Hoover Unveils New Building Design Guidelines!
Hoover, Alabama is making some exciting changes! This week, the Hoover City Council gave the green light to a set of brand-new architectural and design guidelines aimed at making the city look even better. These guidelines are particularly focused on commercial and mixed-use areas, with the hope of creating a more cohesive look and a stronger sense of place.
What’s New in the Design Guidelines?
These guidelines are a big deal, and they cover a variety of topics that most of us don’t think about when we see a building. From site design to landscaping, and even lighting and signage, the aim is to steer developers in a direction that enhances the city’s charm. A key component of the guidelines is making sure that buildings don’t just have flat walls that are plain and boring. Instead, the city wants projections, recesses, and changes in color or material to break up those long, drab expanses. This adds visual interest and helps each building feel unique.
Who Will Be Affected?
While these new guidelines are not mandatory, they’re certainly something developers are encouraged to consider. Greg Knighton, Hoover’s economic development manager, explained that the guidelines will help developers understand the types of constructions and renovations city officials would like to see for both new projects and extensive facelifts on old buildings. But there’s a twist! If a developer wants to snag some financial assistance from the city, they’ll have to follow the guidelines more strictly. It’s a win-win if you ask us!
The city is focusing on three primary target areas: Bluff Park, the U.S. 31 corridor, and Lorna Road. However, it’s important to note that these standards can be applied citywide, so no neighborhood is left out of the beautification plans.
Aiming for Balance
Now, while it’s exciting to have these new guidelines, city officials are aware of the importance of maintaining flexibility in order to keep Hoover a pro-business community. This aspect was emphasized by Councilman Derrick Murphy, who noted that there’s been a lot of local chatter around having consistent architectural themes in specific areas. It’s clear this council wants to encourage uniformity and visual cohesion without stifling creativity and individuality in different parts of the city.
Councilwoman Khristi Driver expressed gratitude to the team that worked diligently to create these guidelines, acknowledging the roles played by various authorities and stakeholders from neighborhood groups and among the development community.
Mixed Reactions from Residents
Not everyone was on board with the rush to adopt these guidelines, however. Robin Schultz, a resident active in Bluff Park, expressed concern about the lack of community involvement in the development of the guidelines. He felt more input from the neighborhood would have been beneficial, particularly since Bluff Park is one of the key target areas. In addition, Jim Massengill from Broad Metro, the company behind developments like Stadium Trace Village, voiced concerns about their lack of involvement in the process. He reminded officials that his company has a solid track record in the area, generating significant revenue for Hoover while adhering to high standards.
Though some members of the community requested to delay the vote to allow for further feedback, the council decided to move forward and passed the guidelines with a 5-0 vote. Councilman Curt Posey made it clear that decisions were being made collectively, assuring that one opinion didn’t dictate the entire council’s stance.
Going Forward
These new design guidelines are set to take effect immediately, and it’s clear that Hoover is on the move towards improving its landscape. With big goals and a need for community input, the city is taking steps in the right direction, hoping to enhance the beauty and functionality of its commercial areas while maintaining a unique character. Here’s to a vibrant, engaging future for Hoover—it looks bright!
