Home for the Holidays Series: Homeownership program set to revive Fountain Heights neighborhood one home at a time

Ninety days ago, 46-year-old Michael Reed stood on an empty lot in the Fountain Heights community. Along 12th Court North, lot after empty lot signified that once upon a time houses were bustling with families but now, they are no more. Surrounded by grass and dirt, Reed also stood on a promise by the Birmingham Land Bank Authority: that someday his dream home would be built and that it could launch a community revitalization.

Today, the 46-year-old civil engineer holds the keys to his brand-new custom-built three-bedroom home. "I am pretty excited to move in for the holidays," said Reed whose home will be a haven for his daughter and mother.

He is the first participant in a homeownership program created by the Land Bank with the purpose to rebuild Birmingham's historic Fountain Heights community. The Accelerated Home Ownership Program, or AHOP, launched last year with a goal to help 25 individuals become owners of newly built homes. It is a collaborative effort among the Land Bank, a local lender, and home builders to create a pathway to homeownership.

"We are so excited to welcome Mr. Reed into this neighborhood not only for him but for Birmingham. It's a win," said Caroline Douglas, executive director of the Land Bank. "Investing in Birmingham is something that the Birmingham Land Bank encourages individuals and organizations to do. Taking this idea from conception to actualization is something we could have never imagined. We are overly excited."

The Land Bank partnered with SouthPoint Bank and minority-owned construction companies QS Construction, LLC and PCA Group, LLC for the financing and building of the homes. The Fountain Heights neighborhood was selected for this pilot program because of its proximity to jobs, educational opportunities, healthcare, and government services. Community leaders also expressed a desire to increase the number of homeowners in their community.

Reed's lovely 1,500-square-foot home has a stunning airy open kitchen gleaming with white quartz countertops that have a waterfall edge. His spacious living room area is built for entertaining. He pointed out where he plans to hang his TV (ready for the Super Bowl), right above his smart electric fireplace. His master bedroom suite is a showpiece, with a spacious walk-in closet and luxurious bathroom that has double shower heads and double sinks. He personally picked all the hardware and paint colors, including the walls that are "passive blue." He wants his home to be a welcoming place, he said.

Alex Smith, owner QS Construction, built Reed's home in just 90 days from start to finish. He erects custom homes across the state. "We build every home the same," he said. "You will see quality, you will see care, and you will see attention to detail. This home is nothing less than that."

"As he gets his keys and opens the door to his home doors to our community are being opened," said Bonderia Lyons, president of the Fountain Heights neighborhood. Just across the street from Mr. Reed's home a team of workers are furiously building, sawing, and hammering on what will be the next AHOP home set to be ready in five weeks. This one will be owned by a Birmingham Police Officer.

"What a gift. What a Christmas gift," Lyons said. "This is truly not just a gift for Mr. Reed and his family but a gift to our community. It will become a place where community is restored."

Applications are now being accepted for the AHOP program. For more information, go to www.birminghamlandbank.org.