This is the Alabama Power Company's Steam Plant located along Powell Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets South. The plant was originally built in phases as Birmingham's main coal fired electrical power generating station. Today the corner to the left, 1st Ave. S and 18th St. is one entrance to the Railroad Park. In 2013 it is expected that the steam plant will be de-commissioned soon but it is not clear what will happen to the building.  From this angle, the early high rise buildings are hidden and we see only modern ones.