Malls and Money: Why One Shopping Center is Winning the Race

In the world of shopping malls, two big names in Alabama are facing very different futures. Brookwood Mall and Riverchase Galleria have both seen better days, but one is getting a big makeover while the other is struggling to keep up. Brookwood Mall was once the place to be. People loved going there for birthdays, holidays, and just hanging out. But times have changed. The mall lost its last store, Five Guys, in December 2024. Now, it's just an empty building with no clear plan for the future. Riverchase Galleria, on the other hand, is getting a massive upgrade. The city of Hoover, where the mall is located, is investing a lot of money to turn it into a modern, mixed-use space. This means new apartments, shops, and even a big arts center. The city sees the mall as a key part of its economy and is willing to spend big to keep it that way. The big difference between these two malls comes down to money and support. Hoover has the resources and the will to invest in the Galleria's future. Brookwood Mall, however, is owned by two smaller cities that don't have as much money to spend. They've started working together, but their plans are much smaller and slower. One bright spot for Brookwood is a new orthopedic clinic planned for the old Belk store. It's a start, but it's not the same as the big changes coming to the Galleria. The clinic is a $124 million project, which is good, but it's not enough to transform the entire mall area. In the end, the winner is clear. Riverchase Galleria is getting the support it needs to thrive, while Brookwood Mall is facing a much slower and smaller transformation. It's not about which mall is more fun or has better memories. It's about which one has a city behind it that's ready to invest in its future.