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. As the retail landscape shifts, the massive shopping complex—once Alabama’s premier tourist destination—is officially hitting the real estate market. This move represents a pivotal moment for Hoover as officials look to turn a struggling property into a forward-thinking economic hub.

A New Chapter for an Iconic Site

The sprawling mall is officially on the market, with Jones Lang LaSalle Americas (JLL) tapped to handle the listing for owner Brookfield Properties. While an official price tag or listing status has yet to be finalized, the move is being viewed by city leadership as the necessary spark for long-term growth.

Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis, who took office last year, noted that being under a special servicer has previously hampered the city’s ability to drive meaningful change at the site. Derzis recalled the difficulty of securing meetings with ownership, noting that he and city representatives even traveled to Chicago in an attempt to spark a dialogue regarding the property’s future.

The Case for Transformation

The data highlights the urgent need for a pivot. Since 2019, the Galleria has experienced a 33% drop in foot traffic. Looking back further to 2007, the city estimates a revenue loss of $75 million, underscoring Mayor Derzis’s sentiment that the current iteration of the mall is simply not viable.

However, the potential remains high. According to the Mayor, major retailers are still interested in the Hoover market, but they are waiting for a comprehensive reimagining of the property before committing. Past proposals for the site have been ambitious, ranging from a potential hospital in the former Sears location to a $240 million plan that would introduce apartments, green space, and a performing arts center.

A Broader Vision for Hoover

Derzis is pushing for a holistic approach, ensuring that any future development accounts for the surrounding area. This includes the nearby Patton Creek shopping center. RCG Ventures Holdings, which acquired the 491,041-square-foot open-air center last year, has been in positive talks with city officials about bringing new life to that corridor.

As noted in a 2025 strategy paper by the consulting firm Kimley-Horn, ownership structures often create roadblocks to modernization. The goal now is to overcome those hurdles through a collaborative 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."