Samford University withdraws Creekside development plan, ending controversy in Homewood

A controversial development proposal in Homewood has come to a close. Samford University and its partners, Landmark Development and Johnson Controls, announced Thursday they are withdrawing all rezoning applications and development plans for the proposed Creekside West and East projects.

The Creekside proposal, a mixed-use development intended to sit on university-owned land along Lakeshore Drive, had drawn widespread attention and pushback from local residents, environmental groups, and city officials. As planned, the project included residential housing, a high-rise hotel, retail space, and a shared-use athletic facility—features that many argued were out of scale with the surrounding community.

Samford University President Dr. Beck A. Taylor said in a statement that the university will now redirect its focus toward projects on its existing campus.

“Samford will continue to focus on its multi-phase master development plan for campus improvements to enhance campus lifestyle and promote an environment for academic and personal success, which are essential to keeping Samford mission-focused and competitive,” Taylor said. “The work we do to keep Samford on its positive trajectory benefits all of Homewood, and we are proud of our relationship with the Homewood community.”

From the time it was introduced, the Creekside project was met with concern from Homewood residents. The scale and density of the proposed buildings, especially the hotel and apartments, drew criticism. Some objected to the idea of converting the Homewood Soccer Park into a shared facility with Samford, fearing the community would lose access to a vital public recreational space.

Environmental groups also raised red flags. As reported by CBS 42, Friends of Shades Creek executive director Henry Hughes warned that development near a protected salamander pond and forested habitat could endanger local wildlife and compromise the ecological integrity of the area.

Additionally, at a public meeting on May 19, Landmark Development revealed it had requested $26 million in tax incentives from the City of Homewood over a 20-year period. As AL.com stated, the proposal would have redirected ad valorem, lodging, and sales tax revenues back into the project, excluding only the portion allocated to Homewood City Schools. Homewood Mayor Alex Wyatt told the outlet that the proposal represented the largest and longest incentive package ever considered by the city, prompting further concern among council members and residents.

In response to the backlash, an online petition opposing the development gathered hundreds of signatures by mid-May, and multiple public information sessions were held to address community concerns.

The decision to withdraw the plans appears to close the chapter on the Creekside proposal for the foreseeable future.

“The only way a project like this moves forward is through a true public-private partnership to realize benefits for the broader community, its residents, and schools, as well as other civic anchors,” said Bob Dunn, president of Landmark Development. “There is no timetable for revisiting Creekside, and our team’s focus right now is on the current and planned projects on Samford’s campus.”

The withdrawal brings an end to a debate that has spanned months and drawn strong feelings on all sides, leaving Samford to continue its growth inward, while Homewood residents move forward without a development that many viewed as a threat to their community’s character.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].