Cahaba Station

Our client presented a three acre site with excellent visibility and a high traffic count. However, its unusual geometry posed challenges for effective planning. Barrett Architecture Studio studied several site options encompassing a range of uses. Ultimately, the client’s preference for a mixed commercial development was selected.

Barrett Kent Studio worked diligently with the Owner and Developer to maximize the development potential for the site. The winning concept comprises a two-story building (Building 100) featuring 10,327 square feet of office space on the second floor, while the first floor boasts 9,891 square feet of retail space that can accommodate up to six retail tenants. Additionally, a single-story retail building (Building 300) offers 5,522 square feet of space to house as many as three retail tenants, including a provision for a drive-up window. The property for the most prominent building (Building 200) was parceled and sold to house a retail banking branch.

The shared parking lots serving all three buildings ensure ample parking for tenants and customers alike. The customer parking area is situated at the front, while employee and second-floor office tenant parking is situated around the back. The exterior materials palette encompasses earth-tone brick in two shades, complemented by dark bronze windows and storefronts. Tenant signage is meticulously controlled to maintain a uniform appearance. The buildings’ construction sequence was staged for the first tenants to begin occupancy in May 2020.

The close working relationship of the Owner, Developer, Architect, and Contractor, allowed the first building to move from conception to completion in approximately fourteen months.