Birmingham Plans Library on Ramsay-McCormack Site

The city's new public library proposal replaces a stalled $20 million redevelopment that was delayed by funding problems and developer changes.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Overgrown vacant urban lot with cracked concrete, rusted chain-link fence, and a weathered brick wall, with a soft-focus city beyond under overcast sky. — Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced plans for a public library on the stalled Ramsay-McCormack site in Ensley after the developer's death. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced plans to build a public library on the Ramsay-McCormack site in Ensley. The proposal replaces a delayed $20 million redevelopment that had been expected to bring nearly 190 jobs.

Why it matters

The remaining development partners are no longer willing to move forward with the original project following the death of developer Irvin Henderson in August 2026. The shift leaves the long-stalled site under a new public plan for Birmingham residents.

The original project was a five-story, $20 million development expected to bring nearly 190 jobs, while the previously demolished building on the site was 10 stories tall. The city has not released cost or timeline figures for the proposed library, and it must regain control of the property before proceeding.

The players

Randall Woodfin

Randall Woodfin is the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, who announced the city's plan to build a public library on the Ramsay-McCormack site.

Irvin Henderson

Irvin Henderson was the developer behind the original redevelopment of the Ramsay-McCormack site, and his death in August 2026 changed the project's future.

Birmingham City Council

The Birmingham City Council is the legislative body of Birmingham, Alabama, which the city must present its new library proposal to.

The details

The city must regain control of the property from the previous developers and present its new proposal to the Birmingham City Council. A judge gave the city 60 days to finalize its plans and provide an update on the site.

2017: Court-ordered deadline to start completion of the original development.
2019: Court-ordered deadline to complete the original development.
2021: The original 10-story building on the site was demolished.
August 2026: Developer Irvin Henderson died.
Feb. 3, 2027: Next court hearing scheduled.

Market Landscape

The Ramsay-McCormack site's history of demolition in 2021 followed by stalled private redevelopment shows how the project's financing and developer continuity have repeatedly shaped its outcome. The city's pivot to a public library reflects a shift away from the private development model that had repeatedly stalled on this Ensley property.

Residents in Ensley and across Birmingham could see a new public library in place of a long-vacant site once the city completes its plans. The timeline depends on regaining control of the property and securing council approval, so the project remains uncertain for now.

The takeaway

The Ramsay-McCormack site shows how a stalled private development can leave a neighborhood site idle for years when developer partners pull out. Birmingham residents should watch the February 2027 court hearing and the council's review for the library's next concrete steps.

What happens next

The city must present its new library proposal to the Birmingham City Council and provide an update to the court, with a next court hearing scheduled for Feb. 3, 2027. Construction on the new development is expected to begin during the fourth quarter of 2027.