Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, Mayor Steve Bell, David Young with the Alabama Housing and Finance Authority and Community Action Partnership of North Alabama executive director Michael Tubbs pose at Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony for The Village at Oliver Place.

PHIL CAMPBELL – Nearly three years after the April 27, 2011 tornado destroyed homes, property and lives in Phil Campbell, a local organization is hoping to bring hope and revitalization to the town through a new project.

This past Friday, Community Action Partnership of North Alabama (CAPNA) announced plans to build a 24-unit apartment complex on Pike Avenue in Phil Campbell.

According to Michael Tubbs, executive director of CAPNA, The Village at Oliver Place will feature 14 two-bedroom/two-bath apartments and 10 three-bedroom/two-bath apartments, two of which would be handicap accessible.

Tubbs said the units would be all-electric and would include energy efficient HVAC, Energy Star appliances, storm doors, washer and dryer connections, low-flow plumbing fixtures, compact fluorescent lighting, nine-foot ceilings, a porch/covered patio area and available storage for each unit.

He also said that within the “village” type area, there would be an outside gazebo, a playground, a grill and picnic area; and a community building that would feature wireless Internet, a community cable TV, a laundry facility, an exercise room and a computer room.

“This apartment complex gets its name from the ‘village’ style setting that has been successful in other communities where we have built affordable apartment complexes,” Tubbs said.

“We want this to be a great, family-friendly place that will bring beauty and a sense of pride to the town. We believe it will be a valuable asset, especially as families look to return to the area after moving away following the tornado three years ago.”

Tubbs said the complex was also named for the family whose 3.27 acres of land were purchased by Community Action for construction of the complex.

“The land comes from members of the Oliver family, and we wanted to make sure that fact was recognized to further reinforce the idea that this is the town of Phil Campbell’s complex and something they can be proud of,” Tubbs said.

Officials broke ground on Friday for construction of the complex, which Tubbs said is projected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year.

“We are glad to bring affordable housing to this county and to help Phil Campbell get back to a pre-tornado level,” Tubbs said.

“This was a very special project for us and something we are excited to move forward with. It is a great example of what can be accomplished when public, private and non-profit partners come together to support the community.”

Phil Campbell Mayor Steve Bell said officials with CAPNA approached members of the town’s previous administration about building the complex, and he has been part of the process since he took office.

“Anytime we can see progress, it’s a positive thing for our town,” Bell said.

“We appreciate Community Action committing to this project and all the others who had a hand in this all coming together. There is more to an apartment complex than just building it; it has to be managed as well, and I know [Community Action] will do a good job of that and make this a great thing for our community.”

State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow said this was a positive thing to celebrate so close to the anniversary of April 27^th.

“This town is very special to me because I grew up here,” Morrow said. “In fact, I grew up right down this street.

“It’s amazing what all has taken place in this community in the past three years, and I am so proud of the people of Phil Campbell and how resilient they are. This is a great project that will hopefully bring more families back into this area.”

The apartment complex will be a $4.2 million investment, with a large part of the funding coming from community development block grant (CDBG) money.

CAPNA created this development with the backing of the Alabama Housing Finance Authority, the State of Alabama CDBG office, Development Services Inc. and local lender Bank Independent. The equity investor is Raymond James Corporation.

Monthly rent for apartments at The Village at Oliver Corner will be $369 for a two-bedroom unit and $438 for a three-bedroom unit.

For more information on becoming a resident of The Village at Oliver Place, call 256-560-0821.