Today, the leadership of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), joined by Birmingham City Schools, U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Mayor Randall Woodfin, and District 6 Councilor Crystal Smitherman, stood united at the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated Villas Early Learning Center.

The building is located at 248 First Street SW, in the Titusville community. The new facility is set up to provide a modern, safe, and engaging learning environment for children and families after an extensive rehabilitation transformation.

The renovation of the Villas Early Learning Center is the capstone of the redevelopment of the former Loveman Village, a public housing community developed by HABD in the 1950’s. The redevelopment of Loveman Village includes the Villas at Titusville community, which opened its last phase in 2022. Standing at more than 7,000 square feet, the renovation is designed to support early childhood education, wellness, and development.

“This renovation represents more than just a building improvement,” said HABD President and CEO, Dontrelle Young Foster. “It is an investment in the future of our children in the Titusville community. The upgraded facility will provide students with a safe, innovative, and nurturing environment for years to come.”

The upgraded center features five spacious classrooms, each equipped with its own private restroom, automatic light sensors, and high-efficiency HVAC systems that will provide comfort for staff and students.

Every classroom features modern educational technology, including whiteboards and audio-visual components that support interactive teaching and enhanced learning experiences. The renovation includes significant upgrades throughout the facility, including new flooring, new walls, and automated doors throughout the center.

U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Birmingham City Councilor Crystal Smitherman provided critical funding to support the project: $1 million from Sewell (Community Project Funding) and $600,000 from Smitherman (ARPA funds).

“Every child deserves a safe, nurturing place to learn, grow, and thrive, and every family deserves access to high-quality, affordable childcare," said Rep Sewell. "That is why I was proud to secure $1 million in the 2024 federal budget to renovate the Loveman Daycare Facility right here in Birmingham. This ceremony is more than just a ribbon-cutting; it is a celebration of what’s possible when we invest in our children, our families, and our communities."

“When we invest in affordable, high-quality early childhood education, we are investing in the future of our children, our families, and our community,” said Smitherman. “The Villas Early Learning Center is a powerful example of what can happen when we restore spaces with purpose and invest in the people they are meant to serve. I am proud that federal ARPA funding helped renovate this facility and make it possible for families in District 6 to once again have access to affordable, quality early learning opportunities close to home. Together, we are doing more than reopening a building—we are expanding opportunities for children, supporting working families, and making a lasting investment in the future of our community.”

The center will operate under Birmingham City Schools' nationally recognized “First Class Pre-K” program, which provides high-quality early childhood education and prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. The curriculum will include letter recognition, vocabulary building, counting and number recognition, as well as several educational topics including creative exploration, science, physical development and social and emotional growth.

“Today marks an important investment in the future of Titusville’s children and families,” said Birmingham City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Mark Sullivan. “Birmingham City Schools is proud to partner with HABD, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and Councilor Crystal Smitherman to bring our First Class Pre-K program to a beautifully renewed space where young learners can build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for success in school and in life.”

 More upgrades include energy-efficient windows in each classroom to improve comfort and sustainability. The center has a newly renovated kitchen and warming station designed to support children's nutritional needs. Each administrative office and support space has been updated to help further the mission of the new facility. Outside will feature a brand-new outdoor playground with a safe artificial play surface.