Hammes Unveils Innovative Adaptive Reuse Healthcare Project in Birmingham

Hammes, an esteemed national real estate consulting and development firm, is embarking on a significant journey of transformation in Birmingham, Alabama. The company has recently announced the commencement of a groundbreaking adaptive reuse project that aims to deliver advanced orthopedic care to the local community. This venture involves the renovation of an abandoned two-story department store at Brookwood Village Mall into a modern clinical and surgical hub.

The project marks a crucial milestone as Andrews Sports Medicine, a well-respected name in orthopedic healthcare, will occupy the newly redeveloped space. The initial phase of construction concentrates on the first floor, which will encompass a substantial 61,000 square feet, dedicated specifically to orthopedic services. The anticipated launch date for this innovative clinic is set for June 2027.

Lisa Warren, the CEO of Andrews Sports Medicine, expressed enthusiasm regarding the project, stating, "For decades, Andrews Sports Medicine has set the national standard in orthopedic excellence, helping athletes and patients recover and return to the activities they love. This new facility will further that mission through even greater access and a highly visible, centralized location."

Construction activities kicked off in early December, with significant focus placed on making necessary upgrades to the existing infrastructure to support medical operations within the building. In conjunction with clinic enhancements, the project entails a substantial reconfiguration of the nearby mall space into structured parking, which will accommodate over 600 vehicles, ensuring ample access for patients and healthcare staff alike.

The strategic positioning of the Brookwood Village site, highlighted by its mix of office and retail spaces, presents an appealing environment for the integration of healthcare services. Furthermore, plans for an additional medical office building in the vicinity are under discussion, indicating Hammes' commitment to expanding accessible healthcare solutions in the area.

Arvin Taneja, Vice President at Hammes Partners, noted, "By reinvesting in an existing structure in an ideal location, this project not only accelerates the delivery of orthopedic services but also revitalizes a key property in Birmingham, injecting it with new energy and purpose. We are proud to partner with Andrews Sports Medicine and various stakeholders on this project, which promotes accessibility, sustainability, and community improvement."

The project team comprises a robust lineup of industry experts, including Brasfield & Gorrie as the construction manager, Davis Stokes Collaborative as the architect, and PMC Consulting Engineers and Schoel Engineering collaborating on technical aspects.

This initiative exemplifies the growing trend of utilizing adaptive reuse in healthcare real estate, promoting faster delivery timelines, minimizing environmental impact, and revitalizing underutilized commercial assets for community benefit. Hammes has successfully implemented a similar strategy in New York with the recent completion of the UR Medicine Saunders Center for Orthopaedics and Physical Performance in late 2023, showcasing their expertise in developing healthcare facilities from former retail spaces.

About Hammes

Founded in 1991, Hammes has established itself as a leader in healthcare real estate strategy, planning, construction management, and investment services. Recognized as one of the foremost healthcare developers in the United States by Modern Healthcare and Revista, Hammes has consistently delivered high-quality solutions across a wide array of healthcare settings. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the firm operates through several regional offices nationwide, underscoring its commitment to serving the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.