On Wednesday, October 28, the Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund (MBCAHF) and Macon-Bibb County celebrated the completion of five new homes on Villa Esta Avenue with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Directly across from Bruce Elementary School, it expands home opportunities in a neighborhood that has seen recent development in recreation and healthcare.

“We’re celebrating more than 5 homes being built, we’re celebrating hope, opportunity, the power of community coming together to invest in its future,” said Bruce Elementary School Principal Dr. Endirka Williams Okonkwo. “Every morning our students travel down these streets to school. They’re seeing transformation. They’re seeing progress. They’re seeing something that was once ugly is now beautiful.”

The five new homes were built on lots that once held dilapidated houses, transforming neglected properties into new opportunities for homeownership and neighborhood revitalization.

“Villa Esta is more than building houses,” said MBCAHF Director Natalie Bouyett. “It’s about opportunities for families to create their homes and encourage growth and investment in Macon-Bibb.”

Each of the five new homes features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with floor plans ranging from approximately 1,050 to 1,290 square feet. Stafford Builders & Consultants, one of two developers selected to support MBCAHF’s housing efforts in the area, completed the homes in approximately eight months.

“Working with MBCAHF on this project has been joyful,” said President of Stafford Builders & Consultants Kesia Stafford. “We all moved with intention to ensure our decisions left a positive impact on the families for the five homes and the neighborhood.”

The Land Bank Authority approved the disposition of the properties to MBCAHF in November of 2025. Land Bank Authority Director Everett Verner states, “MBCAHF is an ideal partner as we are finally seeing lots the Land Bank has held for decades be put back into highest and best use, infill housing.”

The development is part of a broader investment in the area, including $2.5 million in County investment for Cliffview and Frank E. Lewis Park and $3.2 million in private and public investment towards a new healthcare facility, First Choice Primary Care, providing affordable care and pharmacy to uninsured and underinsured patients.

“Every family deserves the opportunity to own a home and build a future right here in Macon-Bibb County,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “These five homes represent more than just new construction. They represent stability for families, new life for our neighborhoods, and the kind of investment that strengthens our entire community. When we invest in housing, recreation, and healthcare together, we’re building neighborhoods where families can truly thrive.”

MBCAHF is working in partnership with Norluxe Realty Macon to market and sell the five new homes. Shiwanna Reed, Broker with Norluxe Realty Macon said, “Our focus is ensuring every buyer enters into the transaction informed and confident on what they are purchasing and what it means for their long-term investment.”

Norluxe Realty Macon will host the “Fall Into Villa Esta” open house on Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can tour the homes, speak with lenders and enjoy candy, games, and free food.

About the Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund

The Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund is a nonprofit organization and partners with public and private developers to expand and preserve affordable housing, strengthen neighborhoods, and support homeownership for Macon-Bibb County Residents making 120% area median income or less.

About the Macon-Bibb County Land Bank Authority

The Macon-Bibb County Land Bank Authority returns blighted, abandoned, and underused properties to productive community use, advancing neighborhood revitalization and equitable growth.

About Stafford Builders and Construction

Stafford Builders and Construction is a Macon-based general contractor serving Middle Georgia, specializing in new construction, renovations, construction management, and design-build projects. The company was selected as a partner with MBCAHF from a competitive RFQ process.

About Norluxe Realty of Macon

A Macon-based real estate firm serving Middle Georgia. The company was selected as a partner with MBCAHF from a competitive RFQ process.