We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to build a one-of-a-kind beekeeping store and education space; a true destination for beekeepers and those interested in bees, beekeeping and all polinators. In January of 2025, we purchased a series of warehouses and land where we will expand from our current operation in Hardware Park and into this new space.
Starting in February 2025, we will break ground at the new location at 500 16th Street N, Irondale, Alabama, 35210. At this site we will build a 5,000 square foot store and education space, designed to support beekeepers, those who aspire to be beekeepers and the general public.
During construction, we will continue to operate out of our current retail space at 424 9th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Education is our passion and our desire through this new facility is to partner with the beekeeping community and share the amazing world of honey bees and pollinators to the public through our outdoor education space and indoor classroom where we will host students of all ages.
Stay tuned as we will share more details on the progress of our building.
Stay up to date on the progress of our new Beekeeping and Pollinator Education Center. Each month, we’ll share highlights, milestones, and behind-the-scenes updates as the building comes to life.
Finished the exterior stucco with our hexagon wall, drywalled the interior, connected power, tiled the bathrooms, started painting. In september is when we will do our Mural, start landscaping, irrigation, pave the parking lot and more.
July has been all about enclosing the new Beekeeping and Pollinator Education Center. With the roof now fully installed, interior framing has progressed quickly. The walls are up, the front and sides have been bricked, and major systems — including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — have all been successfully run. It’s been a productive month, and we’re now gearing up for the next exciting phase: drywall, doors, and windows.
This has been a huge month for the new Beekeeping and Pollinator Education Center. The framing is fully up, the roof is nearly complete, and the front of the building is starting to take shape. Next up: framing out the interior spaces and adding brickwork to the front and sides. At the same time, landscaping design and Apiary planning are underway — we’re thrilled to watch it all come to life right before our eyes!
Building materials are being delivered, building concrete is being poured, curb and gutter is coming and landscaping design is getting set.
Soil removal and site preparation are underway as we get ready for construction to begin.
See how we're moving forward with final permits, tree clearing, rock removal, and our exciting groundbreaking ceremony.
The new retail and education center spans 1.6 acres and is all about creating a public space for beekeepers and those interested in pollinators. It’s designed to be a hands-on, engaging experience where people can learn, explore, and connect with what pollinators do for us.
The location is a big win too—it’s within 1 mile of a major interstate, so it’s super accessible. Right across the street, you’ll find an $8.5 million softball/baseball complex in Irondale that hosts tournaments and athletic events, adding energy and activity to the neighborhood.
Plus, the center sits at the foot of Ruffner Mountain, just a short walk from a trailhead leading into a sprawling 1,000-acre urban park. It’s a naturally excellent spot for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors—whether you’re checking out the local trails or watching the buzz of pollinators in action.
Uniquely designed by our architect Mitchel Marshall, our 5,000 square-foot retail space combines affordability with a bold vision that aligns with our mission. You’ll notice design details throughout the exterior that add both charm and character, reflecting Foxhound Bee Company’s commitment to beekeepers and pollinator enthusiasts.
From the individual solitary bee bricks built into the front, the hexagon cutout, and to the striking bee swarm mural by Fitz Signs on the corner, this destination makes an impression even before you step inside.
Our outdoor space will include walkable paths where visitors can take a break and see the types of pollinators we have and the flowers and plants they visit. The outdoor teaching space also will include an outdoor pavilion where we can host both adults and kids for STEM learning and interactive way to learn more about our bees and other pollinators.
The development of the interior space mimicks the exterior in it's design and branding. The 5,000 square foot interior is dedicated to shopping for products dedicated to supporting our bees and products that our bees create. We can't be beekeepers without having beeswax, honey and the other products our bees produce. So we will include a variety of products sourced from our bees as well as beekeepers we partner with.
Inside will include a classroom that can comfortabley host 30 adults for our classes with moveable tables so we can incorpoate interactive STEM classes for students. The classroom is modled after modern classrooms and will include all the things to help facilitate education.
In addition to our classroom, Foxhound Bee Company will host an indoor observation hive so we can share how special honeybees are in a safe and comfortable way. Visitors will be able to find the queen, drones and workers through the glass. As well as see the bees travel in and out of the building as they forage.
We will also host a dedicated stainless steel room where visitors can see and participate in honey extraction and beeswax candle creation through our classes. Amongst the rest of the space will be equipment and supplies to support our beekeepers and a sitting and kids area for reading about all the bees do for us.
