News Summary
West Homewood is set to welcome West Row, a new mixed-use development at the former Econo Lodge site. This community-driven project features 18 apartments and 51 townhomes, along with dining and entertainment venues, enhancing local walkability and economic activity. An investment of $32.5 million aims for completion by summer 2025, with restaurants slated to open in early spring 2024. The revitalization marks a significant shift for the area, promising a vibrant community space for residents.
Exciting Transformation Coming to West Homewood: Meet West Row!
West Homewood is buzzing with excitement as a brand-new mixed-use development, West Row, is set to grace the former Econo Lodge site, located right at 195 Oxmoor Rd. This new project is expected to be a game-changer for the area and is scheduled to open its doors in the vibrant Entertainment District this coming spring.
A Community-Driven Project
West Row isn’t just any development; it’s a collaborative effort spearheaded by Village Creek Development, a partnership between Tom Walker and Wicker Park Capital Management. The project is designed with community needs in mind and aims to enhance walkability, allowing residents easy access to a host of local amenities.
What’s in Store?
The project will feature an impressive layout that includes 18 lofts and apartments and 51 townhomes spread across an expansive 83,000-square-foot footprint. The architecture firm Poole & Co. is hard at work, and they’ve reported that the townhomes are currently around 90% finished. Residents can expect to see these units completed by the end of February 2024, while the lofts and apartments are on track for an early March completion.
Investment in the Future
West Row comes with a substantial investment of $32.5 million, and by the summer of 2025, it’s all expected to be wrapped up and bustling with activity. Two beloved Birmingham restaurants, El Barrio and Paramount, are set to establish new locations within the development, aiming to open around mid-March to early April 2024. With that in mind, residents won’t have to venture far for delicious dining options!
Building a Vibrant Community
The area surrounding West Row is also ready itself for a boost with a variety of dining, retail, and entertainment options tailor-made for residents. City Councilor Carlos Aleman has pointed out that this project represents a significant revitalization of a property that has seen better days, ultimately leading to an uptick in economic activity.
Demolition and Planning
The former Econo Lodge, a site notorious for its history of criminal activity, was demolished in October 2023. The new development has sparked positive feedback from the community, who were actively involved in the planning process. This kind of engagement is pivotal in ensuring that the project aligns with the desires of local residents.
Fun and Recreation
But there’s more to West Row than just housing and restaurants. The project plans to include some exciting community features, such as an arcade, an event space, and even outdoor dining options. This combination aims to create a lively, safe, and walkable commercial district, enhancing the overall quality of life for Homewood residents.
On Schedule and Ahead of Targets
The construction is being managed by Stone Building Company, and site work is already underway with several key milestones completed ahead of schedule. Thanks to the forward-thinking Form Based Code in Homewood, this redesign is well-suited to meet the community’s evolving needs.
What’s Next
West Row promises to be an exciting addition to West Homewood, blending modern living with community entertainment. With anticipated completion just around the corner, residents can look forward to a revitalized area that breathes new life into West Homewood and creates a desirable place for everyone to enjoy.
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now: New Mixed-Use Development Featuring El Barrio & Paramount Coming to Homewood This Spring
- Google Search: New Mixed Use Development Homewood
- WBRC: Construction of New Townhomes in West Homewood
- Wikipedia: Urban Development
- CBS 42: Construction for New Development Underway in West Homewood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- The Homewood Star: Econo Lodge Development Project Progressing
- Google News: West Homewood Development
