Homewood planning commission approves entertainment venue and student housing proposals
The Homewood Planning Commission has unanimously approved plans for an outdoor entertainment venue and new student housing at Samford University, advancing both projects to the city council.
HOMEWOOD, Ala. —
The Homewood Planning Commission reviewed and approved two major development proposals during its meeting Monday evening, advancing both to the city council for further consideration.
The first project is an outdoor entertainment venue called “The Woods,” proposed by three Homewood natives. The development would transform lots along Scott Street between Oxmoor Road and Oxmoor Boulevard into a space featuring an 18-hole putting course designed by Putt-Tek. The venue would also include a 2,700-square-foot building housing a bar and grill, an entertainment lawn with a large TV wall, cabanas, and on-site parking.
The total outdoor seating capacity across all areas is projected at 100 to 125 guests. The site provides 22 dedicated on-site parking spaces, exceeding the city’s minimum requirement of 15 spaces for bar and tavern use. ADA-compliant parking, pedestrian pathways, restroom facilities, and seating are incorporated throughout.
The total private capital investment into the City of Homewood is approximately $3.1 million, funded entirely by private Birmingham-area investors with no public subsidy requested.
The developers noted there is no similar venue in Homewood. Some community members, however, raised concerns about noise, particularly since the venue plans to stay open later on Friday and Saturday nights.
“As far as a sound goes, I know that’s a big thing,” said Owen Ferguson, co-founder of The Woods. “We know this area. Two of us, you know, our parents still live over in that area. So we understand. We’re not trying to come in there and cause a big ruckus. As far as the speakers go, we’re going to do the best we can to keep everything quiet. It’s about 200 yards away from the closest house and, again, we want to do everything we can to make sure we’re complying to sound ordinances and not making any neighbors upset.”
The Woods Hours of Operation
The second project discussed at the planning commission involves a significant addition to Samford University’s campus. The proposal includes two six-story student housing buildings on the university’s south campus, which would provide nearly 500 student beds, retail space, new pedestrian walkways, landscaping, and approximately 952 parking spaces.
Both projects received unanimous positive recommendations from the planning commission and will now move to the city council for further consideration. The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m., though the agenda has not yet been released.