Screenshot 2026 08 05 at 8.53.25 AM scaled e1785941287939 Homewood greenlights Samford dorms, 18-Hole putting course — Rendering of the proposed Samford student housing on their south campus. (City of Homewood)

The Homewood City Council approved a new Samford University student housing development on the southside of Lakeshore Drive and an 18-hole outdoor putting course and entertainment complex in West Homewood at its October 26, 2026 meeting.

Both votes were unanimous.

Samford to add housing and retail

IMG 8628 Homewood greenlights Samford dorms, 18-Hole putting course — Samford University proposed housing building will be located upper left of track (green space). (City of Homewood)

The new Samford student housing project will add two six-story buildings housing up to 494 students. It will also include about 9,250 square feet of retail space.

The development is on 27 acres between the track/soccer field and University Park Place.

The new housing is needed to keep up with Samford’s growing enrollment and commitment to keep 75% of the students living on campus.

“We’ve grown to 6,522 students, the largest enrollment in our 185-year history. And as you’re aware, we believe very strongly that keeping 75% of our students living on campus is helping to generate some of the great academic outcomes that we’re seeing with our students. This would be a great step forward in that regard.”
Colin Coyne, Samford University Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs at the Council October 12th public hearing on the proposal

According to the City and the University, the new development will not impact nearby Shades Creek.

Samford’s initial student housing and retail development proposal was moved because it infringed on critical salamander habitat.

The university is also discussing with the Alabama Department of Transportation a way to build a bridge to help get students safely across Lakeshore.

The Woods Golf & Social coming to West Homewood

Architectural rendering of The Woods - West Homewood community entrance, featuring a rustic building with stone base, wood siding, and metal roof, dated 6/18/2026 — The Woods Golf & Social. (Williams Blackstock Architects / City of Homewood)

In addition to the Samford development, the Council approved a new 18-hole outdoor putting course and entertainment complex called The Woods Golf & Social.

Located at 504 and 508 Scott St, between Oxmoor Boulevard and Oxmoor Street, The Woods will include: