The Birmingham City Council has voted to extend the loan agreement for Pizitz Food Hall while the owners work to rebrand and expand the space. The extension covers 24 months and does not require any new funding from the City.
Upgrades and Rebranding Plans
Developers with Pizitz LLC told the Council that COVID-19 and the rise of remote work contributed to a drop in afternoon foot traffic. To address this, they plan to expand food offerings, introduce more retail spaces, and increase programming and events once the renovations are complete.
Historic Investment in Downtown Birmingham
The City originally allocated a $3.2 million HUD loan in 2015 to finance the renovation of the former Pizitz Department Store, which operated from 1925 to 1988 and had been vacant for decades. Councilor Hunter Williams noted that the loan extension is vital to prevent the space from going dark and support continued downtown growth.
Community Engagement and Food Security
The Council also approved a $15,797 funding agreement with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, using District 8 and District 6 discretionary funds. Councilor Crystal Smitherman emphasized the importance of providing healthy, affordable food in Birmingham’s underserved neighborhoods and partnering with organizations to address food insecurity in local communities.
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