BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - City leaders say tourism is on the rise in downtown Birmingham, with hotel stays increasing compared to last year.

Birmingham City Councilor Hunter Williams said summer tourism was up in the city this year, with hotel stays downtown rising by two percentage points.

At the Pizitz Food Hall, management is planning updates to the space. Last week, city council voted to defer the food hall’s loan to focus on redevelopment.

It has been 10 years since the building was originally redeveloped. Michael Reilly, partner with Bayer Ventures and the Five Star Group, said it’s time for an update.

“There was a need, with some age now on the building, for a deferral of the loan so we could come through and revitalize this space, add a little life into it, and put some mon

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