BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The historic Bankhead Towers in downtown Birmingham has been condemned by city officials due to severe building code violations, displacing its elderly residents. The high-rise, which has served as subsidized housing for low-income residents aged 62 and older since the 1970s, was declared unfit for human habitation following inspections that revealed numerous safety hazards.
A notice to vacate was posted on the building’s front doors on September 27, urging residents to leave immediately. According to the city’s statement, the property did not meet provisions of Birmingham’s property maintenance code, citing Ordinance No. 15-164. The violations included structural deficiencies that posed serious safety risks, forcing city officials to condemn the building.
Rick Journey, a spokesperson for the city of Birmingham, confirmed that efforts are being made to ensure the well-being of displaced residents. “Their safety remains our top priority,” Journey said. Discussions are ongoing about where the displaced residents, many of whom have lived in the building for years, will be relocated .
The building, originally constructed as a hotel in 1926, has long been a part of Birmingham’s skyline. It was converted into affordable housing in the mid-1970s, but has struggled with maintenance issues in recent years. Nuveen, the current owner of Bankhead Towers, has been made aware of the violations and is working with city officials to address the next steps.
AL.com, which first reported on the condemnation, noted that the building has been plagued by persistent maintenance complaints and legal disputes over living conditions. This latest development underscores the ongoing challenges of affordable housing in Birmingham, particularly for the city’s vulnerable populations.
As the city works to relocate affected residents, many are left wondering what the future holds for one of Birmingham’s most recognizable, yet troubled, buildings.