Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Homewood Planning Commission backs new Samford student housing proposal
Reading time: 2 minutes
The Homewood Planning Commission unanimously recommended a proposal by Samford University to build two six-story buildings and parking for student housing on the south side of Lakeshore Drive.
The buildings would go up near Samford’s current track and soccer field, with room for up to 494 students and about 9,250 square feet of retail space.
New Samford proposal is scaled back
The new proposal stands in stark contrast to a proposal that was made in early 2025 and subsequently withdrawn because the development endangered sensitive salamander habitat.
Unlike the earlier plan, this one steers well clear of the salamanders’ usual habitat.
Colin Coyne, Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs at Samford, described at the meeting how Samford developed their scaled back plan focused primarily on housing.
“The design you’re going to see today came from listening carefully.
We have spent hundreds and hundreds of hours in conversation with our Homewood community, carrying back feedback from the creekside conversations, and then continuing on as active participants through the city’s master planning sessions, partnering with environmental colleagues to restore natural habitats.”
Colin Coyne, Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs, Samford University
Residents express concerns and offer suggestions
During the public comment period a handful of residents expressed concerns about numerous potential negative impacts from the development. They included:
- Increased stormwater issues
- Possible traffic problems crossing Lakeshore and during rush hour
- Concerns about Shades Creek and the Greenway
Residents also offered up positive suggestions to Samford, such as planting more trees, using permeable surfaces for the additional parking and encouraging eco-friendly building standards.
After the public comments and additional questions from members of the Commission, a motion to recommend the project passed 7-0.
Next up? The Homewood City Council will now take up the proposal. According to City Councilor Nick Sims, who also sits on the Commission a vote should be taken this fall, most likely in October.
Want to look at the proposal? Visit the Homewood Planning Commission Agenda page. Make sure to scroll down after the agenda to see the proposal.
