What’s next for Riverchase Galleria? Once vibrant Hoover mall on the market after years of struggle

The future of the Riverchase Galleria is at a major crossroads. Once the crown jewel of Alabama’s tourist attractions, the sprawling Hoover mall is now hitting the market, signaling a pivotal moment for the massive complex as it faces the same struggles defining 21st-century retail.

A New Chapter for Hoover

The sprawling mall, once the state’s biggest tourist attraction, is hitting the real estate market. While a formal listing is not yet active, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas (JLL) will spearhead the marketing of the property on behalf of owner Brookfield Properties.

For Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis, this sale represents a long-awaited opportunity. Derzis noted that the property’s previous status under a special servicer hindered long-term planning and investment. Reflecting on his administration's early efforts, the Mayor shared that securing a face-to-face meeting with Brookfield officials in Chicago proved difficult, as the ownership group lacked the capacity to pursue the necessary reinvestment for the site.

Addressing the Decline

The numbers highlight the urgent need for a transformation. Since 2019, the Galleria has experienced a 33% drop in foot traffic. Even prior to that, the city faced a downward trend in revenue starting in 2007, resulting in an estimated $75 million loss. Mayor Derzis has been clear: the mall in its current form is simply not viable.

"We’ve talked to several big box stores that would love to come because of our demographics and our location, but they’re not going to come until that place looks different than it does today," Derzis explained.

Big Ideas and Future Growth

The city has already explored several paths forward. Past proposals have included everything from investigating a hospital in the former Sears location to a comprehensive $240 million redevelopment plan recommended last year. That vision suggested a mixed-use transformation featuring apartments, green space, and a performing arts center.

Derzis is also prioritizing a holistic view of the area. He emphasized that the city’s bigger vision for redevelopment includes the neighboring 491,041-square-foot Patton Creek shopping center. Following the acquisition of Patton Creek by RCG Ventures Holdings last year, the city has engaged in productive dialogue regarding its own potential reimagining alongside the Galleria.

The Path Forward

As noted in a 2025 strategy paper by Kimley-Horn, the ownership structure of mall anchors often creates competition that stalls progress. Whatever the next chapter holds, Mayor Derzis is adamant that the city will play an active role in the process.

"We want to sit down with whoever decides, or maybe potential ownership groups, and talk about the revision of bringing that mall back," Derzis said. "It’s just going to take the ownership group to come with an investment to make it."