The Grove at South Jefferson: State, Local Leaders Break Ground on Affordable Housing Development in Athens
Athens, February 28, 2026 – Local business leaders and Limestone County officials recently joined with Alabama Secretary of Workforce Greg Reed to turn the first shovelful of dirt on a new affordable housing development in Athens. Officials broke ground on The Grove at South Jefferson, the result of a public-private partnership aimed at expanding affordable options to address growing demand for housing while also strengthening workforce development across north Alabama.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The Grove is expected to support approximately 150 jobs and produce an estimated $6.7 million in initial state and local tax revenue, while generating more than $17 million in overall economic impact. Project supporters include the Hall Group, Regions Bank, the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA), EisnerAmper, and Stifel.
This development is the first in a series of planned projects targeting housing hot spots statewide, and is a product of the Working for Alabama legislative package. Governor Kay Ivey signed the six-bill suite of legislative measures into law in May of 2024.
Addressing Workforce Needs
“North Alabama is experiencing rapid growth, bringing new industries, new jobs, and new opportunities to our state,” said Reed in his groundbreaking remarks. “With that growth comes a greater need to support our workforce, not only through job training and education, but by ensuring workers and their families have access to affordable, quality housing close to where they work. The Grove at South Jefferson represents the kind of forward-thinking collaboration we need to sustain this momentum and strengthen communities across Alabama.”
The development’s overall cost is projected at approximately $40 million. When completed, the project will include 120 total units consisting of 72 two-bedroom and 48 three-bedroom apartments.
Financial Backing and Community Support
Regions Bank provided $25.6 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity, $31.3 million in construction financing, and a $13.8 million Fannie Mae permanent loan commitment to support the development. LIHTC consists of contributions for federal and state tax benefits for building or rehabilitating affordable housing.
“North Alabama is growing at a remarkable pace, and Regions Bank continues to build on its strong legacy of serving the people and businesses at the heart of the Tennessee Valley’s progress,” said Sean Kelly, Huntsville Market Executive for Regions Bank. “We are championing more economic opportunities to keep our area growing responsibly while helping address community needs along the way.”
In addition to enjoying access to a range of family-friendly amenities, residents at The Grove will be able to request financial assistance for after-school care for their school-age children from kindergarten through 8th grade.
“There are so many great things happening in our city, and we are seeing generational investment in our economy,” said Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks. “I am thankful that Governor Ivey, Secretary Reed, the Alabama Legislature, and private industry are committed to investing in our city. Projects like this one represent our commitment to smart, planned growth in Athens.”
A New Approach to Workforce Development
In recent years, state leaders have re-envisioned Alabama’s approach to workforce development, recognizing that a lack of affordable housing can often be a barrier to new investment and smart growth. Projects like The Grove represent a major component of the state’s new approach.
Robert Strickland, Executive Director of the Alabama Housing Finance Authority, highlighted that new approach in prepared remarks. “The Grove at South Jefferson represents the very first Workforce Housing Tax Credit project to close in Alabama, marking a major milestone for our state and for the working families who rely on quality, affordable housing,” said Strickland. “AHFA was pleased to issue $21 million in tax-exempt bonds and award more than $3.3 million in federal and state tax credits, resulting in an anticipated total equity infusion of $24.6 million to help make this development possible.”
Source: https://enewscourier.com/2026/02/28/the-grove-at-south-jefferson-state-local-leaders-break-ground-on-affordable-housing-development-in-athens/
