Alabama Baptist to share Homewood building

The Alabama Baptist will continue operating from its longtime Homewood headquarters under a new shared-use agreement with Timberchase Financial LLC, marking a shift in ownership but not location.

Staff of the faith-based media group have worked out of 3310 Independence Drive for 50 years, in a building constructed in 1975–76 after then-editor Hudson Baggett oversaw the project.

Under the new agreement, Timberchase will purchase the property for $1.85 million and lease space back to The Alabama Baptist, creating what both sides describe as a long-term partnership. Closing is expected May 1.

Timberchase founder Bryan Hancock said the building stood out early in the search for a larger office.

“The Alabama Baptist building was at the top of our wish list. Not only is it in a great location, but I have always thought of the building as iconic. I remember visiting the building as a child, soon after it was built.”

The firm had been leasing space in Hoover while also operating an office in Oregon. As growth continued, leaders began exploring options across the Birmingham metro area before approaching The Alabama Baptist in fall 2025.

That conversation led to a leaseback arrangement that allows both organizations to remain on site. Timberchase will occupy the lower floor, while The Alabama Baptist will continue operations on the second floor.

Jennifer Davis Rash, President of The Alabama Baptist’s parent organization, said the partnership grew from shared values despite different missions.

“While Timberchase is a wealth management and financial planning firm and The Alabama Baptist is a faith-based media group … we discovered a strong commonality through our work ethic and style of customer engagement,” Rash said.

Rash noted the organization had not been actively seeking a sale but had been discussing long-term growth.

“We weren’t looking to sell our building, but we had been talking through how best to set ourselves up for future growth opportunities,” she said.

She added that the leaseback model offered a “creative way to share” the property while preserving its legacy.

“Bryan’s description of the building as ‘iconic’ is one I would use as well,” Rash said. “I’ve heard many people mention how they love seeing the building and the sign as they top the hill on Independence Drive.”

Timberchase plans to complete renovations this summer while maintaining the building’s traditional design. Hancock said the firm expects to move in following those updates and looks forward to a “long partnership.”

Founded in 1843, The Alabama Baptist has served as a Statewide faith-based publication for more than 180 years and has been based in Birmingham for over a century.