Jubilee, a 72-unit townhome development just north of Interstate 20 near Jefferson State Community College, is expected to provide affordable family housing in an impressive setting.
Since the $11 million project receives federal funds and tax credits, it allows The Bennett Group of Auburn to develop the town homes and offer them at a lower rent. It provides an opportunity for a family of four earning $37,000 a year to live “in some of the nicest housing they have ever lived in,” said Judith C. Van Dyke, a partner and market developer for long range planning with the company.
Located on a 14-acre tract, it will feature three and four-bedroom units with garages, a 2,500 square foot clubhouse, leasing office, laundry, fitness area and community gathering area.
Describing it as family oriented, Van Dyke also noted that it would have a gazebo, picnic area and playground.
The development is being built on 10.5 acres, and the rest of the property will be preserved as a wetland, nature area to serve as a buffer between the site and the interstate.
Van Dyke, whose daughter lives in Pell City, said she had been visiting the area for many years and as a developer, she always looks around at available property. She and the partners decided to develop it because of the proximity to Birmingham, new shopping venues at BassPro and Shops of Grand River and its proximity to Lincoln and Honda.
At the time the planning began, the group did not know about the new hospital and veteran’s home building nearby. “That was just icing on the cake,” she said.
Construction on Jubilee is expected to be completed in October with families moving in during the months of November and December.
