A fresh chapter is starting on Arlington Street.
Last April, city leaders and community members gathered to officially break ground on C.J. Small Heights, a new affordable housing subdivision named in honor of Mobile City Council President C.J. Small.
Built on the site of the former Arlington School, this project will feature 23 single-family homes designed to help working families step into homeownership.
It’s a big moment, and the buzz around the groundbreaking shows that big things are happening in Mobile.
A New Start for a Historic Spot
The site where Arlington School once stood is being given a brand-new purpose.
Instead of classrooms and chalkboards, it will soon be filled with porches, gardens, and the sounds of families building their futures.
By investing $4.5 million from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the City of Mobile is making sure that this transformation serves residents for the long haul.
Every home in C.J. Small Heights will have income restrictions to ensure affordability stays locked in for years to come.
Turning an empty lot into a thriving neighborhood is the kind of local glow-up that feels good from every angle.
A Path to Ownership and Stability
One of the biggest highlights of this project is that all homes will be owner-occupied.
That means no renting and no guessing who your neighbors are from year to year.
For many families, homeownership brings a sense of pride, security, and stability that renting simply can’t match.
And thanks to programs like Mobile’s HoPE (Homeownership Provides Equity) Program,
Housing Choice Voucher holders will also have a chance to apply their benefits toward a mortgage at a fixed rate over 20 to 30 years.
More people getting the keys to their own front doors means stronger, more connected neighborhoods across the city.
Leaders and Builders Celebrate a Milestone
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together a lot of key players who helped make this vision real.
Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Councilman C.J. Small, and Rashawn Figures of Figures Inc. Construction were all on hand to kick off the project.
The event took place at 1107 Arlington Street, marking the official start of construction.
The day was a reminder that when public investment, private partnerships, and a focus on families align, real change happens.
The project reflects a city that’s thinking ahead and putting its resources into lasting, meaningful growth.
Building the Foundation for Growth
C.J. Small Heights offers more than new houses—it’s about building opportunities.
When people have the chance to own a home, it often sparks bigger things: stronger schools, better community ties, and long-term neighborhood pride.
These 23 homes represent a future where homeownership feels within reach, even when the larger market makes it hard.
For the eastern side of Mobile, it’s a sign that momentum is picking up, with new investments designed to stay rooted in the community.
With construction officially underway, the future is looking brighter—and a lot more welcoming—on Arlington Street.
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