Community leaders and residents lined the block of three new modern homes in Bessemer's Northside neighborhood on Wednesday to witness a long-anticipated milestone for those committed to the area's revitalization and growth.

The Bessemer Redevelopment Authority, Regions Foundation, state legislators, city officials and many community partners celebrated the completion of a home that represents a series of new investments in the neighborhood.

“The redevelopment of Bessemer's Northside community has been an enormous team effort that began four years ago,” said Brian Giattina, chairman of the Bessemer Redevelopment Corporation board of directors, as he thanked local collaborators and families in an emotional speech. “This isn't necessarily about the three houses in front of us. This is about giving our neighbors, our community and the people who have been part of this community for over 50 years what they deserve.”

“We couldn't have done this without the support of the Regions Foundation and others. We needed a team that trusted the Bessemer Redevelopment Authority and understood our long-term vision for Bessemer. Our community partnership with the Regions Foundation is a critical component to our future success,” Giattina said.

For years, the North Side has struggled with disinvestment, abandoned buildings, and vacant lots. But that trend is beginning to reverse as the Bessemer Redevelopment Authority organizes perhaps the most ambitious redevelopment plan of its kind. Maximum effort Across generations.

Construction of the three homes was funded in part by a $150,000 grant from the Community Foundation, which leads economic and community development efforts in the Birmingham metropolitan area and beyond. Regions Foundation It is a non-profit organization funded primarily by Regions Bank.

“Today's milestone is not just about celebrating the construction of new housing, but recognizing the Bessemer Redevelopment Authority's long-term commitment to investing in this community,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation.

“These investments will provide affordable housing for more families and bring new vitality to Northside neighborhoods. Regions Foundation is proud to support this effort as we see the results being produced, one block at a time.”

Two provincial lawmakers, Sen. Merika Coleman and Rep. Ontario Tillman, said Wednesday that the new housing is a major milestone for the communities they represent and that the mood of optimism among stakeholders is understandable.

“You have to take this opportunity to see this house. I saw this house and I thought, 'I wonder if I could make a bid on this house,'” said state Sen. Coleman (D-Birmingham). “This is amazing, because it's so far from home, so close to my law office, so close to the courthouse, and right in the heart of the 19th Senate District.”

The manufactured homes along the 2600 block of North 6th Street are part of the Northside Community Housing Development Initiative. The Bessemer Redevelopment Authority's focus goes beyond quality housing to include investing in public spaces, sidewalks, street lighting and other community assets. The group also aims to support commercial development and community neighborhood anchor projects that complement new housing to replace vacant lots on the Northside.

Prospective homebuyers have two main options for securing a new home on the Northside. Those seeking down payment assistance from the Bessemer Redevelopment Authority can Birmingham Neighborhood Housing Services. Customers who don't want down payment assistance can contact their preferred lenders to get pre-qualified for a loan.