Retail

The Summit

With the first phase opening in 1996, The Summit is one of the first “lifestyle centers” in the US. CMH masterplanned and designed all six phases of this upscale mixed-use development and, after nearly 25 years as The Summit’s architect of record, the firm continues to provide services as the project evolves in the ever-changing retail environment.

Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Size: 1,000,000+ SF

Completion: 1996 to present

Photography: Art Meripol

Awards

AIA Alabama Chapter Merit Award, Commercial Category (The Summit Birmingham, Phases II & III), 2006

Superior Achievement in Design & Imaging (SADI) Award, Honorable Mention for a New Open Center, 1999

We were pioneering a new form of retail with The Summit.

We turned the traditional mall inside-out, making one of the first lifestyle centers in the country. The design has caused The Summit to be successful for more than 20 years, and it is still a very viable shopping center.

Everett Hatcher
President, CMH Architects

CMH has been an integral partner with Bayer Properties in the development of market-leading commercial real estate.

Based on vision, leadership, and creativity, CMH designed one of the country’s first outdoor, regional lifestyle-oriented retail destinations which opened in 1997: The Summit. Not only did this development pioneer an industry trend, but it has also succeeded in creating a unique shopping experience in the Birmingham market as evidenced by consistent awards as the "best place to shop" in Birmingham.

Jeffrey A. Bayer
Principal, Bayer Properties, LLC