The Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral

March 1, 2021

On April 15, 2019, people from around the globe watched in horror as one of the world’s most renowned historic structures became engulfed in flames. At the time, the Notre Dame Cathedral was undergoing a restoration project, at the center of which were the building’s spire, stonework and roof timbers. The fire started in the cathedral’s wooden attic and was only discovered after the blaze was well underway. 400 firefighters battled with the flames for two hours — the fire was fought from the interior in order to reduce damage to the structure. By the time the fire was under control, the spire and the majority of the cathedral’s roof had collapsed, destroying the vaulted ceiling in the process. Luckily, there were no casualties, and most of the relics and the art within the cathedral were undamaged.

Bon Ton Hatters and Adaptive Reuse: The Changing Roles of Mom-and-Pop Retail in our City Centers

January 25, 2021

Bon Ton Hatters was once a bonafide Birmingham staple for swanky hat and shoe lovers. Located in a bustling area of downtown, the hat repair and shoe shine shop was always filled with customers in its heyday. Constantine Callis and his son, Jimmy Callis, opened the shop in 1907 on the 206 20th Street North in the Roden Block building. When Jimmy Callis eventually retired and passed the reins over to his son, Jimmy Callis Jr, the shop continued forging ahead, although its peers in business struggled to stay alive. In 1979, Bon Ton Hatters relocated to 219 20th Street, and it eventually became the only shop in the city where a hat could be properly cleaned and reshaped.