Turning One of Northport’s Most Neglected Retail Centers Into a Community Asset
Right Space Commercial transformed Vestavia Plaza at 720 McFarland Boulevard in Northport, AL from one of the city’s most rundown retail properties into a clean, cohesive shopping center that now serves as a model for small-scale redevelopment. Partnering with the City of Northport’s Northport First façade improvement program, Right Space leveraged in-house construction and design to revitalize the center in just four months—doubling rental rates and improving conditions for tenants and customers alike.
Highlights:
12-Unit Retail Center
4-Month Redevelopment
City of Northport Facade Grant Recipient
Doubled Rental Rates
Deal Details
When Right Space Commercial acquired Vestavia Plaza in October 2021, the property was in serious disrepair. The seller—heirs of the original builder—had inherited the asset but lacked the resources or interest to maintain it.
The 12-unit center suffered from a failing roof, pothole-filled parking lot, inconsistent signage, and visible neglect. Several tenants were behind on rent, and those who remained paid roughly half of market rates. Despite the condition, occupancy was relatively stable, providing an opportunity for a quick turnaround through renovation and management discipline.
This was an off-market acquisition, the result of a cold-call negotiation directly with the owners.
Property Details
Vestavia Plaza is a 12-unit neighborhood shopping center located on McFarland Boulevard in Northport, adjacent to the Vestavia neighborhood. The center features small, affordable suites averaging around 850 SF, which appeal to service-based and local businesses such as salons, barbers, retail boutiques, and food service.
Key characteristics:
12 tenant spaces totaling 12,000 SF
Located in Northport, Alabama, along the city’s main commercial corridor
Surrounded by established residential neighborhoods
Ample surface parking with improved layout and drainage
Consistent new façade and rooftop signage system
The combination of location, accessibility, and flexible suite sizes made the property an ideal candidate for repositioning rather than redevelopment.
Strategy & Positioning
Right Space approached Vestavia Plaza with the same “Find it, Fix it, Fill it” philosophy that drives its other retail and industrial successes—identifying undervalued assets, improving them cost-effectively, and re-leasing at sustainable market rates.
1. Addressing Deferred Maintenance
At acquisition, Vestavia Plaza had structural and aesthetic issues: a failing roof, uneven parking surfaces, damaged fascia, and inconsistent signage. Over four months, the team:
Installed a new roof across the property.
Resurfaced and restriped the entire parking lot.
Painted the building and pressure-washed exterior surfaces.
Created a uniform rooftop signage system, including custom metal signs with tenant branding.
Because the new signage design exceeded the standard city code, Right Space sought and received a variance to allow its installation—a creative step that gave the plaza a unified, modern look.
2. Leveraging Public-Private Partnership
Vestavia Plaza was one of the first commercial properties to benefit from Northport’s Facade Improvement Program, launched through the city’s Northport First initiative. The program provided $20,000 in reimbursement for qualifying projects that invested at least $30,000 in façade upgrades.
Right Space’s work became a test case for the initiative and was later featured in local media coverage (Patch News, 2022), highlighting how public-private cooperation can encourage reinvestment in aging retail centers.
3. Resolving Environmental and Boundary Challenges
The project also involved resolving several complex site issues:
Boundary discrepancies among multiple adjoining parcels, including a separate gas-station parcel and a small detached retail building.
Environmental testing to confirm no underground storage tank leaks affected the property.
A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to remove the building from a flood-zone designation, eliminating unnecessary flood-insurance costs.
4. In-House Redevelopment
Right Space’s in-house construction and design teams completed all improvements quickly and efficiently, keeping costs below market. Each suite was upgraded to move-in-ready condition, helping retain existing tenants and attract new ones immediately after completion.
Location Overview
Situated on McFarland Boulevard near the Vestavia neighborhood, Vestavia Plaza benefits from strong daily traffic and residential proximity. The property sits just minutes from downtown Northport and the University of Alabama, positioning it for consistent retail and service demand.
The project also helped improve the city’s image: prior to redevelopment, local media had cited the plaza as one of Northport’s worst-maintained commercial sites. Today, it serves as a visible example of private reinvestment aligned with community goals.
Transformation Gallery
These before-and-after photos highlight the dramatic transformation achieved in just four months. Right Space Commercial’s renovations improved the building’s curb appeal, safety, and tenant experience while setting a new standard for small-scale retail redevelopment in Northport.
Before Photos
After Photos
Result
Within months of completing renovations, Vestavia Plaza’s rent levels doubled, yet the center retained most of its existing tenants thanks to the improved environment and affordable unit sizes. New tenants leased remaining suites quickly, stabilizing the property and elevating its perception in the community.
The project demonstrated how thoughtful design and collaboration with local programs can revitalize neighborhood retail without large-scale reconstruction. The property continues to be owned and managed by Right Space Commercial.
Tenant Feedback
“The shopping center was very run-down—potholes in the parking lot, very little lighting—and I wasn’t interested in looking at a space here until one of my clients told me the center had just been purchased and was about to be remodeled. I came and looked at a couple of spaces and was told about all the improvements taking place, so I decided to move forward. The very next day, a new roof was being installed and within days new paint on the building. By the time I moved in, it looked like a new building. My customers noticed how much it had changed for the better and they enjoy coming to this location.”
“I have enjoyed the past three years and look forward to many more. The location is great—very visible from McFarland Blvd and easily accessible. The ladies in the office are nice and always get back to me in a timely manner. I would recommend Vestavia Plaza to other businesses.”
– Kidz Kutz
FAQ
What was the property’s condition at purchase?
It had severe deferred maintenance: roof leaks, failing signage, potholes, and inconsistent façades.
How long did redevelopment take?
Roughly four months from acquisition to completion.
Was public funding involved?
Yes. The project qualified for reimbursement through the Northport First façade improvement program.
What were the key results?
Doubled rental rates, improved occupancy, and positive recognition from the city and community.
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