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

The future of the Riverchase Galleria is now officially up for grabs. Once the crown jewel of Alabama tourism, the massive shopping center is heading to the real estate market, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of American retail.

The sprawling mall, once the state’s biggest tourist attraction, is hitting the real estate market. Property owner Brookfield Properties has tapped Jones Lang LaSalle Americas (JLL) to handle the sale, though an official listing has not yet been posted.

A New Chapter for Hoover

Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis believes this transition is exactly what the city needs to spark a long-overdue transformation. Speaking to 205focus.com, Derzis noted that the property's previous status under a special servicer hampered necessary investment and made direct communication with ownership difficult. The Mayor previously traveled to Chicago to urge a reimagining of the space, but cited limitations in Brookfield's ability to commit to the revitalization the site requires.

The need for a fresh start is clear: the Galleria has weathered a 33% drop in foot traffic since 2019, and the city has faced an estimated $75 million in lost revenue dating back to 2007. According to Derzis, the current model is simply not viable, even though the location remains highly desirable for major retailers who are waiting for a modern update before considering a move.

Reimagining the Landscape

City leadership is already looking at the big picture. Last year, a 147-page study recommended a $240 million, two-phase overhaul featuring apartments, green space, and a performing arts center. Previous ideas, such as converting the former Sears location into a hospital, highlight the range of possibilities for the site.

Mayor Derzis is also looking at the surrounding area, including the 491,041-square-foot Patton Creek shopping center. RCG Ventures Holdings acquired the open-air center last year, and the city sees potential for a synergistic revival of both properties.

Looking Ahead

As noted in a 2025 strategy paper by Kimley-Horn, complex ownership structures often stifle growth, but clear redevelopment strategies—ranging from infill to complete demolition—offer a path forward. Mayor Derzis, who previously emphasized a wider vision for the area's growth, is eager to partner with whoever takes the reins.

"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."