businesses can bring fresh energy into historic areas. Eleven Productions occupies space within The Switch, taking advantage of the district’s industrial bones to support film, photo, motion control and animation work right in the heart of downtown. From commercial shoots to sophisticated stop-motion projects, the team’s creative output highlights the possibilities when creative industries find homes in buildings with history.
So So Spiffy Home Staging and Design
Another vibrant tenant showcasing adaptive reuse in The Switch is So So Spiffy, a locally owned home staging and interior design firm. Owner Barbara Cooney has infused her space with style and personality, helping clients envision how interiors, whether residential or commercial, can shine. So So Spiffy’s presence also demonstrates how creative services can anchor foot traffic and contribute to neighborhood vitality.
Untapped potential (and an open invitation)
While these businesses are leading the way, much of The Switch remains underutilized and full of possibility: Vacant warehouses, unique storefronts, industrial-era buildings ready for thoughtful redevelopment.
The district’s inclusion in the Downtown Birmingham Business Improvement District (BID) means enhanced marketing, clean and safe services — we’re looking at you, CAP! — and strategic place-based investment designed to support business success. Infrastructure is strengthening. Visibility is growing. Momentum is building.
But the real opportunity lies in what hasn’t been done yet.
If you’re a:
- Developer seeking character-rich buildings with adaptive reuse potential
- Entrepreneur looking for flexible square footage in an emerging district
- Creative business owner ready for a space that reflects your brand’s personality
The Switch offers something increasingly rare: historic real estate with room to imagine what’s next.
Downtown Birmingham thrives when vision meets opportunity, and The Switch is where that intersection is happening now. Interested in exploring available properties or learning more? Connect with the Downtown Birmingham team to discover how your next investment or business move could help shape the future of The Switch.
Read More
Sweet spots for dessert-lovers downtown
Downtown Birmingham is full of places that know how to end things on a high note. From gelato and pastries to signature desserts that locals swear by, these dessert-centric spots (and dessert-worthy menus) make it easy to satisfy any sweet tooth year-round. So bookmark this list now — you’ll thank yourself later. Late-night cravings Ampersand […]