History

The Jefferson County Savings and Loan Building opened its doors in 1913, making Birmingham, Alabama, home to the tallest building in the Southeastern United States. Renamed “City Federal” in 1963, this extraordinary 27-story terra cotta faced building has a vertical stretch of 325 feet and is the tallest residential structure in the state of Alabama. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, it remains the tallest neoclassical, residential skyscraper in the Southeast.

The conversion of City Federal from an office building to a luxury residence began in 2005. More than $20 million was invested, as was a great deal of restraint. The developers restored or preserved many of the building’s original features and architectural details, resulting in a one-of-a-kind residential achievement in the heart of the Downtown Birmingham renaissance.

In 2010, City Federal was acquired by Carter, a full service real estate and development firm out of Atlanta. Carter and its principals have completed over $2 billion in multi-family, condominium and student housing developments. Additionally, Carter has led in excess of $500 million in multi-family acquisitions, and currently manages approximately 1 million square feet of multi-family properties. A deep understanding of strategic community planning allows Carter to create inclusive environments that make each condominium feel like a home.

Under Carter’s ownership, City Federal has not only seen new investments into the project, but has also witnessed a dramatic change in cost with over $2 million in price reductions. Combined with the Fannie Mae and FHA loan approvals, this amazing lifestyle and these extraordinary homes are now well within the reach of many of Birmingham’s young, upwardly mobile professionals.