Urban Studio Students Pilot New Birmingham Housing Option

For the first time in its history, the immersive program is offering students housing a few blocks from the Auburn in Birmingham building.

“Housing has always been a challenge for students interested in Urban Studio,” Director Alex Krumdieck ‘86 shared. “For fifth years, it was a bit easier since they’re here for both semesters. But for third years, finding an affordable short-term lease has been a significant barrier to studying here.”

“Housing was definitely the biggest hurdle, for not just me, but for anyone wanting to come to Urban Studio if you don’t already live here,” fifth-year Taylor Anderson explained.

After Urban Studio settled into its new home last year, the next step was for Krumdieck to look at options for student housing. During his search, a conversation with Urban Studio partner ArchitectureWorks and alumnus Bruce Lanier ’00 led him to local developer David Carrigan and Clovenstone Real Estate Development’s new development, The William.

“I am thrilled to have Auburn students in The William,” Carrigan said. “The synergy between us, a new urban adaptive reuse project and Urban Studio students studying the same is very cool to be a part of.”

Originally built 1905, the building started its life as the home of Brown & Jacobs Furniture and Carpets. After being damaged by a fire, the building’s first renovation was designed by Miller & Martin architects in 1918 and became home to women’s clothing store New Williams, which occupied the space until 1983.

The building was listed as a contributing structure in the Downtown Birmingham Retail & Theatre District in 1989. Carrigan began renovations on the building in 2021, converting it to a mixed-use development with 27 apartments and retail and restaurant space, while preserving its historical architecture. The building also holds popular Birmingham eatery Carrigan’s Pub, which relocated from its previous Morris Avenue location.

Fifth-year Abby Best’s experience at The William has been positive.

“I signed up for it with hesitation since studio apartments are typically small spaces that can feel more like hotel rooms than a place to call home,” Best said. “The William, however, exceeded my expectations with how comfortably sized the units are, and the area in which it’s located is great for getting out and experiencing downtown Birmingham.”

Both Anderson and Best are enjoying living in downtown Birmingham. From exploring restaurants and entertainment to spending more time walking around, students have the opportunity to simultaneously experience and study the city and Birmingham’s urban condition.

“You begin to experience the city much differently when you’re walking through it every day than you do when you drive through,” Best added. “Walking around Birmingham has helped me discover new restaurants, shops and events that I never would have known about if I were to just drive through downtown every day.”

Anderson also appreciates Birmingham’s world-class culinary hub.

“Having the opportunity to live close to so many amenities that let you become immersed in the city is such an incredible experience,” she said. “Living close to 20th Street gives me access to a plethora of delicious restaurants from Zaza and Ahki’s to Salud and Paramount. Birmingham has one of the greatest— if not the greatest— food scenes in the South.”