Project Overview
Located in the heart of Downtown Homewood, Independence Plaza stands as the Homewood’s tallest office building and a defining landmark along U.S. Highway 31. The nine-story, 106,216-square-foot office tower sits on the former site of the Vulcan Motor Lodge and continues to serve as a prominent destination for businesses in the area. Locals know it as the “Regions Building,” because of the large logo atop the retro façade.
Recently, the building’s lobby underwent a thoughtful renovation, designed to brighten and modernize the space while preserving the vintage character that has defined the property since its construction in 1980.
The Challenge
Before renovation, the lobby lacked natural light and felt darker than the building’s prominent presence deserved. Although the goal was to refresh the space and create a more welcoming first impression for tenants and visitors, the team also wanted to respect the building’s original architectural character.
The Solution
The most impactful change came with the addition of four new sets of windows, which dramatically transformed the previously dim lobby by introducing natural light and opening up the space. The result is a brighter, more inviting environment that better reflects the building’s status as a landmark in Homewood. The new design provides a refreshed, modern feel, more suited to the professional tenant mix.
Team Behind the Transformation
This successful renovation was led by SW Portfolio Manager Tracey Lauer, whose leadership guided the project from concept to completion. Lauer assembled a dream team to bring the vision to life. Corporate Interior Designer Nancy Jernigan thoughtfully balanced modernization with preservation, while contractor Luke Hallmark of Hallmark Builders executed the renovation and installation with precision.
The Result
Today, the Independence Plaza lobby offers a brighter, more welcoming arrival experience that reflects the building’s iconic presence in Homewood. By blending natural light, preserved architectural elements, and strategic updates, the project demonstrates how thoughtful improvements can breathe new life into established assets while honoring their history.
