Birmingham commits to redevelop former Ensley High School property

The Birmingham City Council passed a measure today supporting a $55 million revitalization project at the old Ensley High School property. 

According to a document supplied to the city council by Zimmerman Properties, the proposed new development will include:

• 244- affordable housing units
• 15,000+/square feet of new commercial space
• green space 

The Project Team consists of Zimmerman Properties, Tri-Star, and Thrive Jefferson.

“It’s all about reinvesting in the community. We’re so excited that we can keep our word, bring more homes and people back into the inner city. It’s exciting to see us provide opportunities for the district. To see more rooftops and to bring more grocery stores into the inner city.”

Birmingham City Councilor John Hilliard 

Timeline 

If everything falls into place the developers intend to begin remediation of the former Ensley High School site this year. They will then begin construction during the 2nd quarter of 2022 and finish the project in 4th quarter of 2023.

City Council Decision

All these plans have been made possible by the Council’s passage today on the consent calendar of a resolution authorizing the Mayor to issue a firm commitment to allocate $1.25 million of the City’s HUD HOME Investment Partnership funds. 

Hilliard added, “On top of the 244 homes, they’ve talked about turning the gymnasium into a beautiful grocery store and childhood facility. They are also taking the bricks from the old high school to repurpose and make a monument recognizing Ensley High School. I believe that the former students of Ensley High School will be extremely happy to know that the community is thriving.”

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