According to the Hoover Sun, last week the Vestavia Hills City Council approved a tax incentive plan to create a development on the south end of U.S. 31.

The future tenants will include Big Bad Breakfast, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer and more.

Plan approved

Waldo's Chicken and Beer — Waldo’s Chicken & Beer (Nathan Watson/ Bham Now)

Birmingham, Big Bad Breakfast, breakfast, pancakes, brunch — Waldo’s Chicken & Beer (Nathan Watson/ Bham Now)

As Bham Now reported last year, the Vestavia Hills City Council voted unanimously to develop a multi-tenant shopping center at the site of the former Motor Lodge at 1467 Montgomery Highway.

“As a part of your [city council] annual strategic planning, you said as a strategic initiative, do something to improve the parts of the south end of Highway 31. It was a key component in your strategic plan. From a staff perspective, we took it to heart.”
Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes, addressing the council

Downes and the city’s staff had been seeking ways to improve the south end of Montgomery Highway— an area he called a “gateway” to the city. Finally, the plan has been approved by the council and the development can begin the construction process.

Developing a “new gateway”

The approximately two-acre site is being overseen by Ward Neely and John Michael Bodnar of Vestavia 31 RE, reported the Hoover Sun. In addition to Big Bad Breakfast and Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, more tenants will be added to the site in the future.

According to developers, the project’s total cost is estimated to be about $6.3 million. While it’s a costly and arduous project, it is “critical” City Manager Downes told the Hoover Sun, that the site becomes active.

The development, which is expected to generate nearly $100,000 per year in sales taxes, will hopefully improve the area and serve as a catalyst for new development in nearby areas.

Tell us what you think of Vestavia Hills’ plans to re-invigorate the South end of Montgomery Highway & tag us at @bhamnow!