Homewood Council Approves The Woods Mini-Golf and Bar Development

The Homewood City Council granted final zoning approval on Oct. 26 for The Woods, a new outdoor entertainment center planned for West Homewood. The project, centered on an 18-hole putting green, aims to fill a gap in local leisure options for residents west of Edgewood. Owen Ferguson, 30, and his business partners intend to transform an acre of land at 504 Scott St. into a hub for social gatherings and sports.

The development will feature a 2,783-square-foot building housing a full-service bar and grill. Outdoor spaces will include party cabanas, an open turf field, and a large-screen TV wall designed for private events and social viewing. Ferguson stated that the venue is intended to be more than just a golf course, with plans for vendor markets, live music, trivia nights, and corporate events. The group aims to host tournaments and leagues for all ages, keeping the space active throughout the week.

The partnership consists of Homewood natives Jack Dorough, Tommy Donaldson, Ferguson, and Riley Meeks, along with Vestavia Hills native Lee Pantazis. Dorough described the project as a shared dream to start something in their hometown. The group has been meeting with neighbors and local business owners to introduce themselves and the concept. Adjacent businesses include Oxmoor Automotive, Homewood Animal Hospital, and Public Storage, placing the new venue in a mixed-use area of the city.

Ferguson acknowledged that traffic and parking are common concerns in West Homewood. He noted that the new public parking lot at the former Waffle House site, located catty-corner to the property, is a major advantage for the project. The Woods will provide 22 dedicated parking spaces on-site. Regarding noise, Ferguson said the team intends to adhere strictly to city ordinances and maintain open communication with nearby residents. He wants neighbors to feel comfortable reaching out if the volume becomes an issue, emphasizing a desire to be a good fit in the community.

Ferguson has worked as a property broker with Amwins for seven years but is leaving the company to focus on this venture. He met his wife, Leah, at Birmingham-Southern College, where he played basketball for one year. The couple now lives on Saulter Road and has an infant daughter. Ferguson said his former employer supported his decision, joking that they would be annoyed if they were not the first corporate event to hold at the new venue.

The project responds to a decade of changes in West Homewood, which has seen renovations to West Homewood Park and the addition of a pool at Patriot Park. Restaurants have also increased in the area. Ferguson hopes The Woods will contribute to that growth by offering a consistent destination for residents who previously had limited options for entertainment in that part of the city.