The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved a rezoning request that will permit a new boutique hotel and condominium development—dubbed The Tramont—to rise to 125 feet on a vacant lot at 1240 22nd Street South, near the Red Mountain Expressway. The decision came despite unanimous opposition from the two neighborhood associations that border the site.

Project details and economic outlook

Arlington Redevelopment, the firm behind the proposal, says the mixed‑use project will include 80 hotel rooms and 15 residential condominiums. City officials estimate the development could generate roughly $78 million in property and lodging taxes over the next 20 years, providing a boost to Birmingham’s tax base.

Neighborhood concerns and council vote

Both the Highland Park and Redmont Park associations voted unanimously against the zoning change, arguing that the 125‑foot height exceeds the current 65‑foot limit established by the city’s Southern Area Framework Plan. Residents at the public hearing voiced similar concerns; 11 of the 13 speakers opposed the request.

Redmont Park resident Cathy Adams explained that the opposition is not to the project itself but to the height, urging developers to “play by the rules that we all have to.” Former City Councilor Valerie Abbott echoed the sentiment, calling for respect for the community’s involvement in prior planning efforts.

Developer’s position and council compromise

David Silverstein of FiveStone Group, who has worked on projects such as The Summit and The Pizitz, said the firm delayed the project after hearing resident feedback. He noted that the developers would consider a variance for 115 feet, but a full zoning change for 125 feet was deemed necessary for economic viability. “The overall project loses its substance without this,” Silverstein said.

Councilor Josh Vasa, whose district includes the site, reported that the zoning adjustment committee voted 3‑1 against the change. He offered a compromise of 85 feet, but the motion failed to gain a second. In the final council vote, Vasa and Councilor Crystal Smitherman cast the two dissenting votes, while the remaining seven members approved the rezoning.

Supporters cite jobs and amenities

Councilor Darrell O’Quinn highlighted the potential for new jobs and amenities that the Tramont would bring to Birmingham, describing those benefits as key reasons for his support.

Next steps

With the zoning change approved, Arlington Redevelopment can move forward with detailed design and financing plans. The project’s timeline will depend on securing construction financing and meeting any additional city‑required permits.

Original reporting: BirminghamWatch — read the source article.