Birmingham Seniors to Benefit from New Affordable Housing in Smithfield
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A significant development is on the horizon for senior residents of Smithfield Court public housing. They will soon have the opportunity to move into new affordable housing units being constructed at the site of the former Graymont Elementary School. This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance living conditions and provide quality housing for seniors.
New Housing on the Way
According to Meghan Venable-Thomas, the Director of Community Development for the City of Birmingham, the city is currently in the initial phase of its Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant program. The city received a substantial $50 million award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) last year, designated for the redevelopment of the Smithfield public housing site and its surrounding neighborhood.
The plan involves replacing the existing 450 units of affordable housing at the Smithfield site with a mixed-use development comprising approximately 920 new units, spread across eight different locations. The existing buildings at Smithfield will be demolished once the new developments are ready.
Senior Housing at Graymont
The upcoming senior housing project at the Graymont site will feature 101 new apartments. Sixteen of these will be integrated above an early learning child center, with the remaining units constructed as part of a new building on the property. Developer Brandon Rule commented, “Oh yeah, it would be a blessing,” reflecting the hope that many have for these new units.
Local resident Valencia O’Neal, who cares for her elderly aunt, expressed her optimism about the new housing. “I think our senior citizens need a better place to stay; there’s so much going on out here.” The construction of these apartments is anticipated to begin in early 2025, with a target completion date set for 2026.
A Historic Site
The former Graymont School holds historical significance as one of the first elementary schools to be desegregated in Birmingham. Venable-Thomas noted the intention to maintain the original school structure through adaptive reuse, while adding new developments to the site, creating a blend of history and modern living.
Financial Details and Next Steps
The estimated cost to renovate the Graymont property and construct an additional building is approximately $20 million. To support this effort, the city is contributing $3.5 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as gap financing for this project.
Seth Embry, a senior advisor and chief strategist with the Birmingham Housing Authority, stated, “We’ll close and begin construction early next year.” He expects construction to take around 15 to 18 months, making it likely that residents from Smithfield Court will start relocating to their new homes by 2026.
Expanding Development Plans
The project doesn’t stop at just the Graymont site. The second phase will introduce an additional 150 housing units for families and seniors on a property located behind Parker High School. The Birmingham City Council recently approved a significant lease agreement for this property at a cost of just $1 per year, set for the next 30 years, to a new partnership involving the Birmingham Housing Authority and two developers.
This ambitious initiative is part of a broader eight-phase project expected to cost over $100 million in total. Venable-Thomas remarked on the vision for a rejuvenated Smithfield area, aiming to create a thriving community that meets the needs of its residents.
As this project progresses, many Birmingham seniors and their families look forward to the positive changes that are set to unfold in their community, providing much-needed housing solutions and opportunities for a better quality of life.
