The Edge is Homewood’s newest entertainment district located off of Green Springs Highway. This multi-purpose, community gathering spot will feature several restaurants, a fitness studio, plenty of open, green spaces and more. Here, property developers and investors J.J. and Whitney Thomas detail their vision for fostering community through The Edge.
What will The Edge offer the community?
The Edge will feature a large stage with a roof and built-in, professional sound and lighting, along with a 19-foot-long, jumbotron T.V. screen. There will be six, different food and beverage options including Corbeau Wine Bar, Baba Java, PopBar, B’Hamburger, Shin Ramen, Que’Bicle and Cookie Plug. True40 Fitness Studio will be opening as well. In addition to these businesses, there will be a big, brand new parking lot and walking or biking distance from Edgewood and West Homewood. Overall, there will be 3,500-square-feet of dedicated space for shaded or covered dining; 4,000-square-feet of courtyard area; and 9,000-square-feet of outdoor gathering and event space consisting of turf and patio in front of the stage and jumbotron T.V. The Edge will also have a full-time event coordinator to help companies, charities and community groups plan and execute special events on-site.
How do you hope The Edge will boost the local economy and increase community engagement within the Green Springs area in Homewood?
We hope the location of The Edge fronting Green Springs Highway and West Homewood and backing up to Edgewood will further connect those two communities. On the residential side, Homewood real estate has been booming, and our hope is that this development may serve as a catalyst for future commercial development specifically on this stretch of Homewood’s busiest street.
How did you come to be the developers of this establishment?
We had been looking for investment opportunities in Homewood, and that 4 acres of land was for sale for years. We watched multiple deals fall through and just believed with the right concept, it could be successful commercially but also something the community would support. We stayed in contact with the Shunnarah family that was selling the property, and over the course of a year, we were able to put the deal together. After designing The Edge on half the property, we sold the back half of the property to a large, local church that plans to build their church on the property in the coming years.
What does it mean to you both to be able to give back to your community through this contribution?
Whenever you can combine seeking a profit and a purpose in one investment, it makes it that much more meaningful. More importantly, the community of Homewood and even Birmingham as a whole has given The Edge such amazing support so far. That support led to some exceptional tenants believing in the project and becoming a part of The Edge.
How do you hope The Edge diversifies the local food and drink scene?
Birmingham is already known for its fantastic food and hospitality. Our locally-owned restaurant tenants are no exception. However, we are especially excited about introducing The Edge’s innovative, micro-restaurant concept along with the outdoor food hall and community gathering spaces.
To learn more about The Edge, visit theedgehomewood.com or contact hello@theedgehomewood.com.
