Birmingham, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham is set to revitalize the area across from Top Golf by developing a new hotel on the site of the unfinished Trinity CME Church. Seeking a development partner, the city aims for a mid-to-upscale hotel with at least 100 rooms. This project reflects Birmingham’s growth as a destination city, highlighting sustainability and community benefits. Key objectives include high-quality architecture and guest amenities, with proposals accepted until the end of October.
Birmingham is taking significant steps towards revitalizing its urban landscape by planning the development of a new hotel on the site of the abandoned half-built Trinity CME Church located at 1129 Carraway Boulevard, directly across from Top Golf. This site is strategically situated near Protective Stadium and the Uptown entertainment district, both bustling areas popular among residents and visitors in Birmingham.
About a decade ago, the city of Birmingham traded the land to Trinity CME Church and contributed $500,000 toward its construction, aiming for it to be a key development that would boost downtown vitality. However, the church relocated from Collegeville to facilitate the construction of a new railroad-crossing bridge, which resulted in the abandonment of the church site. Rather than a working worship center and daycare as anticipated, the project transformed into an unfinished eyesore that has marred the area.
In response to this setback, the city filed a lawsuit to reclaim the land and the funds invested, eventually reaching a settlement last year. On Monday, Birmingham officials announced the next phase of their plans: they are seeking a development partner to build a hotel at the site.
The city is soliciting experienced development teams to propose innovative plans regarding hotel design, financing, construction, and operation. The ideal proposal is expected to include a branded mid-to-upscale hotel with a minimum of 100 rooms. Additionally, the project may incorporate a mixed-use development to enhance the surrounding urban environment.
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin emphasized that this development signifies Birmingham’s growth as a destination city and aims to create a welcoming, thriving environment for both residents and visitors. The project will be located on two city-owned parcels at 1129 Carraway Blvd and 2615 12th Ave. North.
The city has outlined specific objectives for the project, focusing on high-quality architecture and guest amenities that enhance the appeal of the hotel. Moreover, there is an emphasis on sustainable design practices to ensure that the development benefits the community effectively. Coreata’ R. Houser, the interim director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, stressed that the project aims to deliver community benefits.
A request for proposals was published on September 17, with site visits for prospective developers beginning on October 2, 2025. A second site visit for interested parties is scheduled for October 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. The deadline for proposal submissions has been set for October 31, at 4 p.m., with further details available on Birmingham’s city website.
The visibility of the abandoned church property has increased, especially following the 2021 opening of Protective Stadium and the recent opening of the Coca-Cola Amphitheater, which draws more people to the area. This development represents a strategic move by Birmingham to reclaim valuable urban space and enhance the city’s appeal as a thriving hub for entertainment and leisure.
Key Features of the Birmingham Hotel Development Project
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Site | 1129 Carraway Boulevard |
| Rooms | Minimum 100 rooms |
| Type of Development | Mid-to-upscale hotel with mixed-use options |
| Request for Proposals Published | September 17 |
| Site Visit Dates | October 2, October 20 |
| Proposal Deadline | October 31 at 4 p.m. |
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Additional Resources
- WBRC: Birmingham Searching for Partner to Help Develop Hotel on Old Trinity Church Site
- AL.com: Birmingham Announces Hotel Plans for Abandoned Cathedral Site Near Top Golf
- Bham Now: 1400 New Hotel Rooms Coming to Birmingham by 2026
- CoStar: Birmingham, Alabama Experiences Hotel Construction Boom
- AL.com: 18-Acre Mixed-Use Development is Taking Shape Off Interstate 20 in Talladega County
- Wikipedia: Birmingham
- Google Search: Birmingham hotel development
- Google Scholar: Birmingham hotel development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham
- Google News: Birmingham hotel development
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
