A redevelopment which would see a John Madin-designed building brought back to life is due to be granted the green light this week.
Developer 104-106 Hagley Road, in into 149 student bedrooms, common rooms, basement bike parking and a 4,305 sq ft ground floor retail unit with recladding of the exterior.
The project, which has been recommended for approval, would involve adding two extra storeys to create a six-storey building on the corner with Vicarage Road.
Up to 40 new jobs would be created including 25 in the retail unit.
The original application, which was lodged earlier this year, said the building had struggled with occupancy and only three companies currently leased just over a quarter of the 28,000 sq ft complex.
A report prepared ahead of the city council's planning committee meeting on Thursday said: "The proposal would place a retail and residential use within a local centre with excellent access to local shopping/dining services, bus services and the city centre.
"The reuse of the building, and extension, would result in development on previously developed land in a highly sustainable location.
"The scheme would bring an important building, within the Edgbaston conservation area, back into active use which would retain the building and allow it to continue to make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.
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"The proposal would ensure this building is reused rather than be proposed for demolition and its retention would ensure it makes a positive contribution for future generations.
"(Although) its appearance is proposed to be altered, the essence of the character of the building would be retained and this degree of change would be difficult to resist at appeal based on its non-listed status and the degree of change affecting the building since it was first erected."
The move was welcomed by fans of Madin's work earlier this year after have either been demolished or are set to be knocked down.