QUICK SUMMARY
Vestavia Hills City Center, the 390,000-square-foot shopping hub at 700 Montgomery Highway, has sold for $76 million to Mobile-based Burton Property Group. It is the company’s first purchase in the Birmingham metro, and it plans to upgrade the Publix-anchored property. The sale headlines a busy season for Vestavia Hills business: The Kitchen by Market, Sequoia, Ace of the Hills, and Busy Brush Studio have all opened recently, and a new Ace Hardware is coming to The Bray at Liberty Park. Strong retail investment like this is one more sign of confidence in the Vestavia Hills market.
One of Vestavia Hills’ most visible properties just changed hands. According to the Vestavia Voice, Burton Property Group acquired Vestavia Hills City Center at 700 Montgomery Highway for $76 million – and that is only part of what is new around town this summer.
Who bought Vestavia Hills City Center?
Burton Property Group, a real estate investment company based in Mobile, purchased the 390,000-square-foot mixed-use retail and commercial property. City Center is anchored by Publix and is home to favorites like Taco Mama and Starbucks.
Two details stand out. First, this is Burton’s first acquisition in the Birmingham metro – a major out-of-town investor planting its flag in Vestavia. Second, the company says it plans to upgrade the facility and create long-term value, which is good news for shoppers and for nearby home owners alike.
Wondering what growing retail investment means for your home’s value? Get a free home valuation or call 205-292-7142.
What new businesses just opened in Vestavia Hills?
The City Center sale is the headline, but the whole business scene is buzzing. Here is what has opened recently:
1. The Kitchen by Market – 1031 Montgomery Highway. The second location of the Mountain Brook Village gourmet grocery, with grab-and-go meals, wraps, chicken salad, and salads. Open daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Sequoia – 3244 Cahaba Heights Road. A strength training gym offering one-on-one and semi-private personal training, owned by certified trainer Kalvin Frelich.
3. Ace of the Hills – 680 Old Town Road on U.S. 31. A new hardware store from Chris and April Edwards, the owners of Rainbow Paint and Decorating, at nearly double their old space.
4. Busy Brush Studio – 1425 Montgomery Highway. A paint-your-own pottery studio from owner Tori Dill with classes for couples, kids’ camps, and adult nights.
What is coming next to Liberty Park?
The Compton family, who run Compton Ace Hardware on Montevallo Road and the Ace store in Crestline Park, closed on a 1-acre lot at The Bray at Liberty Park off Collier Drive in July. Their new Ace Hardware will sit across from the Medical Properties Trust headquarters, next to the Publix-anchored Marketplace at The Bray.
The store is expected to run 12,000 to 15,000 square feet – larger than their Crestline Park location. The family hopes to start construction by the end of this year and open about 12 months later. For Liberty Park families, that means one more daily errand handled without leaving the neighborhood.
Thinking about a move to Vestavia? Start with our Vestavia Hills community guide or text 205-292-7142.
Why does a $76 million sale matter for Vestavia home owners?
When a major investor spends $76 million in your zip code, pay attention. Retail follows rooftops – and investment follows confidence. Burton Property Group is betting big that Vestavia Hills will keep growing, and planned upgrades to City Center should make one of the city’s busiest corners even more attractive.
Strong retail, strong schools, and easy access to U.S. 31 and I-65 are exactly the mix that keeps Vestavia Hills home values among the most stable in the metro. You can see how the numbers are trending in our latest Greater Birmingham housing market report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who bought Vestavia Hills City Center in 2026?
Burton Property Group, a real estate investment company based in Mobile, Alabama, purchased Vestavia Hills City Center at 700 Montgomery Highway for $76 million. It is the company’s first acquisition in the Birmingham metro area.
Will the stores at City Center stay open?
Yes. The 390,000-square-foot center remains anchored by Publix, with tenants like Taco Mama and Starbucks. The new owner has said it plans to upgrade the property and create long-term value, not clear it out.
When will the new Ace Hardware at Liberty Park open?
The Compton family hopes to begin construction at The Bray at Liberty Park by the end of 2026 and open roughly 12 months later, so look for an opening in late 2027.
Is Vestavia Hills a good place to buy a home right now?
Vestavia Hills pairs top-rated schools with strong retail and quick highway access, and major investments like the $76 million City Center sale show long-term confidence in the area. Homes here tend to hold value well, though the right timing depends on your budget and goals.
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