“We’re so excited to see the highly anticipated District 31 development coming to fruition. This will further cement Alabaster’s status as a regional shopping destination while generating millions in additional tax revenue to support Alabaster schools, infrastructure and public services.”
—Mayor Scott Brakefield
District 31
A shopping, food, and entertainment destination is about to become reality. The highly anticipated project called District 31 has been on drawing boards and in planning phase for years. Now it’s on its way to fruition with construction starting mid to late summer once final approvals and permits are issued, with building construction starting in 2025.
What is District 31?
The District 31 project is a $242-million investment at the northwest quadrant of U.S. 31 and Interstate 65, which will bring approximately 600,000 square feet of new retail, restaurant, and hotel space to Alabaster. “District 31 will launch a new vision for exit 238 and be a long-term asset to the community for years to come,” says Alumni Properties and Parkes Development Group Managing Partner and CEO Keith Owens. “We have worked diligently for over eight years to conceive and assemble the right mix for the development and look forward to taking this project to the construction phase.”
Next Steps
District 31 and the adjoining Shoppes at District 31 will bring a total of nearly 75 new businesses to the city including new national and regional anchor stores, projected national brand-name sit-down full-service restaurants, smaller service and boutique-style shops, new fast-casual restaurants, a potential hotel with retail space, and office space. The plan for Shoppes at District 31, which will front U.S. 31, include mixed restaurants and service-oriented shop spaces. “We’re so excited to see the highly anticipated District 31 development coming to fruition. This will further cement Alabaster’s status as a regional shopping destination while generating millions in additional tax revenue to support Alabaster schools, infrastructure, and public services,” says Alabaster Mayor Scott Brakefield. “This development will include many retailers and restaurants our residents have been requesting for years.”
Partnership
The Alabaster City Council voted during its March 25 meeting to approve an incentive package for the District 31 development. The $84.85-million-maximum agreement covers sales, property, and construction tax rebates over a maximum 30-year period based upon project performance and only applies to a portion of new tax proceeds created by the development. The developer will also make significant roadway improvements to U.S. 31 and Ninth Avenue Southeast, which will serve as one of the development’s entrances. Once completed, District 31 will add to the city’s high-visibility U.S. 31 and Interstate 65 corridors and will create hundreds of new local jobs. The development will generate an estimated $2.8 million per year in new city sales taxes and an estimated $1.4 million in new school sales tax.
“The project would not be possible without the support from the City of Alabaster and the commitment from city leadership and staff,” Owens adds. “We also want to thank the Alabaster Water Board, Shelby County, ALDOT, Alabama Power, and many other interested stakeholders for their continued and future support. Our team remains committed to delivering the best available tenants to create a dynamic mixed-use environment at the city’s front door.”
Additional announcements on the project related to tenant commitments and opening dates will come in future releases when available.