BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — GBX Group LLC and Kupperman Companies, LLC are proud to announce the preservation and adaptive reuse of the historic Commercial / United Trophy Building in downtown Birmingham. Acquired in 2022, the 1910 property has been thoughtfully repositioned to protect its historic character while supporting vibrant, locally owned businesses on the ground floor and offering flexible opportunities for future tenants on the upper level.
The first floor is occupied by Pink Lantern Coffee and Cocktail Bar and All Things Parties, whose presence underscores the building’s adaptability as the second-floor space is actively being marketed.
GBX Group and Kupperman Companies are preservation-focused real estate investment firms that acquired the property to protect its historic character while repositioning it for long-term use. In partnership with American Easement Foundation, Inc., the ownership team placed a historic preservation easement on the building, ensuring its protection while supporting community-centered businesses. The second floor remains available for tenants seeking character-rich space in one of Birmingham’s most historic commercial corridors.
Building History
Built in 1910, the Commercial / United Trophy Building at 2400 1st Avenue North was originally a saloon in Birmingham’s bustling warehouse and wholesale district, a corridor that developed alongside the city’s early rail lines. The structure’s large windows, open interiors, and masonry façade remain defining features of this historic district, one of the most architecturally significant areas in the city.
The Morris Avenue / First Avenue North Historic District is recognized for its late 19th- and early 20th-century commercial architecture, representing Birmingham’s early industrial growth.
About Our Tenants
The building’s ground floor is activated by two locally owned businesses that bring creativity, energy, and community engagement to the district.
Pink Lantern Coffee and Cocktail Bar, founded by local entrepreneurs Danny Le and Clay Freeman, was born from their love of hosting friends and family. By day, Pink Lantern operates as a cozy coffee shop offering Vietnamese-style coffee, espresso drinks, and locally made pastries. In the evening, the space transforms into a lively cocktail bar and event venue, creating a welcoming environment from morning through night.
All Things Parties (ATP) is a family-owned event planning company offering comprehensive services for weddings, corporate functions, community events, and private celebrations. With more than 50 years of combined experience, ATP provides custom planning, décor, specialty party packages, and both in-person and virtual event solutions. Their presence adds a service-driven, creative business to the tenant mix and further reinforces the building’s role as a hub for celebration and community gathering.
Together, Pink Lantern and All Things Parties demonstrate the versatility of the Commercial / United Trophy Building and set the stage for future tenants seeking a distinctive, historic environment.
Second Floor Leasing Opportunity
The second floor of the Commercial / United Trophy Building offers approximately 2,000 to 5,000 square feet of flexible office or creative space within a preserved historic structure. Featuring open floor plates, abundant natural light, and downtown views, the space provides a distinctive opportunity for tenants seeking character-rich space in Birmingham’s Morris Avenue / First Avenue North Historic District. With the ground floor fully leased and more than 36 on-site parking spaces, the building is well positioned to support continued activation and growth. Harbert Realty Services, represents the ownership group and is actively leasing the building.
American Easement Foundation, Inc. and Historic Preservation
American Easement Foundation, Inc. (“AEF”) is a historic preservation nonprofit with a mission to encourage high quality redevelopment projects using easements to preserve a property in perpetuity. As longtime advocates for saving historic places, AEF launched its Historic Preservation Easement Program to help maintain Birmingham’s unique character and to add important value to development projects that involve historic properties. AEF holds the easement on the historic Commercial / United Trophy Building.
About GBX Group LLC
GBX Group LLC specializes in acquiring, preserving, and operating historic real estate in urban markets. The company partners with investors and local stakeholders to fund the acquisition and preservation of historic properties, generating both community revitalization and economic growth. As of 2025, GBX has been involved in over 200 real estate projects across 24 states. For more information, visit www.gbxgroup.com.
About Kupperman Companies, LLC.
Kupperman Companies, LLC. is a real estate development and investment firm with holdings throughout the Southeast and Mountain Regions. The company designs, develops, and acquires hotels, retail, multi-family, and mixed-use projects in Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Colorado and across the Gulf Coast. They have invested in award-winning historic redevelopments that preserve the history, architecture, and culture of the surrounding community. Kupperman Companies currently owns and manages over 720,000 square feet of hospitality, retail, and mixed-use assets and over 1,200 pads of manufactured housing communities through their affiliate, Lucky Communities. For more information, visit kuppermancompanies.com/
About Harbert Realty Services
Harbert Realty Services is one of the largest privately held, full service commercial real estate firms in the Southeast. HRS was founded with a main focus on bringing value to our customers and clients. For 40 years, we have built a business around this focus and strive to achieve this in every transaction we encounter. About Us - Harbert Realty Services
