Real estate consulting and development company Hammes has started work on an adaptive reuse project in Birmingham, Alabama, US, to introduce orthopaedic care and expanded outpatient services to the area.
The initiative involves transforming a vacant two-storey department store at Brookwood Village Mall into a new surgical and clinical centre.
The initial phase of the redevelopment will see the transformation of the first floor into a 61,000ft² orthopaedic clinic, which will house Andrews Sports Medicine.
This new facility is expected to open in June 2027.
Construction activities started this month, prioritising upgrades to the existing structure to accommodate medical use.
The project also includes converting multiple floors of the adjacent mall area into structured parking, providing more than 600 parking spaces for patients and staff.
Andrews Sports Medicine CEO Lisa Warren said: "For decades, Andrews Sports Medicine has set the national standard in orthopaedic 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, centralised location."
The Brookwood Village site is situated among a mix of commercial, office, and retail properties.
There are plans to potentially develop an additional medical office building on nearby land in a future phase.
Hammes Partners vice-president Arvin Taneja said: "By reinvesting in an existing structure in an ideal location, this project not only accelerates delivery of orthopaedic services but also brings new energy and purpose to a key property in Birmingham.
"We are proud to partner with Andrews Sports Medicine and all of our partners on this unique project that advances access, sustainability, and community revitalisation."
Hammes has previously managed the UR Medicine Saunders Center for Orthopaedics and Physical Performance, a similar adaptive reuse project in New York.
Completed in late 2023, the 330,000ft² orthopaedic facility was redeveloped from a former Sears within an active shopping mall.
