Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on April 25 for The Village at Oliver Place, an AHFA-financed development that will create 24 units of affordable housing in Phil Campbell, one of the areas hardest hit by the April 27, 2011, tornadoes.

According to Michael Tubbs, executive director of the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama, 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.

"We want this to be a great, family-friendly place that will bring beauty and a sense of pride to the town," said Tubbs. "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."

Construction is expected to be completed in December.