New Affordable Housing Development Opens in Birmingham
On the Southside of Birmingham, excitement buzzed as the community celebrated the completion of the Edgehill at Southtown, a new affordable housing development that will provide homes for many residents. The ribbon cutting ceremony, held on a warm morning, saw a strong turnout from local leaders, developers, and future residents.
A Hopeful New Start
Among those eagerly anticipating the opening was Thomas Clark, a future resident who expressed his gratitude for the new living arrangements. “I’m very excited. It’s an honor and a blessing to be a part of history. I think this is a good change for the community,” said Clark, who has lived in the previous Southtown Court for three years. “It’s amazing and fascinating. I thank God for putting a roof over my head.”
A Community Celebration
The project, which cost approximately $17 million, boasts 60 units with options for 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments that come with essential appliances. During the ceremony, Jaquice Reynolds, president of the Southtown Resident Council, shared his enthusiasm for the new development. “This means a lot to us. We are very thankful and we’re very grateful that HABD chose us to go along this journey,” he remarked in front of a gathering of city leaders, developers, and fellow residents.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and several city council members, including City Council President Darrell O’Quinn and Councilors Valerie Abbott and Carol Clarke, were present to mark this occasion. “Southtown represents hope…this is what putting people first looks like,” said Woodfin. “This is what putting people first feels like. We build new homes, we build new opportunities, and most importantly, we build hope.”
A Vision for the Future
The Edgehill at Southtown replaces the former Southtown Court, a public housing community that was established in 1941. The new facility includes numerous amenities designed for residents’ comfort and connection, featuring business centers with computers, a fitness area, community rooms, a game room equipped with a Pac-Man video arcade machine and pool table.
Among the modern conveniences are charging stations for electric vehicles, in-unit washers and dryers, and balconies for enjoying the fresh air. Residents are set to begin moving into the new homes on October 1, a date many local families are eagerly anticipating.
Looking Ahead
The construction of the facility began in April 2023 and is part of a larger redevelopment initiative designed to include not only affordable housing, but also retail, hospitality, entertainment, and office spaces. “We’re not done yet,” Woodfin noted, mentioning upcoming developments such as the Southtown Senior Living Facility and an additional occupancy of 143 units scheduled for next spring.
Officials took time during the event to recognize the challenges faced by residents displaced during the transition. “As it’s been stated, and will be shared many times, and I’m glad to be a part of the chorus, ‘to the residents of Southtown, welcome home,’” said Mayor Woodfin, speaking directly to the heart of the community.
Conclusion
The opening of the Edgehill at Southtown represents not just a physical structure but a beacon of hope and opportunity for many families in Birmingham. The community stands ready to embrace this new chapter, filled with better living conditions and a commitment to building a brighter future.
