Florence’s West Village a ‘transformative’ community

FLORENCE – A development coming to Florence is aiming to be a great place to call home, do business and have fun. All at the same time. 

Approved by the city council last week, the West Village is on track to weave a unique identity around downtown Florence, the University of North Alabama campus, and the greater Shoals area. 

It will be part residential, “including apartments, cozy courtyard units, townhomes, and single-family homes.” Part commercial, “for small business owners interested in locating their business in the neighborhood.” But mostly for everyone – with public spaces like the central plaza and plenty of outdoor restaurant seating.

A guiding light for the project is world-class “walkability” that builds on Florence’s existing infrastructure.

“It all comes back to that idea of neighborhood and the community,” developer Joel Anderson said. “We really see this as an opportunity to create a new neighborhood center with its own unique identity, character and amenities.”

“But also one that ties into the broader Shoals’ community.”

Formerly home to the Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, the west Florence site will receive new life when construction begins this year. The nearly $50 million project will include an estimated 108 apartments, 61 homes and space for 15 to 25 businesses. All told, it will take about three years to complete.

According to an assessment by the Alabama SBDC and West Village, the site will generate $806 million in economic impact over the next 10 years.

Both residents and visitors can expect the public plaza to be a vibrant place with “farmers markets, live music, movie nights outdoors,” going on “ideally half the month,” says Anderson.

As far as his personal commitment to the project and region goes, he said, “I love the Shoals. I was born here and have lived here nearly all my adult life.”

“Folks can get the best of both worlds. So that’s why I’m excited to invest here. It’s really poised for growth over the coming decades.”