It has one- and two-bedroom units that feature a host of amenities like a private outdoor patio or balcony, energy-efficient appliances, vinyl plank flooring, pest control, washer/dryer hookups, and special accommodations for mobility and/or sensory impaired residents. The development boasts a community library, computer room, fitness center, and laundry facility. In addition, there are elevators, walking trails throughout the grounds, a large sheltered gazebo with a picnic area and grills, and enhanced landscaping.

In 2000, the Alabama Affordable Housing Association (AAHA) created a scholarship program for residents of member-owned apartment properties in Alabama. The scholarship funds are donated by the owners, contractors, architects, accountants, property management companies, investors, lenders, developers, and various vendors that make up AAHA's membership as well as other non-member individuals. Since its inception, the AAHA resident scholarship fund has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships.

 

Meet Genesis Gardner of The Palladian Apartments in Mobile:

Gardner was one of 51 students awarded an AAHA scholarship for the 2016-2017 school year. She is using the funds to help pay for her freshman year as a pre-med student at the University of South Alabama. "I'm just starting out on this journey," she said.

She applied for the scholarship after hearing about it from her mother, assistant manager of The Palladian. Gardner said the scholarship would enable her to focus her energies on her studies without the worry of paying for it all.

"The beginning of the college journey can be overwhelming at times," said Gardner. "The last thing you really want to be thinking about is how you are going to fund your education."

Gardner, along with the other 2016 scholarship winners, was honored during the 2016 AAHA Annual Conference. She said, "This is a blessing to all of the people to want to further their education...to not have to worry about that aspect of going to college."

 

For more information about the resident scholarship program, please contact Arrice Faught, AAHA's executive director at arrice@alcarh.org or 205.331.8668.        

Best wishes to Elaine Pennington, who retired in April after more than twelve years as a valuable member of the AHFA team. Elaine started at AHFA as a customer service technician, and later moved to the escrow department as an escrow account technician. Her conscientious and hard-working nature has earned her the respect of her fellow employees and customers.

Please join the AHFA board and staff in extending Elaine sincere congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy retirement.

First was Capitol Park, the site of the Alabama Capitol when Tuscaloosa was the seat of state government from 1826-1846. The building was destroyed by fire in 1923 and all that remains is the stone foundation and the ruins of a few columns. The site is now a public park, a place where students from a nearby private school can enjoy a picnic and games on a sunny spring day.

The next stop was the Tornado Survivor Tea Glass in front of McAlister's Deli on 15th Street. On April 27, 2011, Tuscaloosa was hit by a 1.5 mile-wide EF4 tornado that resulted in 64 deaths, over 1500 injuries, and massive devastation. A giant oak tree that stood in front of McAlister's Deli was destroyed, while the restaurant itself suffered minor damage compared to the surrounding buildings. A few months later, what remained of the tree was carved to resemble a giant glass of McAlister's sweet tea. It serves as a kitschy symbol of hope and regrowth for the city, and a testament to the resilience (and humor) of the people of Tuscaloosa.