Reporting also by Mitchell Drennen
Samford University recently announced plans for its new Creekside District, a 27-acre commercial lifestyle development across Lakeshore Drive. In partnership with Landmark Development and Johnson Controls, Samford hopes to create “a dynamic, walkable, livable town square environment that offers a variety of neighborhood amenities for everyone,” according to the website creeksidehomewood.com.
The name Creekside comes from the natural surroundings of the land – like the breeding grounds for the endangered spotted salamander – that Samford wishes to pay respect to in this journey.
“We want to make the creek a centerpiece, right? Not a hindrance or an afterthought in all of this,” said Samford University President Beck Taylor.
Taylor says the development will assist Samford in achieving that “world-class residential campus” feel for Samford and Homewood residents alike.
“We know that the campus also needs other amenities that will drive interest, will serve our students and employees and the local community we call home,” said Taylor. “And as you look at other great residential campuses, they tend to have amenities and other resources close to campus within walking distance.”
The plans for the expansion, as of right now, include a hotel, conference center, “various Samford-related housing opportunities” and “a variety of restaurant and retail establishments as well,” according to Taylor. Construction for Creekside could begin as early as 2026.
Not only does this development create physical growth for Samford, it has also been the cause for internal growth within university policies.
“ The current development plan would very likely include restaurants that would sell beer and wine,” Taylor said. “The hotel would probably also sell alcohol. Our board of trustees have approved some amendments to our alcohol policy to allow for (this).”
Alcohol has been a touchy subject at Samford, given the school’s Baptist roots, so this change signifies a culture shift in the school’s priorities.
It has been important for Samford administration to keep open, healthy communication with the community of Homewood throughout this.
“ It’s been a very, I think, healthy conversation with the community as people are asking questions, offering solutions,” Taylor said.
However, Samford alumnus Isaac Collie disagreed. He attended a town hall meeting held on March 4 while the university was on spring break, and explained that community reception was not positive.
“ Samford’s rezoning for their two areas that they’re wanting to develop was denied due to a lack of community involvement,” said Collie.
Collie said it felt like Samford “threw this meeting together in order to get community involvement.”
According to Collie, attendees of the town hall ranged from university professors to representatives from the Friends of Shades Creek group.
“ The whole meeting kind of felt like a, ‘Hey, let’s get this done’,” said Collie.
Despite the community response, Taylor is confident that students will be pleased with this development.
“ Again, the number one reason why we’re doing this is because we want to surround our campus with amenities that students would find inviting and fun,” said Taylor. “ In terms of students, I’m not sure students would face very many challenges. I think this is all on the plus column for students.”
However, he also confessed that Samford dining options will take a hit next semester, due to record enrollment.
“ I think next year we’re going to trade parking problems for a little bit of dining challenge. We’re going to be a little tight,” he said.
However, he states the university already has “fun and unique solutions for that.”
A website has been created to display the plans for the development, it can be accessed here.
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