MHA established to administer publicly funded affordable housing
The Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) was established in 1939, as a local control entity in Montgomery, Alabama, for the provision and administration of publicly funded affordable housing built as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal following the Great Depression. Public housing construction by the Public Works Administration (PWA) created jobs, in addition to providing decent, safe and sanitary housing for impoverished families.
The PWA was tasked with creating a public housing model that could be duplicated across the United States, building 51 federal housing developments throughout the country between 1934 and 1937. Two of the earliest developments were in Montgomery: William B. Paterson Court and Riverside Heights. MHA acquired these sites from the federal government in 1940, and Paterson Court is still active. In 1943, MHA constructed its first new public housing community, Cleveland Court. MHA had razed a blighted section of distressed homes to build the property, which became notable as the home of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks between 1951 and 1957. As a result, MHA renamed the property Parks Place in 2013.
MHA continued to expand its housing stock during the second half of the 20th century. In 1952 and 1954, respectively, MHA constructed apartments at Victor Tulane Court and Trenholm Court. Both have since been demolished. Victor Tulan Gardens and The Plaza at Centennial Hill now stand at the former Victor Tulane Court property. Columbus Square now stands at the former Trenholm Court property.
In addition to benefiting Montgomerians through the development of affordable housing, MHA has also removed substandard housing during its continual expansion of its portfolio. MHA currently has eight active public housing properties.
As the third largest public housing authority in the state of Alabama, and the largest affordable housing provider in the City of Montgomery, the Montgomery Housing Authority has been a trusted community partner since 1939. We serve nearly 4,500 families in our public housing communities and provide an additional _____ affordable housing options through our Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Driven by our mission to create affordable, sustainable housing while improving the quality of life for families and encouraging independence, MHA is committed to providing opportunities for families to grow and develop. That’s how we make it happen. That’s how we move forward, together!
Revitalization is about the people and the community. At the Montgomery Housing Authority, our Real Estate team bring these two focus areas together for a winning strategy to build better communities for the families we serve. Through dynamic partnerships, government support, concerned stakeholders, and engaged residents, MHA seeks to improve our communities in a way that makes for a positive and lasting impact on the quality of life of our families.
Revitalization is not merely a design task but a mission to provide better housing choices, greater community investment, and equity. Revitalization is just one of the ways that we keep moving forward, Together!
Throughout our more than 80-year history, the Montgomery Housing Authority continues to build, expand, grow and develop. We have not stopped. And we are still at it today. Although bricks and mortar are some of the tools we use, it is the building of countless families, children and seniors that remains our proudest and greatest accomplishment. Our work continues – from the services we provide, to the buildings we construct and renovate, to the relationships with community partners, advocates and stakeholders. We keep moving forward, Together!
MHA established to administer publicly funded affordable housing
Construction of William B. Paterson Court and Riverside Heights
Construction of Cleveland Court, (Parks Place) MHA’s 1st new public housing community at Cleveland Ave & Mill Street
Construction of 300 apartments @ Victor Tulane Court & 354 apartments at Trenholm Court
Addition of over 1,100 units of affordable housing (Smiley Court, Gibbs Village East & West, Cedar Park & Richardson Terrace)
Demolition & redevelopment of former Victor Tulane Court into 2 separate communities
Opening of Plaza at Centennial Hill – Phase I and Demolition of Trenholm Court
Opening of Plaza at Centennial Hill – Phase II
Opening of Phase I of Columbus Square (80 urban style loft apartments in a mixed use development)
Opening of Phase II of Columbus Square (80 urban style loft apartments & townhomes)
525 South Lawrence St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
8:00am – 6:00pm