The Shops of Grand River is Alabama’s premier outlet and entertainment destination, located at Exit 140 on I-20 in Leeds, just minutes from Birmingham. The 329,378 SF center attracts over 8.2 million visitors each year and sits within a vibrant corridor anchored by major regional draws: Buc-ee’s, Barber Motorsports Park & Museum, and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.
The center is undergoing a $700M transformation, including $100M in redevelopments to expand entertainment, hospitality, and lifestyle offerings. The Backyard — already a destination with restaurants, live music, outdoor games, and a drive-in — will soon expand with pickleball, beach volleyball, batting cages, basketball, and a jumbotron for events. A new Sports Illustrated Resort Hotel, conference space, Crystal Lagoon, and residential developments will bring year-round traffic and activity.
Strong Visitor Base: 8.2M+ annual visitors; positioned in a high-growth entertainment and retail hub.
Regional Access: Easy access from I-20, drawing from Birmingham metro and a 60-mile trade area of 1.8M residents.
Demographics: Avg. household income $73K–$81K; median age 38; 26% of households with children.
Current Center: 329,378 SF GLA with national brands, dining, and entertainment anchored by The Backyard.
Redevelopment in Progress:
$100M in upgrades over 5 years
46,000 SF of new retail/entertainment space
Expansion of The Backyard amenities (pickleball, volleyball, jumbotron, etc.)
150-room Sports Illustrated Resort Hotel (2028) with restaurant and pool
Event Plaza connecting to 275-acre championship sports park (2027)
Market Growth Drivers:
950 new single-family homes, 370 multifamily units, 50 sports cottages
Crystal Lagoon, Vacation Club, additional hotels & conference center
Cahaba River Bridge (2027) connecting directly to the new sports park and residential growth