Proposed development concept for the former Carraway site in the Druid Hills neighborhood of Birmingham.

Birmingham-based Corporate Realty is preparing plans to transform the former Carraway Hospital into a mixed-use development that could include residential, retail and restaurants, offices, hotel and entertainment venues.

The developer sought the input from members of the Druid Hills, Evergreen and Norwood neighborhoods during a Tuesday afternoon open house at The Forum at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Corporate Realty hopes to have the development plans, including rezoning, for the project approved by the city of Birmingham by the end of the year.

The more than 50-acre former hospital site runs along Carraway Boulevard, between 13th Avenue North and 20th Avenue North. Most of the site is zoned institutional and would require rezoning by the Birmingham City Council.

Corporate Realty is under contract to buy the property from the Lovelady Center.

"We've gotten a lot of positive feedback from the community," said Brian Wolfe, chief development officer for Corporate Realty. "I think a lot of people are excited about the positives for this coming year and the possible reinvestment in Druid Hills, Evergreen and Norwood. It will be interesting to watch those neighborhoods redevelop."

The site is being designed as a walkable destination that will attract visitors throughout the day and nighttime hours, he said.

Corporate Realty is working to capitalize on the momentum for redevelopment that started with the opening of Top Golf, the planned downtown stadium and renovation of the BJCC Legacy Arena and Interstate 59/20 improvement project.

During Monday's event, residents were asked to give their input on the style of retail and dining, single-family and multi-family residential, office and hotel and open space and entertainment they would like to see in the development.

Gail Maddox, who has lived in Norwood for 45 years, said she doesn't want to see condominiums or apartments built in Norwood. She said she does want to see another entertainment venue to complement Top Golf such as a Dave & Busters or bowling alley.

"We need something that will be feasible, that will draw people," Maddox said.

She said Norwood is in need of a grocery store.

Kerry Woodfruff, of Evergreen, said he hopes people support the Carraway redevelopment. He said he thinks a hotel and restaurants would be ideal for the location.

Clark Baker, of Norwood, said he lives about a half-mile from the Carrway site and is looking forward to having an entertainment venue he can walk to, but at the same time he wants to see green spaces and the neighborhood charm preserved.

Baker, a physician, said he would like to see the site include a health care clinic, which is needed in the area as well as a nature trail.

Corporate Realty will hold a second community open house from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 11 to present the revised master plan for the project. The second meeting will also take place at The Forum.