**All media below is the opinion of an individual student and therefore does not represent or speak to the values of Vestavia Hills High School and Vestavia Hills City Schools**
The Vestavia Hills City Center is a popular hang-out spot for Vestavia residents and students. It includes restaurants such as Taco Mama, Starbucks, Crumbl, and Panera. There are also some non-dining businesses such as Planet Fitness, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, and a nearby AMC movie theater. However, what other businesses do Vestavia Hills High School students want in their ideal city center?
While students love the variety of food choices, when asked, many students reported that they wished for more shopping, especially clothing stores. Junior Dana Bayne and senior Livi Cate Osborne both requested boutiques, and senior Mary-Addison Wolfe noted that a popular clothing brand such as Lululemon would be very successful at the City Center. Some other students who wanted to shop included Rishab Chakravarty, Kate McGinnis, Conley McCormick, Addison Mann, and Hannah Beth Smith. However, some students argued that the City Center is known for its dining and should stay that way.
Besides clothing shopping, many VHHS kids wished for other shopping businesses such as a nail shop. Will Jordan wanted a Bass Pro Shop, and Lofton Orkus asked for a Dicks or an Academy.
Adding to the already diverse food options, many students had more ideas. When asked what students ideally want in the City Center, 20% immediately asked for a frozen yogurt shop. Some students asked for an ice cream shop. Lolly Simpson explained, “We have Crumbl, but we need a good ice cream place.”
Some students such as Elizabeth Gannon requested an açaí bowl location. Sophomore Krishna Wilby thought a Jim N Nicks would be a fantastic addition. Meredith Largent dreamed of a small coffee shop in the City Center. Even though Starbucks is nearby, she wishes for a local and homey cafe. Scarlett Padgett specifically wanted a cat cafe. She thought that the pets there could be foster animals, and it would result in more pets finding a family. Finally, some students such as senior Sara Kate Lynch wished for the Moes Southwest to return.
Some students wished for more interactive activities at the City Center. Clara Williams, George Wolf, Emma Catherine Leal, and Sophia Meacham all asked for a roller skating/ice skating rink. Andrew Wilson thought put-put golf would be a hit.
A few students dreamed of additions to the city center that don’t include businesses. For example, Erin Visser asked for more shaded outdoor seating. If you have ever been to the City Center at noon on a Saturday in summer, you know how little seating there is, much less shaded seating.
Additionally, River Riley asked for a stage for live music. She thought it could be placed right where the stairs are since they aren’t used very frequently. River expresses, “do you know how many people would come to that?!” She noted that the stage could present entertainment for kids and adults, and residents of Vestavia Hills could express their music and talents, all while their friends are cheering them on!
The students of Vestavia Hills can’t wait to watch the City Center grow in the next few years!
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