Developer Makes Free Land Offer

BIRMINGHAM, AL-A local landholder and developer is offering to give away a small lot of vacant urban land to the right type of business. George Barber Jr., head of the Barber Cos., issued the proposition on the company’s Web site earlier this week.

The 4,000-square-foot lot, which will be turned over in as-is condition, is located in the northeast block of Second Avenue and 21st Street North, across from the City Federal condominium tower. The parcel is available to an outside company that locates and builds in Downtown Birmingham and operates a new, relocated or expanded business on the site.

Construction must start within 60 days of conveyance and be completed within the following year, otherwise the land goes back to the Barber Cos. The owner reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time and reject any or all proposals submitted.

“Barber Cos. believes that the preservation and growth of Birmingham’s urban core is vital to maintaining a vibrant city and metro area,” Barber stated in a letter accompanying the free-land offer. “Attraction of new business to the city center is absolutely essential.”

Barber adds that the land giveaway will hopefully be a first step toward attracting more high-quality development and encouraging others to help redevelop the city. The Barber Cos. owns more than 200 commercial properties within the Birmingham metropolitan area, as well as Barber Motorsports Park.