218 20th Street North

Bromberg's at 218 20th Street North in the 1920s

218 20th Street North 3-story red-brick building located between 2nd Avenue North and 3rd Avenue North on the west side of 20th Street North. The site originally boasted a boarding house, constructed in 1873. The current brick building, constructed around 1905, has housed numerous businesses, including the current occupant, Tom Saab's Bistro Two Eighteen.

The address has hosted a boarding house, a barber shop, a candy store, at least three shoe stores, and, notable, Bromberg's Jewelers.

Harsha Hatti purchased the vacant building in November 2002 from developer Joseph McClure. He stripped the interior to its original brick walls, restored the ceilings, and installed a Mahogany storefront.

Tenants

218 20th Street North, December 2012

• Bromberg's Jewelers: 1920–1946. The upper floors housed Bromberg Galleries "china, glassware, gifts and artware"
• A 1925 view shows other businesses sharing the building included the Vanity Boot Shop, a billiards hall, and the Princess Theater (?)
• A 1977 view shows Wigs Wig Center
• Vacant (c. 1990 - 2008)
• Seafood D'Lite, opened July 21, 2008, closed 2012
• Bistro Two Eighteen, opened Fall 2012

To left: 214 – 216 20th Street North

20th Street North 218

To right: Farley Building

References

• White, Marjorie Longenecker (1977) Downtown Birmingham: Architectural and Historical Walking Tour Guide. Birmingham: Birmingham Historical Society.
• Carlton, Bob (September 21, 2012) "Bistro 218 coming to restored downtown Birmingham site." The Birmingham News