Cypress Equities, the management company for Brookwood Village, made great progress in updating the interior of the two-level shopping center that straddles the communities of Homewood and Mountain Brook.
The overall goal of the $20 million redevelopment plan was to reimage the shopping center in a way that connects with its targeted shoppers in the surrounding communities. This new approach created a casually sophisticated setting reminiscent of homes that are found in the center’s immediate trade area. Contemporary modern architecture was combined with traditional elements, accented by an eclectic mix of furnishings and softer finishes.
“Our fresh slant on the redesign of Brookwood Village was to convert it to a boutique shopping and entertainment destination,” stated Todd Minnis, a representative of the property owner. “We aimed to create a hospitality-flavored experience with all the comforts of home.”
Work commenced in early 2015 and was accomplished in four phases, with the overall interior project completed in summer 2016.
The first phase of the project encompassed the east side of the upper level stretching from Macy’s to Kay Jewelers. The common area concourse between Macy’s and the food court was updated with wood flooring. Soft seating areas were positioned on spacious area rugs in a number of locations spaced along the hallway. The interior court positioned directly outside Macy’s entrance leading into the mall’s common area now features sofas, coffee tables, ottomans and lamps, providing shoppers with a comfortable gathering place.
The second phase of renovation work commenced in late October 2015 on the opposite side of the upper level, encompassing the common area between the food court and Belk department store. The western concourse and end court were treated in a similar fashion to the east side. Two new elevators, with interior access points near each department store court, were added allowing for better vertical transportation between the upper level of the shopping center and all levels of the parking decks. In addition, new family restrooms were constructed adjacent to each of the department store courts, providing greater ease and comfort for a family’s shopping experience at Brookwood Village.
The third phase, which began in March 2016, focused on the existing food court and the central atrium on the building’s northern wall on the upper level. The food court was reworked to create a new distinctive dining destination that included an array of tables for small, intimate meetings and large community tables for larger gatherings. Seating in the food court now accommodates approximately 370 diners. This space highlights a combination of two-top, four-top and bar-height tables, as well as four showcase farm tables.
The central atrium showcases warm wood tones in porcelain tile flooring and broad-loom carpeting, as well as exposed wood beams in the high ceilings. The existing half-octagonal windows, newly accented with floor-length drapes, continues to allow for natural lighting to engulf the shopping center’s central gathering space. Additional lighting has been provided by decorative chandeliers and sconces. The area now hosts an abundant amount of soft seating options, including high-back chairs, stools, lamps, plus decorative wood bookcases that replaced metal handrails
Finally, the fourth phase, remodeled the lower level common area.
“Brookwood Village’s comprehensive remodel features dramatic interior updates, creating a more energetic and inviting shopping experience,” stated Chris Maguire, chief executive officer of Cypress Equities. “Our company is excited to offer this new vision of Brookwood Village for the residents of Homewood, Mountain Brook and beyond.”
Other milestone accomplishments in the redevelopment process included the following:
- Five Guys Burgers and Fries reopened following in-store remodeling.
- Z Gallerie opened a new store on the upper level near Books-A-Million.
- Verizon Wireless opened a new free-standing “Smart Store” on Village Lane west of Belk.
- Popular Huntsville-based restaurant Grille 29 opened in late 2015.