City Councilor Bruce Huff’s Efforts Spark Growth in District 3

What began nearly two years ago as a conversation among community leaders and neighbors has now become a visible symbol of progress for Columbus’ Southside. District 3 City Councilor Bruce Huff joined developers, city officials, and residents this week to break ground on 904 Commons located at 904 Benning Road a major affordable housing development that marks a turning point for the long-neglected corridor.

“This is more than just a groundbreaking,” said one of the project’s development leaders. “It’s a commemoration of a journey — one that started with community voices and ends with a shared vision for revitalization.”

The project, developed by Olympia Development Group in partnership with the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama, was awarded competitive 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The funding will enable the creation of quality, affordable housing for families in an area that has long awaited meaningful investment.

A Vision Rooted in Community

Councilor Huff credited local collaboration — especially with the Spencer High School Alumni Association — for helping the project take shape. Early meetings with residents and alumni ensured transparency and built trust among stakeholders.

“Oscar Coronado [Olympia’s development director] came in, met with the alumni association, answered questions, and made sure this was a project that our community could support,” Huff said. “They gave their blessing, and that allowed us to move forward together.”

Huff also acknowledged the financial and planning partners who helped secure the project’s foundation, including city staff, DCA officials, and multiple lending institutions. “Projects like this don’t happen without everyone coming to the table,” he said. “It took persistence, prayer, and partnership.”

A Biblical Inspiration for Building

The groundbreaking ceremony took on a spiritual tone as speakers drew parallels between the development and the biblical story of Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem despite great opposition.

“Nehemiah saw a need in his city, just like we see the need for affordable housing today,” said one of the developers. “He built with one hand and carried a sword in the other — a symbol of passion and purpose. That’s what this work is about.”

The ceremony opened with a prayer led by Coronado, who asked for safety for construction workers, blessings for future residents, and continued unity for the surrounding neighborhood.

Economic Growth Beyond the Groundbreaking

Beyond providing housing, Huff said the project will be a catalyst for broader economic revitalization across District 3.

“You’ve already seen Chevron open just down the street,” he said. “This kind of development brings momentum. We’re looking for more — especially healthy restaurants and businesses that serve our community’s needs.”

Developers noted that as housing expands, businesses tend to follow, creating a ripple effect that helps strengthen local economies and improve quality of life.

A Promising Future

As construction begins, Huff expressed optimism about the project’s long-term impact. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We want developers to come back, keep investing, and keep building with us. When we work together, we can change the Southside for generations to come.”

The 904 Fort Benning Road project is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months, at which time community leaders plan to return for a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony — a new chapter in the story of South Columbus’ renewal.