Samford’s proposal for two new student housing buildings across the street from campus was approved in a 7-0 vote at the Homewood Planning Commission. The project now must be approved by the Homewood City Council in a meeting later this fall before Samford can begin construction with plans to complete construction by fall 2028.
The development, which Samford is calling South Campus, will include two six-story buildings to contain 494 beds and student-oriented retail space. The plan also includes improvements to landscaping and pedestrian pathways while adding 920 parking spaces to stay on pace with the expanding student body.
Samford expects the development to not only provide more housing but give students another place to socialize while alleviating parking shortages and traffic congestion that occurs on Samford’s campus and Lakeshore Drive.
“Samford is one of the most consistently growing universities in the United States right now,” Colin Coyne, the vice president for finance and business affairs at Samford University, said. “We have 18 consecutive years of growth in a market that really has been very challenging for higher education.”
Coyne emphasized that this is not the same as last year’s Creekside development pitch as the project got a lot of community pushback.
“We still believe that Creekside was, in terms of stability to generate needed tax revenues for the school system, was a great idea,” Coyne said. “But clearly the community wasn’t with us on that. So, we went back and we said, what was the real purpose of what we’re doing, and that’s making sure we’re serving our students.”
Residents also raised concerns about traffic and environmental impacts during the Planning Commission meeting.
“My primary concern is environmental stormwater runoff into Shakes Creek, increased litter, increased chemical runoff from increased hardscape and parking,” Linda Nabors, a Homewood resident, said.
Other residents asked about the tree removal plan as well as plans in place to keep birds and other wildlife protected.
One resident in favor of the project was Mario Nieves, who said he attended a similar-sized school and worries that the lack of student housing will lead to continued price increases to apartments and houses in the area.
“My senior year, we had to do five people in dorm rooms meant for two, meant for three. It was ridiculous,” said Nieves. “Rental prices have skyrocketed in the city, and I believe it has to do with the lack of dorm rooms or other housing in the area.”
Coyne and other Samford representatives assured residents that they are aware of the environmental impact and looking to get the project a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Coyne anticipates the space being primarily for older students as he believes in Samford’s mission to keep freshman as close to central campus as possible.
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