A look inside the (nearly) vacant Brookwood Village [Photos]

Brookwood Mall
A look inside the nearly vacant Brookwood Village. (Nathan Watson for Bham Now)

Over New Year’s weekend, Bham Now’er Pat Byington and I took a walk through the nearly-vacant Brookwood Village between Homewood and Mountain Brook. Keep reading to learn more & what’s next for the iconic shopping mall.

A Favorite for Shoppers since 1974

Brookwood Village
Brookwood Village in 1977. Photo via BhamWiki

Opened in 1974, Brookwood Village resides on the border between Mountain Brook and Homewood—hence, Brookwood Village. One of Alabama’s oldest shopping malls, Brookwood Village was a popular destination for shoppers from all corners of The Magic City.

Over the years, Brookwood Village saw fewer and fewer visitors, leading some tenants to close their locations in the shopping mall—such as Belk in early 2018. However, significantly less traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused many remaining tenants to close their doors, including:

  • Books-A-Million
  • Brio Tuscan Grille
  • Jason’s Deli
  • Cocina Superior

In July, Brookwood Village lost long-time tenant Chick-fil-A, which opened in 1974. Though we lament the loss of Alabama’s first and oldest Chick-fil-A, the franchise recently opened a new location in Cahaba Heights.

A Look Inside Brookwood Village

For a nearly-vacant shopping mall, Brookwood Village is in surprisingly good shape. Inside, it’s easy to remember Brookwood Village as it was just a few short years ago—teeming with movement, chatter and the aroma of cooking from the food hall. Who else remembers the free samples?

Now, aside from a couple chatting in the common area, the shopping center is quiet as a mouse. In addition to Macy’s, two establishments—Five Guys and Hickory Tavern—are still operating in the mall’s footprint.

What’s Next for Brookwood Village?

Brookwood Mall
Brookwood Village vacant in Birmingham. (Nathan Watson for Bham Now)

In August, Bham Now learned that the majority of Brookwood Village had been acquired by Birmingham-based Fairway Investments and Atlanta-based Pope & Land Real Estate for $21 million. Three months later, Fairway Investments and Pope & Land Enterprises acquired the next-door Brookwood Office Center for $55 million, meaning the duo own all of the Village except Macy’s and Target.

According to the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ), the new owners plan to redevelop the property.

What would you like to see happen to Brookwood Village? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!

Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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