Homewood and Mountain Brook Collaborate on Brookwood Village Revitalization

News Summary

Homewood and Mountain Brook are joining forces to revitalize the once-thriving Brookwood Village Mall, which has struggled with declining foot traffic and tenant departures in recent years. After a significant closure of major stores, both city councils have approved a redevelopment plan, including a proposal for a 135,000-square-foot medical office by Andrews Sports Medicine. This partnership aims to rejuvenate the mall site while benefiting the local communities and creating a vibrant hub for shopping, healthcare, and more.

Homewood and Mountain Brook Team Up: Revitalizing the Ghost of Brookwood Village Mall

In the bustling cities of Homewood and Mountain Brook, excitement is brewing as they join forces to breathe new life into the once-thriving Brookwood Village Mall. Opened back in 1974, this mall, which sits right on the line between the two communities, has seen better days. With a history stretching over four decades, it has earned a place in the hearts of many shoppers in Alabama. However, in recent years, foot traffic has dwindled, leading to a series of unfortunate events.

Pressures Mounting on Brookwood Village

The decline of the mall began slowly, but significantly increased after the late 2010s. The closure of anchor tenant Belk in 2018 was a major blow, sending shockwaves through the retail strip. Fast forward to the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the situation only worsened, resulting in a domino effect of tenant departures that left shoppers less inclined to visit.

Among the notable exits, Chick-fil-A’s original location in Alabama bid farewell in July 2021, followed by the loss of Macy’s in early 2022. By the end of 2024, the once-popular shopping destination was virtually vacant, boasting only the remaining vestiges of Hickory Tavern and Five Guys. After Hickory Tavern closed its doors in September 2023, Five Guys threw in the towel a few months later, leaving Brookwood Village completely empty by late 2024.

A New Dawn: Partnership for Redevelopment

But all hope is not lost! On December 30, 2024, the Homewood City Council voted in favor of an agreement to partner with Mountain Brook for a promising redevelopment plan. With Homewood owning just over 50% of the property and Mountain Brook holding around 40%, both cities are empowered to rekindle the spirit of Brookwood Village while ensuring that any changes will benefit both communities.

Jefferson County rounds out the ownership with about 10% of the property, although the collaborative agreement primarily focuses on how the cities will navigate future property use and necessary zoning changes. Any revenues generated from the redevelopment are set to be shared between Homewood and Mountain Brook, representing a win-win for both city governments.

The Exciting Proposal from Andrews Sports Medicine

One of the most thrilling aspects of the redevelopment is a proposal made by Andrews Sports Medicine. The idea is to transform the old Belk space into a sprawling 135,000-square-foot medical office. This ambitious vision gained notable traction after receiving a recommendation for approval from the Homewood Planning Commission on November 5, 2024. However, there was some public opposition, as indicated by the planning commission’s vote of 6-2.

Nonetheless, this redevelopment plan does not merely serve as an economic boost. It aims to redefine the character and function of Brookwood Village, which has long been an anchor in the community.

Looking Ahead

With both city councils working hand-in-hand, the future looks bright for Brookwood Village. Residents of Homewood and Mountain Brook can eagerly anticipate a space that not only meets their needs but also reflects the joint spirit of these two vibrant communities. This partnership is sure to pave the way for creative opportunities, making Brookwood Village a lively and essential part of daily life once again.

As the redevelopment plans continue to unfold, the excitement will only build. Stay tuned for updates as Homewood and Mountain Brook aim to not only reclaim a beloved mall but to create a flourishing hub that friends, families, and visitors will adore.