Hoover heads into 2026 with big decisions on the table — from regional retail identity to how fast growth should happen and where. These five storylines reflect a city trying to evolve its footprint, reimagine legacy spaces and stay ahead of the curve on infrastructure and investment.
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SUN_GalleriaSigns2.jpg – Around the exterior of the mall, new signs have been placed to point out stores and parking areas.
Galleria reimagining: A consultant’s two-phase, two-site concept would demolish the former Sears and current Macy’s footprints, replacing them with 542 residential units, an 1,100-seat Center for the Arts, 44,000 square feet of new retail and 44,000 square feet of green space. Estimated investment: $241 million. The study cites declining visits since 2019, tempered office/hotel demand and a national template of converting underused retail to dense, walkable mixed-use. The mayor-elect called the scope too narrow, and several council members questioned the residential mix and the sharp reduction in retail square footage…