When real estate investors Laura Turner and Chuck Riley first saw the building located at 3008 4th Avenue South, they knew they had to have it. “The space inspired me,” Laura said. “I saw the space, location, and view, and I thought, This doesn’t need to be a warehouse. This needs to be an event space.”
The idea for Avenue D, Birmingham’s newest event venue, was born. Located in Lakeview, Avenue D is an open, airy space that boasts plenty of natural light, Art Deco aesthetic, and glamourous finishes, including eye-catching chandeliers. Laura describes the style as “bougie industrial.”
The eclectic space features gold and brass embellishments alongside raw wood ceilings, black iron rafters, and cinderblocks. “We just really want to be a place people think of that’s luxurious but affordable,” she says. Rental fees at Avenue D start as low as $500. Not to mention, the view is priceless. Gaze out the back of Avenue D, and you’ll see Sloss Furnace and Pepper Place. “A lot of people paint or have renderings of Sloss Furnaces in their spaces, and we have the real thing,” Laura says.
Even if bathroom selfies make you cringe, you’ll find yourself snapping one at Avenue D. While the decor at Avenue D is neutral enough for anyone renting the space to make it their own, Laura and Chuck wanted their personalities to shine through in some way. So, they got creative with the restrooms, adding themed wallpaper and stylish tile. The Golden Girls restroom is a crowd favorite.
Before Avenue D, the building was a warehouse for W.C. Wright & Son, a Birmingham-based heating and air contractor. Laura and Chuck sought to keep as much of the original architecture as possible while also adding new features to enhance the space, including new windows and doors, a glass garage door, and new skylights.
When Laura and Chuck signed the lease on the building in April of 2021, they had no experience in the events industry. But trusting their market research and guts, they decided to go for it. “I think it’s a great time for this because people have pent-up energy,” Laura says. “They need and want to have gatherings with friends, loved ones, and family.”
The main event space at Avenue D can host a cocktail-style party of 190 people. Upstairs, you’ll find a VIP area that’s also available for rent, in addition to an outdoor event space. The kitchen facilities include cold and warm storage, a sink, and prep tables. Avenue D also offers an audio/visual package. “We have a great sound system with a projector and roll-up screen,” Laura adds.
Though Laura expects Avenue D to become a favorite spot for weddings and rehearsal dinners, she wants Birmingham to know that it’s much more than a bridal venue. Avenue D has already hosted birthday parties, fundraisers, and a cabaret show. Local businesses have already booked the space for their company Christmas parties, and Avenue D is set to host an event for Alabama Writer’s Cooperative in August. Laura hopes they’ll get to host more events for local theatre groups and maybe even a drag show.
“Everyone is welcome,” Laura says, “and we just want to be one of the first places that everybody thinks of when they want to have a fun, stylish event here in Birmingham.”
Learn more about Avenue D at avenuedbham.net. All photos courtesy of Deborah Michelle Photography.
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