El Barrio, Paramount part of proposed Homewood multi-use development

El Barrio, Paramount part of proposed Homewood multi-use development

Two popular Birmingham eateries are being proposed as part of a multi-use development that could become reality in Homewood.

WBRC is reporting Village Creek Development President Tom Walker is proposing a development on Oxmoor Road at the site of the Econo Lodge and Cobb Street Dental office property.

Walker declined to comment on the project to AL.com, saying he wants more time to consult with the city before making any public announcement. Earlier this week, he was busy gaining community input at a meeting.

Neville Baay, owner of El Barrio Restaurante and Paramount Downtown, confirmed that his two restaurants are being discussed as part of the development. He said these locations would be very similar to the existing restaurants.

“It’s pretty early in the process,” Baay said. “We originally were asked to come along by the developer help put together a two-restaurant space. As that process went along, it morphed into an El Barrio and Paramount project, but it’s still pretty early. We’ve worked really hard to define what we are over the years, so they would be pretty similar concepts.”

Walker told residents he also sees 12,500 square feet of retail space in the development, rentable townhomes, along with expanded parking, sidewalks and green space.

If approved, the development could be completed in the fall of 2024.