Highland Manor featured in AHFA’s Development Spotlight

Development Spotlight | Highland Manor, Birmingham

Development Info: Located in the heart of Southside in downtown Birmingham, Highland Manor has 111 one- and two-bedroom units. Originally built as a hotel in 1962, it was renovated in 2016-2018 to become affordable housing.

Serves: Seniors 62 and older and those who are mobility-impaired 

AHFA funding sources: $950,138 in Housing Credits (2015)

Amenities/Tenant Services:

During the renovation, “The entire 16th floor was designed to get seniors up and out,” said Tina Pamphilis, director of marketing for SPM Property Management. “We wanted to revitalize an underutilized part of the building. The amenities of the top floor are now among the most enjoyed by our residents.” These amenities include a large community room with a kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows for events and activities, state-of-the-art fitness center, game room with HDTV, library, and computer center. 

In addition, “The views from the 16th floor at Highland Manor also make this development special,” said Pamphilis. “Whether you’re looking north toward Birmingham’s city center skyline or to the south toward Red Mountain, the views are amazing.” 

The renovation project also included the apartment interiors. Each home received new kitchen cabinets, appliances, flooring and fixtures. There is also a “man cave” with a billiard table, laundry room, and an arts and craft room on the basement floor. Additional improvements to the building included new roofing, paint, windows, updated elevators, a landmark gazebo, and new landscaping. Residents also have the option of sitting outside along the expansive patio wrapped around the building, and a covered bus stop was added just steps from the Highland Manor entrance.

Several Highland Manor residents shared their thoughts about the renovations: https://vimeo.com/267625941.

Many organizations, financial institutions and government leaders played a role in this project including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; City of Birmingham; Alabama Housing Finance Authority; BREC Development; SPM Property Management; GA Studio; Bradley, LLC; Browder & Associates; Navigate Affordable Housing Partners; Bellwether Enterprise; Raymond James, BBVA Compass; Hollyhand Construction Co.