Since 2015, Common has been on a mission to redefine modern living — offering unbeatable amenities to renters without the unattainable price tags that have become the norm in larger cities. In the years since our founding, we’ve opened more than 50 homes in over a dozen cities, meeting thousands of incredible members along the way.
Today, we proudly announce our first home in The Magic City: Birmingham, AL, and the team at Common can hardly contain our excitement! Common at the Frank is now pre-leasing for fall 2022. Head to our website to learn more, or keep reading to hear five reasons we’re excited about Birmingham, Alabama.
‘Ham history
The Magic City — also known as “Pittsburg of the South,” got its nickname due to the job opportunities that the city’s industrial boom brought to the south in the late 1800’s. Though not the hub for steel that it once was, Birmingham’s industrial roots and the architectural style that emerged during the boom are still an integral part of modern Birmingham. In (astonishingly) recent years, Birmingham became known for its role in the Civil Rights movement — with the marches and sit-ins that took place in the spring of 1963 resulting in the desegregation of public facilities in Birmingham as well as the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Needless to say: Birmingham history is American history.
Food with soul
While Birmingham may not be the steel producer it was in the 19th Century, it’s still a heavyweight in the export game — with the city’s food scene making waves across the country. Those who haven’t spent time in Birmingham have likely still tried some perfectly sweet tea from Milo’s or unbeatable barbecue from Jim n’ Nick’s, but we’re most excited for the only-in-Birmingham exclusives. Elevated takes on comfort food at John’s City Diner come to mind, as do slices (and pints) from Slice Stone Pizza and Brew after a UAB game. Anyone else getting hungry?
Gorgeous greenery
In 2017, the City of Birmingham set three strategic goals regarding their public spaces — that every resident is within a 10-minute walk from a “usable open space,” that city parks are “safe, well-maintained, and widely used,” and that the city’s “major natural amenities” are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Five years later, we’d say they crushed those goals! From the 19-acre Railroad Park to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 67-acres of greenery, living in Birmingham means breathtaking outdoor spaces are in no short supply. Of course, Birmingham’s work toward their green goals is far from over — and we can’t wait for the completion of the proposed 750-mile Red Rock Trail System.
Alabama’s artsiest
While Birmingham might not immediately come to mind when you think of great American art cities, one visit to The Magic City just might make you reconsider. From the Birmingham Museum of Art — one of the largest collections of art in the Southeast — to the McWane Science Center, Birmingham’s museum scene is no joke. Of course, we can’t talk about art in Alabama without addressing the legendary statue of Vulcan. A tribute to the Roman god of fire and forge, the cast-iron statue is also the world’s largest and honors the industrial boom which put The Magic City on the map.
Our Alabama home
There’s so much about Birmingham to be excited for, but our first-ever Alabama home is pretty high up on the list. For nearly a decade, Common has brought attainable, communal living to America’s best cities — and we’re thrilled to bring all of the perks of Common to Common at the Frank. In addition to being surrounded by verdant outdoor spaces, renowned soul food, and rich American history, residents of our new home will have access to city living made easy.