Staff members of The Alabama Baptist, Inc., have operated out of 3310 Independence Drive in Homewood, Alabama, for 50 of the media group’s 183 years.
Then-editor Hudson Baggett negotiated the 1975 land purchase and oversaw the construction of the Georgian colonial-style building, which was completed in the spring of 1976.
‘Top of our wish list’
Five decades later in the summer of 2025, Timberchase Financial LLC’s founder Bryan Hancock and his firm’s partners determined they needed more space for their Birmingham-area office. Currently leasing a suite at 31 Inverness Center Parkway in Hoover (as well as operating an office in Bend, Oregon), Timberchase leaders began exploring options for where they might like to move.
“We were open to moving closer inside the metro area if we could find the right fit,” Hancock said. “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.”
Hancock’s team approached The Alabama Baptist staff and board of directors in the fall of 2025 to propose the idea of selling while also staying as a long-term tenant. The two groups quickly realized the opportunity would be a “win-win,” he said.
‘Strong commonality’
Jennifer Davis Rash, president of The Alabama Baptist, Inc., also known as TAB Media Group, agreed.
“While Timberchase is a wealth management and financial planning firm and The Alabama Baptist is a faith-based media group, publishing digital content and a variety of printed newspapers, we discovered a strong commonality through our work ethic and style of customer engagement,” she said.
“We weren’t looking to sell our building, but we had been talking through how best to set ourselves up for future growth opportunities. The more we discussed the idea of a leaseback agreement, the more we saw those opportunities as realities with this creative way to share 3310 Independence Drive.
“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. It’s been a special place for me to work out of for more than 30 years now, and we really are situated in a beautiful, comfortable and convenient location.”
Partnership details
Hancock owns 3310 Independence Drive LLC, which will purchase the building from The Alabama Baptist for $1,850,000 and then lease the building to both groups. Closing is planned for May 1.
Timberchase will occupy the bottom floor, and The Alabama Baptist will work out of the second floor.
“By this summer, we should be in our new office, after a remodel that enhances the existing classic look of the building,” Hancock said. “We look forward to a long partnership with The Alabama Baptist.”
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