Some headlines arrived with loud debate. Others unfolded block by block. But each of these five stories helped shape how Homewood evolved in 2025 — through government reform, neighborhood questions and the slow, steady work of growth. Together, they reflect a city learning how to modernize without losing its core.
Staff photo
Election Day
Election polling place.
Elections and a handoff: Voters reset the board — mayor plus a five-seat council under the new mayor-council-manager system. The Oct. 27 meeting doubled as a farewell tour for the 11-member council era, with long-serving leaders taking their final votes before the transition. Immediate impact: fewer committees, pre-council briefings and a cleaner line between policy and administration. Broader impact: decisions that don’t wait two weeks.
Photo courtesy of the city of Homewood.
A conceptual drawing for a steakhouse surrounded by a walkable, family-friendly park proposed by developer Mike Mouron to repurpose the long-vacant police headquarters and jail property. Mouron submitted the idea as an unsolicited proposal at a city finance committee meeting in February, and plans to plans to refine the details and submit a formal plan for review.
Jailhouse Steakhouse withdrawn: A creative reuse plan for the former police property — steakhouse plus pocket park — couldn’t survive litigation and blowback. Developer Mike Mouron pulled the plug in August. The episode was a reminder: even popular ideas need airtight process, broad buy-in and durable timelines.
Photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
A larger-than-usual crowd gathered for the Homewood City Council meeting of Oct. 13, when councilors approved a new ordinance addressing homelessness in the city.
Homelessness ordinance and public space concerns: After a failed unanimous-consent try in late September, council passed a homelessness and encampment ordinance Oct. 13 on an 8-0 vote. The aim, leaders said, was practical tools for first responders — especially around sleeping in vehicles — while leaving room to tweak language as needed. It signaled a city trying to balance compassion, clarity and quality of life.
Photo by Sarah Owens
Landmark Development President Bob Dunn speaks about the the Samford Creekside District Development at a community conversation event, hosted by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, at Frothy Monkey on June 2, 2025. Photo by Sarah Owens
Samford’s Creekside withdrawn: The $700 million mixed-use pitch that promised housing, a hotel and a campus bridge met sustained neighborhood resistance over height, traffic and incentives. The developer pulled rezoning requests days before a scheduled hearing in June, forcing a deeper conversation about growth, trust and what “fit” looks like on Lakeshore.
Photo by Sarah Owens
The Edge
Businesses at The Edge celebrated the grand opening if the multi-use development in Homewood on Nov. 2, 2024.
West Homewood’s steady build: The Edge marked its one-year anniversary, new apartments opened, and restaurants like Paramount and El Barrio added doors and foot traffic near Green Springs and I-65. No single ribbon-cutting tells the story; the corridor is maturing block by block.
