HOMEWOOD, Ala. — Brookwood Village, once a bustling retail hub in the Birmingham area, is undergoing a significant transformation as Andrews Sports Medicine plans to redevelop part of the mall into a state-of-the-art medical facility. Opened in 1974, Brookwood Village was celebrated for its vibrant mix of retail stores and community events, serving as a key gathering place for residents of Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills.
The mall’s decline began in the early 2000s with the rise of online shopping and was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By January 2022, the last anchor store, Macy’s, had closed its doors, leaving the once-thriving shopping center largely vacant. The property, strategically located between Highway 280 and Highway 31, was sold in 2021 in three separate transactions totaling $86 million.
The new development plan by Andrews Sports Medicine involves converting the former Belk department store into a $124 million ambulatory surgery center featuring 16 operating rooms and additional medical facilities. The Homewood Planning Commission is set to review the proposal on November 5, marking a pivotal step toward revitalizing the area.
This redevelopment reflects a broader trend of repurposing aging malls into mixed-use spaces that better serve contemporary needs.
Brookwood Village’s transformation aims to restore its role as a community hub while preserving its rich history as a beloved local landmark. As plans move forward, residents and local officials hope this new chapter will breathe new life into the area, blending past memories with future potential.