Demolition work at the former Brookwood Village mall is scheduled to begin in early March, paving the way for a major redevelopment of the 57-acre property. Developers Fairway Investments and Pope & Land Real Estate announced the move as a critical step toward transforming the long-vacant site into a modern mixed-use destination.
The project marks a significant turning point for the property, which has been a fixture in the community for decades but has struggled in recent years amid shifts in the retail landscape. While a portion of the structure will be repurposed, the majority of the old mall will be cleared to accommodate a new vision for the centrally located parcel.
Key Takeaways
- Demolition at the former Brookwood Village mall is set to start in early March.
- The former Macy’s building, interior mall areas, and some parking lots will be removed.
- About half of the existing structure will be renovated for an Andrews Sports Medicine facility.
- Developers plan a new mixed-use development with retail, lifestyle, and employment components.
- Full redevelopment plans are expected to be revealed in fall 2026.
A Necessary Step for Redevelopment
Developers confirmed that after extensive evaluation, renovating the entire existing structure was not a viable option. The building's age and outdated configuration presented significant challenges for creating a modern and flexible space.
Sims Garrison, chief operating officer of Fairway Investments, explained the rationale behind the decision to demolish rather than pursue a full adaptive reuse of the property.
"We thoroughly evaluated adaptive reuse, but the building’s age, configuration, and infrastructure ultimately make it impractical for the range of solutions we considered. Demolition allows us to move forward decisively, accelerate redevelopment once plans are finalized, and salvage usable materials where possible."
The demolition plan is targeted. It includes the removal of the former Macy’s anchor store, the interior mall corridors, and large sections of the surface parking lots. This strategic clearing will create a blank canvas for future construction and a more integrated site layout.
Future Vision for a Community Hub
The long-term vision for Brookwood Village is to create a vibrant, mixed-use development that serves as a central gathering place for the surrounding communities of Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills. Fairway Investments and Pope & Land Real Estate, which acquired the property in 2021, aim to build a destination that blends retail, lifestyle amenities, and potential employment opportunities.
Interest in the site's future has remained high due to its prime location between U.S. Highways 280 and 31. The redevelopment seeks to capitalize on this strategic position, transforming an underutilized property into a dynamic economic and social asset for Jefferson County.
A Landmark's New Chapter
Opened in 1973, Brookwood Village was a premier shopping destination for nearly five decades. It served as a community hub before facing the same pressures that led to the decline of many traditional indoor malls across the country, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic before its eventual closure.
While specific tenants and layouts have not been announced, the focus is on creating an environment that meets contemporary standards for work, shopping, and community life. The developers have indicated that detailed plans will be shared with the public in the fall of 2026.
Repurposing and Preservation
Not all of the original structure will be lost. A significant portion, approximately half of the existing mall building, is being preserved and repurposed. This section is slated to become a new, modern facility for Andrews Sports Medicine, a prominent local healthcare provider.
This hybrid approach allows the project to retain some of the site's existing infrastructure while removing the elements that hinder modern development. The decision reflects a balance between practicality and preservation, ensuring that the new project can meet future needs without being constrained by the limitations of the past.
Site by the Numbers
- 57 acres: The total size of the Brookwood Village property.
- 1973: The year the original mall opened to the public.
- 2021: The year Fairway Investments and Pope & Land Real Estate acquired the property.
- 2026: The year when more detailed redevelopment plans are expected to be released.
What Comes Next
With demolition crews preparing to start work in the coming weeks, the first physical changes at the site will soon be visible. The process of clearing the outdated structures is expected to continue for several months, preparing the ground for the next phase of construction.
For residents of Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia Hills, the start of demolition is a tangible sign of progress for a property that has sat largely dormant. The community will be watching closely as the site is prepared for its next chapter, with anticipation building toward the 2026 reveal of the full master plan.
The project represents one of the most significant redevelopment efforts in the area, promising to reshape a key commercial corridor and create a new destination for generations to come.
