During his January “State of the City” address, the same day he announced he would seek reelection, Mayor Frank Brocato revealed a study on the future uses of the Galleria.
The results of that study were released this week, less than a month after Brocato was voted out of office, showing that, for years under Brocato’s leadership, the City has been losing millions in potential revenue.
Mayor-elect Nick Derzis expressed concern over the narrow scope of the study, noting that it focused solely on the southern end of the Riverchase Galleria without addressing the larger property footprint or neighboring commercial areas
While Brocato didn’t announce the study publicly until January, timing it with his campaign announcement, the City press release, which includes the findings, stated that Brocato commissioned the study in September 2024.
According to the Hunden Partners study, which cost the City over $200,000, Hoover has already lost over $75 million in potential revenue due to delayed action. The report estimates the City could lose an additional $9 million each year the Galleria remains unrevitalized.
Residents and city council members reacted with trepidation to the study's limited scope and options. The study calls for a two-part redevelopment on the south side of the Riverchase Galleria site.
Phase One involves a smaller-scale redevelopment that includes the following:
Demolition of the former Sears building
Construction of:
- 282 apartments
- 28,000 square feet of retail space
- 1,100-seat arts center
- 25,000-square-foot public plaza and greenspace
Phase Two involves a full build-out of the redevelopment with additional residential and retail space, including:
Demolition of the current Macy’s
Construction of:
- 260 apartments
- 16,000 square feet of retail
- 19,000-square-foot public plaza & greenspace
“I want to thank Hunden Partners for their work on this study and for briefing me and my transition team on their market feasibility and redevelopment strategy,” said Derzis. “While their report included insights and analysis that will help inform our next steps, there is much more work required before determining if it will be advanced as recommended.”
Expanding on his thoughts, he added, “I was disappointed by the limited scope of the study.”
“It did not include meaningful engagement with other property owners. It made no specific recommendations or assumptions for broader redevelopment. It also omitted case studies on how the City might act as a catalyst for investment and completely excluded Patton Creek. Most concerning of all, the public was not given a voice in this process," Derzis said.
With the renewal of development and transparency being cornerstones of his campaign, Derzis pledged to keep those priorities and his promises.
“The revitalization of Riverchase Galleria and Patton Creek is the top economic development priority of my administration,” he outlined.
“I am committed to working tirelessly to bring all relevant stakeholders, including our residents, into a transparent process," Derzis added. "Together, we will develop and execute a solution that delivers results, makes Hoover residents proud, and reestablishes our city as Alabama’s premier retail destination.”
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