19th Street North
19th Street North is one of the primary north-south streets in downtown Birmingham's business district.
19th Street begins at the northern end of 19th Street South, in a tunnel underneath the railroad tracks of the Railroad Reservation. From there it first crosses Morris Avenue and continues north all the way to 16th Avenue North. There are additional sections of the street in North Birmingham from 21st to 37th Avenue North.
The street serves as the eastern boundary of Birmingham's Civil Rights District between 3rd and 8th Avenue North. It also serves as the border of the Fountain Heights and Central City neighborhoods south of 9th Avenue North and Fountain Heights and Druid Hills north of 9th Avenue.
A 1907 train accident occurred at the intersection of 19th Street and 9th Avenue North. A notable early balloon ascent took place near the intersection with 1st Avenue North in 1891. The street is included on the route of the annual Veterans Day parade.
19th Street was one of the city's earlier "whiteways" to have electric lighting. The lighting was upgraded and extended past 6th Avenue as far as 8th Avenue North in 1945 under the city's contract with the Birmingham Electric Company.
In 1981-1982 major landscaping was done to the first few blocks to designs by architect Pedro Costa. The intent was to create a pedestrian-friendly boulevard to help revitalize languishing commercial activity along the street, but the extended construction period had the unintended effect of further harming business traffic. In 1985 Operation New Birmingham formed a "19th Street Taskforce" to identify specific improvements that could be made to mitigate the problem. Students from Auburn University's landscape architecture and planning programs participated in design charettes to sketch out proposals.
Notable locations
- For an alphabetical list of locations, see the 19th Street North category.
Fountain Heights/Central City neighborhood
- Railroad Reservation
- former site of Linn's Park
- former location of the Relay House
- Morris Avenue intersection
- former location of the Chalifoux Building
- Allright Parking Systems parking deck. Former location of Morris Hotel/Earle Hotel (1891-1958), former site of Morris Tavern, Morris Jewelers, Woodward Billiard Parlor, Birmingham Trust & Savings Company, and Engel Realty Company
1st Avenue North (U. S. Highway 11) intersection
- former downtown terminus of the Highland Avenue Railroad
- East side (Block 99)
- 1895 Louis Saks building (built 1895), Louis Saks Clothiers (1895-1916), former site of Marre building and Ruby Saloon (1880s)
- 101: former location of Crescent Restaurant (1920)
- 105: former location of Henry Stolley real estate (1887)
- 107: former location of Dangaix & Throckmorton insurance (1887), David Luster, shoe and boot maker, Dangaix & Throckmorton insurance and real estate, E. M. Costello, draper and tailor (1887-1888)
- 109: former location of Jonas Schwab jewelry (1887), WJLD-AM studio
- 111: Ideal Building (built 1929) Kyoto Yakitori, former location of Ideal Department Store (1929-1935), Haverty's furniture (1949), Tillman-Levenson, and Standard Furniture
- 111½: former location of A.C. Edwards & Co. real estate (1887)
- 113-115: former location of Herman Hersfeld (1887)
- 113: former location of Epp's Jewelry Co.
- 117: former location of Taccone's Barber Shop and Bath House (1893)
- 119: former location of George Eustis real estate, stock & bond broker (1887), Alabama Medical Journal (1887)
- 123: former location of Shoe Rebuilders (1934)
- 125: former location of Friedman's Jewelers (1949)
- 133: former location of Mehr's Music Store & Novelty Shop
- 161: former location of Mrs L. E. Williamson millinery (1887)
- former location of the Terry Building, Hughes Drug Store, Peyton King's law office
- West side (Block 98)
- 100-110: former site of O'Brien Opera House, Moore-Henley Retail Block, expanded location of Sokol's department store
- 102-104: former location of Soul Train of New York clothing (1982)
- 106: former location of DuMont & Knox insurance (1887), Howell, Randolph & Howell real estate (1887), Riverside Cafe (1909)
- 108: former location of Bessimer Land and Improvement Co. (1887), A.P. DeBardeleben real estate (1887)
- 110: former location of J.W. Gasser Restaurant & Bakery (1887), Hick's Booterie
- 112-114: former location of E. Erswell Furniture / Erswell's Hall (1887-1899)
- 112: former location of E. Erswell undertaker (1887), Changes Boutique clothing shop (1970s)
- 114: former location of New Home (1887), Paul Gilardoni restaurant (1897)
- 116: former location of L. E. Williamson Millinery & Fancy Goods (1887)
- 118: former location of Joe Frank Liquor (1887)
- 118½: former location of J.R. Brewer & Co. real estate (1887), Molton & Stickney (1897)
- 130: former location of Iron Age Publishing Company (1881-1888)
- 100-110: former site of O'Brien Opera House, Moore-Henley Retail Block, expanded location of Sokol's department store
2nd Avenue North intersection
- former location of Hudgins' fountain
- former location of WBRC-AM radio studios
- former location of Weather Forecast Office Birmingham
- former location of Louis Pizitz Dry Goods Company
- East side (Block 86)
- 201-209: 1900 Building (built 2005), Fleetio (2017-), former location of the Peerless Saloon (built 1889, demolished 2003), Vaudette Theater (1908-1929), Fan Tan Shop (1931-1939)
- 203: former location of Holiday Shoes (1946-1960s), Florsheim Shoe Shop (1942)
- 205: former location of Evans & Boyd real estate (1887)
- 207: former location of the Drs. Washington & Blakely (1887), Alabama Club (1902)
- 207½: former site of the Klothes Shoppe
- 209: former location of B.F. Thayer Bookseller (1887), Jacobs' Pharmacy
- 211: 211 Building, former location of Chalifoux-LaPointe Music Company, Baker's shoe store (1976)
- 211-213: former location of the Amuse-U Theater
- 213½: former location of Castle Hall / Knights of Pythias / Young Men's Hebrew Association (1899)
- 213-215: Taylor Lofts, former location of Paul's Café / Paul Gilardoni (1904-1910), Hirsch's, Three Sisters (1950s), Gussini Shoes (1985-)
- 215: former location of Hatter & Morris Restaurant (1887), A. C. Reckling saddler (sign of black horse)
- 217-225: California Fashion Mall (built 1939), former location Simon Block (1886-), F. W. Woolworth (1939–1988)
- 217: former location of D. B. Luster shoe store (1899)
- 219: former location of Otto Seemann & Bro. fish seller (1888), The French Bootery ladies' shoes (1925)
- 221: former location of Paris & Govatos restaurant (1904), Kanakas & Regas restaurant (1910), Little Gem Café (1920)
- 221½: former location of Dr Sims specialist
- 223-225: former location of E. I. Simon & Bro. saloon (1904)
- 201-209: 1900 Building (built 2005), Fleetio (2017-), former location of the Peerless Saloon (built 1889, demolished 2003), Vaudette Theater (1908-1929), Fan Tan Shop (1931-1939)
- West side (Block 87)
- 200-224: McWane Science Center (with Linear Motion on the exterior), former location of Florence Hotel (-1916), Louis Saks Clothiers (1916-1920s), Melancon's (1920s-1936) and Newberry's (1936-1995)
- 204: former location of Baltimore & Ohio Express Co. (1887)
- 206: former location of Hale Associates real estate (1887), William Snyder & Sons mercantile (1888)
- 208: former location of Grand Theater (1920)
- 210: former location of Schulte-United department store (1930)
- 212-214: former location of Loveman, Joseph & Loeb Department Store
- 214½: Avondale Land Co. / Clifton Land Co. / South Anniston Land Company / T. H. Maddox & Son architects (1887) / J.W. Worthington & Co. engineers / Birmingham Gas & Electric Light Co. (1887)
- 216-218: former location of Fies & Son livery stable (1887)
- 220-224: former location of Jackson Block
- 220½: former location of Charles Wheelock & Son / T. H. Maddox & Son architects (1888)
- east end of the Alabama Walk of Fame
- 200-224: McWane Science Center (with Linear Motion on the exterior), former location of Florence Hotel (-1916), Louis Saks Clothiers (1916-1920s), Melancon's (1920s-1936) and Newberry's (1936-1995)
3rd Avenue North intersection
- 9-11 Memorial Walk
- West side Block 72
- 300-310: former location of Wright Building, used for the Birmingham Post Office and Central High SchoolGunn's Pharmacy J. Blach & Sons
- 304: former location of Mayer Brothers interior decorators (1905)
- 306: former location of Barney Hymes umbrella maker (1904), James H. Tinder, optician (1908)
- 308: former location of Excelsior Steam Laundry (1887), George Metropoulos restaurant (1910)
- 310: former location of The Dairy Depot restaurant (1904)
- 3rd Alley North intersects
- 312-328: former location of Hotel Hillman (built 1901, demolished 1967)
- 322: former location of Madame Grace Corset Shop (1925)
- 328: former location of Sibyl Hats (1948)
- 352: former location of Birmingham Union Railroad Co. (1887)
- 300-310: former location of Wright Building, used for the Birmingham Post Office and Central High SchoolGunn's Pharmacy J. Blach & Sons
- East side Block 73
- 301-311: S. H. Kress & Company Building (built 1937)
- 303: former location of W. St Pierre shoe and boot maker (1888)
- 305: former location of B.F . Perdue harness maker (1887), McCoy & Sumner shooting gallery (1904)
- 311: former location of Davidson Building, F.A. Walter & Co. druggists (1887), J. F. Davidson physician (1887)
- 311½: former location of J. H. Pratt Analytical and Consulting Chemist (Rooms 28-29) (1887), Brockway & Foster physicians (1887)
- 3rd Alley North intersects
- 311-331: former location of Birmingham City Hall (1882) and Birmingham City Hall (1901)
- 311: former location of George Coveles restaurant (1904), optician (1931)
- 313-315: former location of William Wise & Co. saloon & wholesale liquors (1904), United Woolen Mills (1931)
- 313: former location of Ozanne & Taylor bakers (1887-1888), Walker-Middlebrooks Co. electrical supply (1909-), St Charles Hotel (1925)
- 315: former location of Rosenberger's Birmingham Trunk Factory
- 317: former location of Burson Gun & Key Co. (1925), barber (1931)
- 321: former location of Taft's uniform shop
- 323: former location of Abo-Samra & Kandella art goods (1904)
- 325: former location of Hillman Hotel Barber Shop (1925), jewelry (1931)
- 327-331: former location of drug store (1931)
- 311-331: former location of Birmingham City Hall (1882) and Birmingham City Hall (1901)
- 301-311: S. H. Kress & Company Building (built 1937)
4th Avenue North intersection
- west side (Block 61)
- 400-410: One Federal Place (buiilt 2002), former location of Magnolia Place (William H. Morris residence), Fox Building (1895-1981)
- 400-402: former location of Maurice Letaw druggist (1925), Lane Drugs (1931), Restaurant G (2002-2006), Mix (2011-2013), Continental Bakery Downtown (2014-2015)
- 404: former location of H. Olim grocery & delicatessen (1925), jeweler/barber (1931)
- 406: former location of Counts Bros. sewing machines (1923), raincoats/cafe (1931)
- 408-410: former location of M. T. Stradford electrical supply (1909)
- 408: former location of Peerless Laundry (1931)
- 410: former location of Tarrant & Grounus (1887), Lanier-White Electric Co. (1914), Artificial Limb Co. (1931)
- 4th Alley North intersects
- 412: former location of Mrs J. G. Griggs Boarding House (1887), Farm Products Store, Dee Gunn & Key Co. (1931)
- 414: former location of Metropolitan Cafe (1920), Parrish's Jewel Shop (1923), Seymour Jewelry (1931)
- 414½: former location of Keystone Studio photographer
- 416: former location of Cain's Dry Cleaning Co. (1925), American Standard newspaper stand (1927-1931)
- 418: former location of Mayer Brothers photographs, frames & wallpaper (1931-1935)
- 420: former location of Moore Jewelry Company (1923)
- 422: former location of shoe shop/barber shop (1931), Classic Adult Center bookstore
- 424: former location of the Post Office Cafe (1931)
- 400-410: One Federal Place (buiilt 2002), former location of Magnolia Place (William H. Morris residence), Fox Building (1895-1981)
- east side (Block 60)
- 401-411: Wells Fargo drive-through, former location of Allright Parking lot (1982)
- 401-407: former location of A & P supermarket (1931-1950s), Trailways Bus Depot (1961-)
- 405: former location of New Post Office Cafe (1920)
- 409-411: former location of parking lot (1931)
- 411: former location of Walker-Middlebrooks Company electrical supply (-1909)
- 401-407: former location of A & P supermarket (1931-1950s), Trailways Bus Depot (1961-)
- 4th Alley North intersects
- 415: former location of White's Barber Shop (1925), Seales Florist (1931), Acton Camera (1982)
- 417: former location of cafe/barber shop (1931), adult shop (1982)
- 419: former location of Edwards Bicycle Store (1923), beauty shop/hat cleaner (1931), Super D (1982)
- 421: former location of stamps/library (1931), Birmingham Book/Bohemian Place (1982)
- 423-425: former location of Pollock-Stephens Institute girls' school (1896), Southern Safe & Fence Company, Theo's Grill (1956-1982)
- 425: former location of cafe/cigars (1931)
- 401-411: Wells Fargo drive-through, former location of Allright Parking lot (1982)
5th Avenue North intersection
- West side
- 500: Robert S. Vance Federal Building
- 506: former location of J. B. Hoffman's
- 5th Alley North
- 514: First United Methodist Church office and chapel building (built 1950)
- First United Methodist Church
- East side
- 501: Regions Center parking deck, former location of Nick's Grill steakhouse (1945), Villa Restaurant (1960)
- (alley vacated)
- Regions-Harbert Plaza
- 529: former site of Temple Theatre
6th Avenue North intersection
- AT&T City Center
- 600: former site of GreyhoundBus Depot[1]
- 601: Centennial Place
- 621: one story commercial building, Avadian Credit Union
Park Place intersection (east only)
- East side
- West side
- 618: Birmingham Greyhound Station (built 1950)
7th Avenue North intersection (west only)
- East side
- Birmingham City Hall (built 1950)
- 701: former location of F. W. Bransby produce & groceries (1925)
- West side
- 700-710: parking lot
- 712-714: Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency
- "Today to Tonight" mural (painted 1978, painted over 2010-2015)
- 7th Alley North (west only)
- 716: former location of Jefferson Music Co. (1963)
- 730: former location of George Covallis restaurant (1928), J. F. Holley Construction Company
Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr Boulevard intersection
- 800: Alabama School of Fine Arts, Dorothy Jemison Day Theater (2012-), former location of 1887 A. O. Lane residence (1887-)
- 801: Birmingham Parking Authority Deck 2
- 828 : former location of Alf Conybear restaurant
- 841: former location of Karas Bros. restaurant (1910)
Passes under Interstate 20/Interstate 59
- 9th Avenue North intersection
- 908: former location of Furniture Distributors, Inc. (1927)
- 925: former location of Arnold Coal Company (1923)
- 931: former location of A.H. Cather Publishing Co. (1934)
Fountain Heights/Druid Hills
- 9th Avenue North intersection
- Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex
- former location of Bayliss Machine & Welding (1935-1970)[2]
- 914: former locationn of Forney Coleman restaurant (1928)
- 918: Euro Auto Repair
- 10th Avenue North intersection (west only)
- former location of Jenkins Lumber Company lumber yard and mill
- 1000: former location of W. R. Wood groceries (1925)
- 1020: former location of Tradetype Service type composers (1959)
- 1040: 9th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (former BTNB BJCC branch), former location of Baker Bros. grocery (1925)
- 11th Avenue North intersection
- Social Security Building (1974)
- 1120: Oak Hill Cemetery/Oak Hill Memorial Association
- 1127: former location of Julia Davis restaurant (1928)
- F. L. Shuttlesworth Drive intersection (northeast only)
- 1300: former location of Birmingham Fire Station No. 5 (1960)
- 1324: former location of North Highland Grocery Co. (1925)
- 1333: Birmingham Health Care clinic
- 14th Street North intersection
- former location of Bellevue Academy
- Arthur Shores Park
- 1517: Uptown Apartments
- 1617: former location of Jefferson Garage (1927)