Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis confirmed to ABC 33/40 that the Riverchase Galleria property is expected to be listed for sale, a move city leaders believe could create new opportunities for redevelopment and investment at one of the region’s most recognizable commercial properties.
In a statement, Derzis said:
The Riverchase Galleria has long been a cornerstone of Hoover’s identity and a key driver of economic activity for our city and the region.
For years, the property’s status under a special servicer has limited the long-term planning and investment necessary to create the transformational development the site deserves.
The forthcoming listing of the Galleria property represents a positive turning point, creating the opportunity to bring a new vision, new capital, and renewed energy to one of the most important commercial assets in our city.
From the outset of my administration, I made it a priority to engage with current ownership and clearly communicate the City’s expectations, goals, and commitment to seeing the Galleria thrive again. We will continue to closely engage throughout this transition process and remain actively engaged going forward.
This moment is the catalyst Hoover has been waiting for. It opens the door for meaningful redevelopment not only of the Galleria itself, but throughout the surrounding commercial corridor. The City of Hoover intends to be a strong and active partner in the next phase of this property’s future.
We are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain fully committed to ensuring that the Riverchase Galleria once again reflects the strength, quality, and promise of our community.
The announcement comes months after Hoover leaders received the results of a major redevelopment study examining what the future could hold for the Riverchase Galleria and surrounding properties.
In 2025, the city partnered with Hunden Partners, a nationally recognized consulting firm, to conduct an extensive analysis of what officials called the “Galleria Campus.” The study examined retail trends, visitor traffic, sales tax performance and redevelopment opportunities across the property.
The findings highlighted challenges facing not only the Riverchase Galleria, but enclosed malls across the country.
Consultants found the property has experienced declining visitation and changing consumer shopping habits, trends that have affected malls nationwide as online shopping and mixed-use developments continue to reshape the retail landscape.
Despite those challenges, the report concluded the site remains one of the most valuable redevelopment opportunities in Alabama because of its location, infrastructure and surrounding commercial development.
The study proposed a two-phase roadmap for transforming portions of the property over time. Recommendations included introducing residential development, entertainment venues, public gathering spaces, hospitality options and additional mixed-use projects designed to bring people to the area beyond traditional shopping.
Some concepts included replacing underutilized portions of the mall with apartments, new retail experiences, restaurants and entertainment attractions while creating a more walkable destination.
At the time the study was released, city leaders emphasized that no final redevelopment plan had been adopted. Instead, officials described the report as a blueprint intended to guide future discussions with property owners and potential developers.
While no buyer has been publicly identified and a timeline for the sale has not been announced, city officials appear optimistic that new ownership could provide the investment necessary to move long-discussed redevelopment plans closer to reality.
