The Village of Providence (VOP) will begin construction in June or July of this year on a new expansion of the neighborhood, Phase 13, adding 84 new housing units to one of Huntsville’s most recognized mixed-use communities.

Ford Classic Homes, based out of Middle Tennessee, is taking over as the new development company for the remaining three residential phases of the community.

Chesney Ford, Vice President, Sales, Marketing, & Design for Ford Classic Homes, shared her company’s vision and goal for the completion of VOP. Ford emphasized that these new homes will maintain the existing architectural design of the neighborhood.

“Our objective, along with the builders we’re working with and bringing on, (us included), is to continue that vision, that look, that quality that people are used to and expect from the Village of Providence,” Ford said.

Phase 13 marks the beginning of the end for the long-term development, with Ford noting that the next sections of the project, phases 14 and 15, will complete VOP.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for extended growth in the next few years with these new phases,” Ford said.

Two local builders, Built by Bryan and Black Crow Building Company, will join Ford Classic Homes in constructing homes in the new phases. While Built by Bryan has been building in VOP for quite some time (formerly under the name Jimmy Bryan Construction), Ford says this will be Black Crow’s first time to build in the VOP community.

“Phase 13 will be their first phase where they’ll be building in the Village of Providence, but they’re also well known throughout the area. They build in Huntsville locally in several other communities,” Chesney stated.

According to Ford, the new section of housing will feature a mix of single-family homes, including alley-loaded and motor court homes, as well as some townhomes. Ford also noted an increase in demand for homes in the area, with buyers looking for features like one-level living and comfortable spaces to host friends and family.

“Entertaining in the Village of Providence is a big thing for buyers. They want their inside and outside to feel like a large entertaining space,” Chesney said.

Chesney said buyers will also have the opportunity to choose a wide range of customization options for their new home.

In addition to the neighborhood’s upcoming new housing developments, VOP’s town center retail area has seen significant growth with new businesses recently opening, further adding to the community’s popularity with residents and local visitors.

Lisa Underwood, Owner of Underwood Marketing and Events, is working closely with Ford Classic Homes to help promote these final buildouts of the community. When asked what makes VOP special, Underwood highlighted the neighborhood’s community-driven atmosphere and walkability.

“The Village of Providence is based on a design principle called traditional neighborhood design, and it really promotes connectivity within the community,” Underwood said.

According to the VOP’s website, the master-planned community was first designed in 2001 by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Co, the same design firm responsible for the Seaside and Rosemary Beach communities at Florida’s 30A.

As Ford Classic Homes and its local partners begin this final chapter, the VOP moves closer to realizing its original master-planned vision.