The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday discussed a call from city leaders seeking development teams to propose plans for the design, financing, construction and operation of a hospitality-focused project at the old Trinity Church site.

“Birmingham is a growing destination city, and this development is a testament to our momentum,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin was quoted as saying in a release. “We’re looking for partners who share our vision and can help us build a welcoming, thriving city for residents and visitors alike.”

Woodfin’s chief of staff, Cedric Sparks, told the council on Tuesday that an ideal partner for the project would deliver a branded, mid-to-upscale hotel with at least 100 rooms, and potentially a mixed-use development that “complements the vibrant, surrounding urban environment.”

The site is on two city-owned parcels at 1129 Carraway Blvd. and 2615 12th Ave. N. and sits near major attractions such as the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Protective Stadium and TopGolf. According to Sparks, the project objectives include delivering high-quality architecture, providing guest amenities that enhance the city’s appeal and incorporating sustainable design practices.

Sparks said officials released a request for proposal for the project on Sept. 17, and the first site visit was held Oct. 2. However, due to growing demand, the city will hold another site visit Oct. 20, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“This isn’t just about building a hotel; it’s about building a future that benefits everyone in our community,” Coreata’ R. Houser, interim director of the city’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, was quoted in a release as saying. “We want a development that reflects Birmingham’s unique character, supports our local economy, and creates a welcoming space that people will be proud of for years to come.”

Councilor Carol Clarke said that as a matter of policy, the city should first declare a property surplus and not needed for a municipal purpose before it moves forward with projects like the Trinity site.

“It just seems ill-timed and maybe not the highest and best use for that site. But we don’t really get to weigh in before things are disposed of, which seems like it would be appropriate because when people respond to RFPs, they spend a lot of money and time,” she said Tuesday.

Clarke added that the city is involved in a master plan for the convention center district — a plan that includes several planned hotels in the area.

“I don’t see why we have to compete head-on with a project that the city is invested in,” she said.

The submission deadline for RFPs is Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Access the full RFP document on the city’s website.

In other business, the council:

• Amended an agreement with the Jefferson County Family Resource Center to expand services for its Restore juvenile re-entry program. Restore aims to provide comprehensive services and support to youth ages 16 to 19 who have been placed in state custody for a minimum of 30 days. The amended agreement, which is funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant, will help develop programming for children ages 11-15 as a way to make in-roads with Birmingham’s youth who may be impacted by systemic barriers and circumstances. Since being launched in 2023, there has been a 61% reduction in victims ages 13 to 22 and an 80% reduction in youth 22 and under charged with murder in Birmingham, according to city officials.
• Approved a $21,163 agreement with Alabama Power to provide lighting along the Shades Creek Trail Expansion. This project is the latest segment in the Red Rock Trail System, the 36-mile loop that will connect communities across the city via a walking trail.