A locally owned coffee shop is coming to the former Starbucks location in Birmingham's Five Points South.

Filter - Coffee Parlor, owned by husband-and-wife team James Little and Jill Marlar, will feature coffee from roasters across the state with a diverse menu of food options.

Renovations on the building at 11th Avenue South are underway. An official opening date for Filter hasn't been set yet, but it's expected to be complete by early December.

Five Points South's Starbucks closed unexpectedly in October 2017.

"We want Filter to become the heartbeat of Five Points South - a place where locals and visitors can relax and connect," said Little, who currently works for REV Birmingham and also serves on the board of the Five Points Alliance. "According to the recent Five Points Alliance survey, residents and visitors agreed that one of the most needed amenities in the district was a local coffee shop. We know our space and offerings will fulfill that need."

Little has years of experience working in coffee shops and opening one of his own has always been a dream, he said.

Little previously served as manager of Barnie's Coffee at the Riverchase Galleria for five years and O'Henry's Coffee for three years. He also managed the original Five Points South Starbucks location for six years. He was previously director of the Five Points South Merchant's Group.

"We also want to use the space for community gatherings and events," said Marlar, who is active in Birmingham's creative arts community. "We want to have storytelling on the weekends, provide a venue for local musicians and feature those in the community who can come in and connect with the community in a variety of ways with their talents. We want Filter to be vibrant and energized."

Marlar has operated her own small business since 2000 teaching art, music and drama classes for all ages. She has taught at Independent Presbyterian Day school for 20 years and currently serves as the music teacher. Marlar has been an intaglio printmaker since 2008 specializing in etchings and handmade landmark pillows. She is also well known for her performances in community theatre and film in the Birmingham area.

"As REV Birmingham's Five Points South district manager, James has been instrumental in guiding community stakeholders toward a more vibrant Five Points," said David Fleming, chief executive officer of REV Birmingham. "Even before holding that position with REV, James has been dedicated to the success of Five Points South as a local community and business leader. The whole REV team looks forward to supporting Jill and James as they fill a need in the neighborhood."