Five new single-family homes are coming to a single block of Villa Esta Avenue, replacing abandoned and blighted property and structures and completely changing this quiet street that runs along the side of Bruce Elementary School.

The most traffic you’ll see on this street off Houston Avenue is at the start and finish of school as parents queue up to drop off and pick up their children, and before a few months ago, their view would be of houses falling in on themselves. Houses with windows missing and doors hanging ajar, trees and weeds growing up along the sides and through sections of them.

In the past few weeks though, parents have been watching something else happen: construction, revitalization, and rejuvenation. And soon, instead of a mostly abandoned stretch of road, there will be life again. People will occupy that space, sitting on porches, enjoying each other’s company, and watching children play in the area.

The new homes come thanks to Macon-Bibb County, the Affordable Housing Fund, the Land Bank Authority, and Stafford Construction working together to identify the property, remove the blighted structures, find a contractor to do the work, and build homes that will fill truly improve the neighborhood.

“This is about creating opportunities for families while continuing to build up neighborhoods that deserve investment and attention,” said Mayor Lester Miller.

“One thing about being a part of a project such as this one is the immediate impact that is has upon a family’s life,” said Kesia Stafford with Stafford Construction, who detailed the level of care and detail that is going into the houses’ construction to make sure it is of high quality. A bonus with these houses is that when the homeowner becomes qualified, they will be able to choose the finishes on the house. “They become invested in the house from the very start” and make it their home.

“In terms of building the homes, it’s an incredibly important part of what we’re doing here, but beyond that, we are looking to build connections with the community,” says Natalie Bouyette, Executive Director of the Affordable Housing Fund.

The involved groups, Bruce Elementary School leadership, 100 Black Men of Middle Georgia, city leaders, and more gathered on May 12 to celebrate the construction and recognize what the new homes will mean to families and the neighborhood. They held a frame signing ceremony when people left inspirational phrases and quotes and words of encouragement on the wooden frame. Those words will forever be part of the homes and the families’ futures. To watch the ceremony click here.

“Community work is not just about programs and projects, it’s also about people, places, and purpose,” Neighborhood Coordinator Jerry Battle told the group. “Today, we’re not just recognizing five new homes, we’re celebrating what these new homes represent. They represent stability, hope, and a foundation for stronger families and stronger neighborhoods.”

Speaking at the event was also County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett representing the 100 Black Men, a group who has adopted Bruce Elementary the past several years and is also a Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program partner. They work with children and teachers on classroom learning, experiences outside of the classroom, and leveraging community resources to provide any needed support.

“One of the things we talk about [with the students] with empowerment and wealth is having a home, having a place to live, not just stay,” said Dr. Moffett.

Stafford is moving quickly on this construction, recognizing the sooner they finish, the sooner a family can move into their new home. From week to week, progress is very evident on each of the houses, so when children return to Bruce in August for a new school year, it will be a completely different street. Parents will have a very different view as they wait in the carpool line.

And soon, maybe some children will be living in the houses, able to just walk across the street to their school.