Hoover, Alabama: About Hoover

When plans were made in the late 1950's to widen Highway 31 southward from Birmingham, William Hoover knew that things were about to change for the largely undeveloped area just south of Vestavia Hills. He bought as many acres of land as he could, opened an insurance company, and thus planted the seed that grew into the City of Hoover.

In 1967, the city was incorporated - all four blocks of it. Hoover was initially comprised of only 410 citizens. Just six years later, however, the city boasted a population of 3,594 and other areas wishing to capitalize on Mr. Hoover's foresight began to seek annexation into the city limits. Interstates 65 (Alabama's primary North-South artery) and 459 were constructed to meet in the heart of Hoover. The $300 million Riverchase Galleria was built in 1986 and rapidly became the state's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment center.

While growth of the city was rapid, its citizens and elected officials have worked to preserve the lovely surroundings that lent much to the quality of their lives. Hence, much of Hoover today enjoys the scenic views afforded by hills and valleys with old-growth forests and sparkling creeks. Exit the interstates, turn a corner and, suddenly, you are surrounded by towering oaks and flowering dogwoods that wrap the neighborhoods in green serenity.

The population of Hoover now exceeds 65,000 and continues to grow. Hoover's many attractions have served as magnets drawing families, singles, retirees, entrepreneurs, and professionals to make their homes and businesses in Hoover. They have come to Hoover because it is: Peaceful ... Proud ... Prosperous.

1990	Annexation of the Greystone area - a 3,000 acre development that is home to the Greystone Golf and Country Club - the venue for the annual Bruno's Memorial Classic Senior PGA Golf Event
1992	Opening of the Hoover Public Library & Theatre - an impressive 45,000 square foot structure housing an estimated 190,000 items and featuring a 250-seat state-of-the-art theatre. An expansion project to be completed in December 2000 will increase the size of the Library/Theatre to 80,000 square feet.
1993	Opening of the Hoover Recreation Center - a multi-use facility featuring a gymnasium, one-eighth mile indoor track, an eight-lane indoor pool, racquetball courts, fitness equipment, meeting rooms, and a child-care area
1995	Acquisition of the Eddie and Kay Aldridge property for the development of a botanical gardens - a beautiful 30-acre site that features the Aldridge's patented "Snowflake Hygrangea".
1996	Hosted International Olympic soccer teams who used the city's Riverchase Sports Park as a practice facility in preparation for the 1996 Olympic Games
1997	Opening of two new fire stations - brings the total number of Fire Stations in Hoover to eight
1997	Acquisition of Spain Park property - home of Spain Park High School and recreational sports fields
2000	Dedication of the 250-acre Moss Rock Preserve as a Hoover Park. This park features wooded land, rock formations, streams, and waterfalls that will be preserved in their natural state for the enjoyment of hikers and naturists.
2002	Opened the Flyover, allowing Interstate travellers on I-459S to exit via Galleria Blvd to Highway 150
2004	Opening of the Hoover Public Safety Center at Highway 31 & Valleydale Opening of Patton Creek Shopping Center
2005	Opening of Ross Bridge Resort & Conference Center