By Barry Wise Smith Interior decorator Leigh Leak grew up in Talladega with a mother who appreciated beautiful art and antiques. “She didn’t grow up with a lot, but as an adult, she had a tremendous love for pretty things,” Leak says of her mom. Leak’s two daughters—Virginia, 27, and Caroline, 30—spent a lot of time with Leak’s parents growing up and inherited their … [Read more...]
Homewood’s 100-Year-Old Houses: As the city turns 100, Homewood homeowners reflect on the character and charm of their historic houses
By Nausicaa Chu and Mary Clare Ingram Photos by Jordan WaldIn 1926, Rosedale, Grove Park and Edgewood merged to become the City of Homewood, later annexing Hollywood and officially becoming incorporated by the state. Now, as the city celebrates its centennial, Homewood has nearly 28,000 citizens, and many of its original homes are still standing. For … [Read more...]
Cross Creek: A Neighborhood Ahead of its Time
By Felix M. Drennen III Photos by Jordan waldBeginningsCross Creek Park was developed in the mid-1970s as part of the Cherokee Bend area of Mountain Brook. The concept was new for its time: homes built close together with shared green space and common maintenance responsibilities.Cherokee Bend’s development had only begun a decade earlier after the … [Read more...]
All in the Family: A multi-generational construction business debuts a new Southbend home on this year’s Parade of Homes.
By Madoline Markham KoonceDaniell Burton grew up around construction job sites. His dad builds homes. His grandfather built homes. His two brothers now build homes. You could say the residential construction business is almost genetic for him, but it’s deeply tied to passion too. “With a custom home, you can build something different based on the land or based on … [Read more...]
The House On The Hill: The house at 232 Poinciana Drive holds 99 years of history from its perch in Homewood, and now it will be on the Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes for a second time.
By Madoline Markham Koonce Photos by Maury WaldThe English Tudor-style house at 232 Poinciana Drive could tell a lot of stories from its 99-year history. It’s seen the families who have lived in its walls though the Great Depression, a world war and countless historical and life events. And for the last 46 of those years, the Homewood home has held the … [Read more...]