Mobile, Ala. — Mayor Sandy Stimpson joined local, state and federal officials to celebrate the grand opening of the first multi-family affordable housing development on the east side of Mobile in several decades.

“Affordable housing is absolutely critical,” said Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “Projects like this absolutely changes the quality of life for everybody that’s living here, helps workforce development and positively impacts the community surrounding it.”

Maryvale Place is a 96-unit, multi-family apartment complex that will provide dozens of local families with affordable and attainable housing options in one of Mobile’s oldest communities. It was constructed by Hollyhand Development on the former footprint of Mae Eanes Middle School.

“Maryvale Place is a shining example of what can be achieved when public and private partners come together to address the critical need for affordable housing in our community,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “This development provides families with a safe, modern and welcoming place to call home. It’s an investment in the future of one of Mobile’s historic neighborhoods and we’re proud to support this initiative.”

The $29.2 million complex includes four three-story buildings offering a combination of one, two and three-bedroom units to accommodate families of all sizes. Maryvale Place also features specially designed units for tenants living with disabilities and many other modern amenities, such as communal spaces for residents, laundry facilities, computer centers and on-site pavilions.

The development of Maryvale Place was financed through a public-private partnership supported by low-income housing tax credits from the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) and funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City of Mobile also contributed the land for the development and an additional $7.8 million from federal allocations.