and then this happened…Jeffrey Bayer

Jeffrey Bayer of Bayer Properties brings a human approach to projects enriching Birmingham (and beyond).

School Days

Ramsey High School, University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Commerce, and UAB program in urban development. 

What People Don’t Know

“I dropped out of college, went back after a semester, graduated and headed to Stowe, Vermont to be a ski bum.” After cutting his long hair and buying a suit, Bayer’s next act was Hyatt Hotel Corporation’s first-ever national executive training program.

Summit Design

Inspired by a mountain town in Italy. “I immediately thought how a series of modern-day villages might fit the challenging topography at The Summit site.”

Real Estate

Working for Hyatt Corporation in Houston, Texas, “I was introduced to a booming real estate economy and saw all the creativity utilized in the process, and thought you can create whatever the mind can conceive.” He founded Bayer Properties in 1983 after 10 years as partner in Birmingham’s Metropolitan Properties. 

Mentoring

“Banker Stan Mackin agreed to talk with me long ago. It meant so much that he would take the time to meet with such a young person. I made the decision to make myself available if young people ask for my time—and I do.”

First Project

Avon Place, a historic rehab which paved the way for the development of the Lakeview neighborhood.

Bettering Birmingham

The Bayer Properties portfolio includes Cahaba Village (Whole Foods), The Pizitz, Uptown, The Summit and more.

Perfect Birmingham Evening

“The symphony or Red Mountain Theatre, dinner around Five Points or at The Summit—and, always, being with my family.”

Caring and Sharing

The Bayers offer support to Temple Emanu-El, UAB’s Visual Arts Center, Red Mountain Theatre Company, and the Community Foundation among others. As of recent, Violins of Hope.

The Family File

Met wife Gail, a Dallas native, during the Texas years; two daughters and four grandchildren. Avid skiers and fly fishers.

Next Up

Helping his Dallas daughter and son-in-law build a development firm; redeveloping portions of The Summit.