Homewood Seeks to Revitalize Brookwood Village with New Medical Facility
Homewood, AL – After facing years of stalled redevelopment, there’s a potential new chapter for the iconic Brookwood Village mall as the city’s planning commission gears up for a public hearing on November 5. The hearing will focus on a proposal to transform a section of the vacant property into a modern medical office building.
According to city documents, the plan involves converting the former Belk location into a sprawling 135,000-square-foot Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center. The facility is proposed to be one of the largest ambulatory surgical centers in the southeast, based on the Alabamian healthcare system associated with Birmingham’s St. Vincent’s hospital campus.
A Local Economic Catalyst
Andrews Sports Medicine has emphasized its aspiration to not just provide health services but also to act as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth in the greater metro area. In their proposal submitted to the city, they expressed optimism that the center could help restore Brookwood’s significance within the community, stating, “The right vision and thoughtful planning can restore Brookwood to its rightful place in our community.”
Beyond the medical center, the planning commission will consider resurveying the property to split it into three distinct lots. Of the total 14 acres, one 3.3-acre lot would be designated for the new medical facility, while the remaining land would encompass one larger lot housing most of the previous mall structure and a smaller lot primarily for surface parking, explained Homewood City Planner Fred Goodwin.
Public Participation Encouraged
Homewood residents interested in voicing their opinions about the proposed redevelopment are encouraged to attend the public hearing, which will take place at 6 p.m. in the Homewood City Council Chambers, located at 2850 19th Street South. Active community engagement is vital, as the planning commission will listen to public comments before making any decisions.
After the hearing, the commission may choose to vote on the redevelopment plans, or they could decide to postpone their decision for another month, Goodwin noted.
A Transformative Opportunity
The discussions surrounding Brookwood Village represent a significant opportunity to revitalize a beloved location that has been largely inactive in recent years. Local leaders and residents alike are hopeful that the introduction of the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center could not only bring new medical services to the area but also breathe new life into the surrounding commercial landscape.
As the November 5 hearing approaches, community interest continues to grow. Observers are keen to see how the upcoming decisions will shape the future of Brookwood Village and what implications they might hold for Homewood’s economic health moving forward. The prospect of reimagining this space serves as a reminder of the importance of community planning and local investment.
