Norwood neighborhood revitalization

For the price of a used car, you could buy a home in a historic Birmingham neighborhood. 

You will need to do some renovations, but people in the community say you will still come out ahead.

Once an upscale neighborhood, the Norwood community is now filled with vacant homes, trash   and property crime. 

There are about 750 homes in Norwood. Nearly 25 percent are empty, and some are priced under $10,000.

Nikalaus Mimikakis is proud of his 1909 Craftsman bungalow built by famed architect Robert Reamer. 

“I really wanted something different that had a lot of woodwork and neat architectural features so when I saw this place, I knew it was the one,” Mimikakis said.

Totally renovated, the home looks like it did 100 years ago down to the original quarter-sawed oak floors and rock fireplace.

This house is in Norwood, not far from boarded-up and burned-out homes. But new owners like Mimikakis are pioneering a rebirth here.

Melodie Echols is the director of the Norwood Resource Center. Its main purpose is to help all Birmingham residents with things like tax preparation, counseling and financial assistance. 

But lately she’s getting just as many calls from people interested in moving into the community.

“We’re seeing more young professionals, young families and couples of all types moving in,“ Echols said. “Norwood has a lot that’s special to offer because of the character of the neighborhood, the historic character of the homes, the wonderful stable neighbors we have here and its proximity to downtown. “

Beyond the historic significance and beauty of the neighborhood homes, Echols said some people are simply looking for a really good deal. Fact: the lowest priced home in the neighborhood is listed at $7,000.

“Some people want to come in and really enjoy a total renovation and we have homes available that would provide that opportunity and many times those have the best deal,” Echols said.

Of course the houses with the really low price tags need a lot of work. But there are others that are considered move-in ready, and just need updating. Those range in price from $80,000 to $160,000. 

Several dozen homes have been or are in the process of being renovated back to their original turn of the century glory. But is the revitalization of Norwood all good? We traveled to Atlanta to get some perspective.

Atlanta is no stranger to in-town revitalization. Gentrification, as it’s called here, started about 20 years ago.

In Atlanta, the in-town turnaround started when it was announced the city would host the 1996 Olympic Games. The changes, brought on by city leaders, attracted developers, house flippers and many suburbanites to in-town historic areas.  And while run-down and crime-ridden communities saw a rebirth, opponents say it came at a cost. 

Joe Beasley was a member of Atlanta’s now defunct Gentrification Task Force. He said the people who paid the price were poor African-Americans who were forced out of their homes by rising taxes or landlords who sold their property for big profits.

“The demographics, racial demographics has changed here in Atlanta,” Beasley said. “Now they’re being moved outside and don’t have access, can’t walk to the hospital, walk to get the services they need or to the transportation arteries to take them to places.”
Beasley said Atlanta has the gift of hindsight and Birmingham would do well to learn from their mistakes.

“I can’t say we’re better off here in Atlanta,” Beasley said.

But unlike Atlanta, the changes in Norwood aren’t driven by politics. Potential residents are discovering the community all on their own.

“The craftsmanship is priceless,” Mimikakis said of his Norwood home. “I feel like I’ve found a gem.”

Many of Norwood’s available houses don’t have for sale signs out front, but owners are often willing to sell if you can track them down and work out a deal.