A group of Samford University architecture students spent this semester studying a very familiar part of our community, the edge of downtown near Rosedale. The project centered on the stretch along 18th Street at the northern edge of downtown Homewood. This is the point where downtown starts to transition and connect into surrounding neighborhoods, especially Rosedale.
This is a regular part of the architecture program, using real places to help students work through real situations. This year, they were looking closely at how that part of Homewood functions today and how it could better connect, particularly between downtown and the historic Rosedale neighborhood just behind it. Students took a close look at walkability, public space, and how people move through the area. Some explored ways to add green space and create places people would want to gather. Others focused on how new development could either strengthen or take away from what is already there. Those ideas grew into detailed concepts shaped by both individual work and team effort.
As the semester came to a close, all of the concepts and designs were shared with Homewood City leaders and local architects, offering a chance for them to listen and offer feedback. Mayor Jennifer Andress shared that the presentations provided real insight, even in an area she already knows well. She noted that students helped highlight a drop in walkability north of 28th Avenue, which aligns with ongoing conversations about where more work is still needed along that corridor.
While these projects are not being selected as official plans, the value comes from what they reveal. What stood out most was the care the students showed toward Rosedale. There was a clear effort to respect its history while still thinking about how the area can grow in a thoughtful way. That balance is not easy, but it came through in many of the designs.
City leaders walked away with real gratitude for Samford and the role it plays in offering this kind of learning, which not only shapes students but also brings meaningful insight back into the community.
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