QUICK SUMMARY
The Hoover City Council has approved a tax rebate agreement to redevelop the long-vacant former Big Lots space at Riverchase Crossing into two new stores: Alabama’s first HomeSense (27,278 sq ft) and Hoover’s first Shoe Dept (10,515 sq ft). Developer NRE Riverchase plans to invest almost $10.5 million in the project, with the city providing up to $1.9 million in sales tax rebates over 10 years. The same Aug. 10 meeting also approved a Grandview freestanding emergency department on Valleydale Road and a land purchase supporting the new I-459 Exit 9 interchange — three signs of continued momentum for Hoover and the greater Riverchase area.
One of Hoover’s oldest shopping centers is getting a second act. After sitting empty since Big Lots closed in February 2025, the anchor space at Riverchase Crossing is set to be split and rebuilt for two new-to-the-area retailers — and it is part of a bigger wave of reinvestment across the city that homeowners in Riverchase, and across the Birmingham metro, should be paying attention to.
What is coming to Riverchase Crossing?
According to the Hoover Sun, Tennessee-based developer NRE Riverchase plans to buy the portion of the shopping center containing the former Big Lots and convert the 37,793-square-foot space into two stores: a 27,278-square-foot HomeSense — the first in Alabama — and a 10,515-square-foot Shoe Dept, the first in Hoover.
HomeSense is a sister brand of T.J. Maxx (like the Sierra store that recently opened in the same center), selling discounted home furnishings and decor — rugs, lighting, and eclectic finds. For a metro full of homeowners who love a project, a discount home-furnishings anchor is a fitting addition.
How is the city supporting the redevelopment?
The developer plans to invest almost $10.5 million — $8.8 million to buy the land and renovate the building plus $1.7 million in soft costs. In return, the council approved up to $1.9 million in sales tax rebates, structured as a 50/50 split of sales tax proceeds from the two new stores for up to 10 years. Hoover’s economic development director says the cap is expected to be reached around year seven. The rebate applies only to the redeveloped Big Lots space, not existing stores. Local station ABC 33/40 also covered the incentive discussions.
Own a home in Hoover, Vestavia, or anywhere in the metro? See what reinvestment like this means for your bottom line with a free home valuation, or call/text 205-292-7142.
What else did the Hoover City Council approve?
The Aug. 10 meeting was busy beyond retail:
1. New emergency care. The council approved a Grandview Medical Center freestanding emergency department at 2137 Valleydale Road — a meaningful healthcare access upgrade for families along the Valleydale corridor.
2. Progress on I-459 Exit 9. The city agreed to buy 0.22 acres from the Trace Crossings Residential Association to help make way for the new Interstate 459 Exit 9 interchange — a long-anticipated project for the fast-growing Trace Crossings side of town.
3. Quality-of-life items. The council also approved a day habilitation and respite services program on Lorna Road and agreed to participate in Alabama’s severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday in February.
Why does retail redevelopment matter for Birmingham-area home values?
Vacant anchor space drags on a neighborhood — no foot traffic, no tax revenue, and a “what’s happening with that empty building?” question for every buyer touring nearby. Filling it with two national retailers does the opposite: it signals confidence, restores activity, and adds convenience that shows up in buyer demand. It fits a pattern we have been tracking across the metro, from new homes in Cahaba Heights to the openings covered in our Birmingham suburbs business roundup. For the bigger picture on prices and inventory, see our latest Greater Birmingham housing market report.
New to the area or relocating for work? Start with our relocating to Alabama guide or call/text the Birmingham team at 205-292-7142.
Frequently asked questions
Where will Alabama’s first HomeSense store be located?
Alabama’s first HomeSense is planned for the Riverchase Crossing shopping center in Hoover, in 27,278 square feet of the former Big Lots space. HomeSense is a T.J. Maxx-affiliated brand selling discounted home furnishings and decor.
What happened to the Big Lots at Riverchase Crossing?
Big Lots closed its Riverchase Crossing location in February 2025 after about 7½ years there, and the 37,793-square-foot space has sat vacant since. NRE Riverchase now plans to divide and renovate it for HomeSense and Shoe Dept.
Is Hoover getting a new emergency room?
Yes. At the same Aug. 10, 2026 meeting, the Hoover City Council approved a Grandview Medical Center freestanding emergency department at 2137 Valleydale Road, expanding emergency care access on the Valleydale corridor.
Does new retail really affect nearby home values?
Filled retail space near a neighborhood generally supports demand — it adds convenience, foot traffic, and tax revenue, and removes the uncertainty of a vacant anchor. It is one of several factors, alongside schools, commute, and inventory, that shape what buyers will pay.
Thinking about a move in the Birmingham metro?
From Hoover to Trussville, our team tracks every development that touches your home’s value — let’s talk about what it means for you.
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