​Why Ensley?

​Ensley is the focus of several community development and revitalization initiatives including BEAT Builds, REV Birmingham, the City of Birmingham, and supporting partners. These initiatives will eliminate blocks of urban blight and replace it with a dynamic active park surrounded by new commercial space, affordable housing, educational and health facilities for the local community, as well as an entrepreneurial / small business center. The combined efforts of these community organizations will dramatically increase Ensley’s attractiveness as a location to live, work, play and thrive. Read more about Build UP's Ensley launch here.

​Ensley Junction Flats

​This new three-story mixed-use building will overlook the park and include:​

48 affordable residential units 

• Seniors are likely to occupy two-thirds of the units​

16,500 square feet of new commercial space that will house

• A new bank branch
• A highly-respected pre-K provider
• After school programming for children K-12
• New commercial space for businesses drawn to the park-side location

Interactive Fountain Park

The park will occupy a full city block in Downtown Ensley and be designed by internationally renowned landscape architect Walter Hood. Walter Hood’s process involves engaging with and listening to the community before designing the space.

BEAT anticipates inclusion of the following key elements:

• Green spaces designed for educational, recreational and fitness opportunities
• Special features for seniors and senior activities
• Walking / running path with exercise stations
• Playground in support of pre-K / youth​
• Interactive recreational fountains
• Concert / movie and reception area

​Western Health Center

The vacant 24,000 square foot Western Health Center will be completely renovated and will offer:​

• General health and dental services
• Business Incubator 
• Additional social services
  

​Commercial Center / Retail Opportunities

​This project, working in concert with other public and private sector efforts, has the potential to attract significant commercial / retail investment. As depicted in the following graphics, significant population - with increased financial capacity - resides within a 1, 3, and 5-minute drive of Downtown Ensley. Nearly 30,000 residents within Western Birmingham are a mere 5-minute drive away.