West Homewood could look a little different later this year.
The vacant lot next to Patriot Park could be replaced with a two-story collection of family-friendly businesses as early as this fall. The planning process for the building at the intersection of Oxmoor Road and Oak Grove Road is still in its early stages.
The cornerstone of the building would be The Grove, a New Orleans-style restaurant with a soda fountain and a menu that ranges from coffee and beignets to jambalaya and gumbo. There would also be outdoor patio seating.
Details about other occupants of the space are still being worked out, but new local shops or vendors from Homewood’s summer and night markets are two possibilities. The upper story of the building is currently planned to become an event space and feature balconies for patrons to enjoy views of the park.
This property is part of the 24 parcels of land that were rezoned into the West Homewood District last may, bringing these properties along Oxmoor Road, Oak Grove Road and Scott Street into the new district in accordance with a form-based code approved in 2013.
The code ensures consistent character of buildings in the area, much like those seen in Edgewood or downtown Homewood.
It applies to all future renovations or new construction along Oxmoor Road and Oak Grove Road.
To learn more about the plan, visit westhomewoodplan.com. More details about The Grove will become available in the spring as plans are finalized.