Gensler‘s conceptual render of the Southtown redevelopment.

Last week, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) took a big step forward in the renewal of Southtown Court. The HABD board of commissioners unanimously approved the agreement for the redevelopment plan for Southtown. Here’s what you need to know.

After three years of negotiations, HABD and the Southside Development Co. have developed a Master Development Agreement for the project. Demolition of the community is expected to start in Summer 2020.

The state of Southtown Court

Southtown court, view from Saint Vincent’s. Photo by Taylor Babington for BhamNow.

Since they were originally built in 1941, the Southtown housing units have fallen into disrepair through the years. In addition to the outdated building materials and aging infrastructure, the units lack many modern conveniences. Although the apartments were renovated in the early 2000s with new air conditioners and gas furnaces, they are far from ideal.

So, that’s where the redevelopment proposal comes in.

So, you want to redevelop a neighborhood?

Gensler‘s conceptual render of the Southtown redevelopment.

Since 2015, HABD has been looking to redevelop Southtown. The projected cost of the development is $26 million.

HABD selected Southside Development Co. as its partner for the project. The company is a joint venture of Corporate Realty, Brasfield & Gorrie, A.G. Gaston Construction, SPM Property Management, BREC Development, Gensler, and the Benoit Group of Atlanta, GA.

What would the new Southtown be like?

Gensler‘s conceptual render of the Southtown redevelopment.

As it stands, the redeveloped Southtown will be a mixed-use district with 459 housing units.

Of these 459 units, 200 would be for public housing.

Additionally, the development will include 850,000 square feet of office and commercial space.

There will be room for a grocery and various neighborhood businesses.

What’s more, there will be 3.5 acres of green, open space for people to gather!

How does this affect residents?

Southtown Court

The roughly 1,000 residents of Southtown will have a number of options:

Temporarily relocate, then return once the redevelopment is complete

Permanently relocate to a new housing community

Request a Section 8 housing voucher

Join the HABD home ownership program to purchase a home

“The needs and desires of our current Southtown Court families will be given every consideration and those desiring to return to the redeveloped site will have that option.” Michael Lundy, President and CEO of HABD

What are your thoughts on the Southtown redevelopment project? Let us know by tagging @BhamNow !

Nathan Watson Tennessee native who fell in love with Birmingham during college. Graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in 2019. Passionate about Birmingham and its continued growth.