Alabama Heritage Places in Peril

Ramsay-McCormack Building, Birmingham, Jefferson County, 1929 (Places in Peril 2008)

10/20/2008

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Constructed in 1929, the Ramsay-McCormack building is an impressive ten-story structure that once overlooked the Ensley steel mills. It is one of the early steel frame “skyscrapers” in the Birmingham area and features Art Deco-style elements such as “step-backs” and fine interior details, including terrazzo-style floors, Carrara glass, and marble. Four years after the mill’s closure in 1979, the city of Birmingham acquired the building, but plans for it never materialized. Though empty since 1986, it has been deemed structurally sound. The fate of the Ramsay-McCormack building remains uncertain at this point, as the city considers either demolition or renovation.

2 Comments

Margaret Carr link

5/21/2015 11:15:59 am

My great grandfather was George McCormack, and I would be interested in knowing the current state of the building. Many thanks.

Brian Rice link

6/8/2021 09:37:05 am

I am currently reading the biography of Erskine Ramsay and your great grandfather is mentioned in a very positive light. Unfortunately the city approved the demolition of the building April 2020 and as of April 13 2021 the last remaining floors were demolished. There are plans to replace the building with a 5 story building versus 10 stories. The developer has stated that the new development will be 18 feet shorter than the original which mean the building will still be tallest building in Ensley. No confirmation of a new name has been mentioned. It is not planned to be called the Ramsay McCormack in the future. I own several buildings 1 block away and I'm a lover of history and I would love to speak or email you in the future to learn more about your great grandfather ND the next generations. Please reach out through my website www.briankrice.com or directly through email. Talk to you soon.

Alabama's Endangered Historic Landmarks

Each year since 1994, Alabama Heritage has highlighted threatened historic sites throughout Alabama. The “Places in Peril” list has identified more than 215 imperiled historic resources throughout the state, and is compiled by the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. The locations highlight the results of deferred maintenance, perceived obsolescence, development pressures, and lack of funding—forces that now more than ever threaten our cultural legacy. But awareness is a powerful force, too, and can cultivate a renewed determination to be responsible stewards of our heritage. For more information, visit the AHC or the ATHP websites. Alabama Heritage is proud to bring to you a selection of the places designated as perilous. Please keep your comments to information relevant to the featured place in peril. Alabama Heritage reserves the right to delete any comment that we deem inappropriate.

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Ramsay-McCormack Building, Birmingham, Jefferson County, 1929 (Places in Peril 2008)

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Ramsay-McCormack Building, Birmingham, Jefferson County, 1929 (Places in Peril 2008)

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Alabama's Endangered Historic Landmarks﻿

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Alabama's Endangered Historic Landmarks