News Summary
The historic Little Villa on Highland in Birmingham has been saved from demolition thanks to community efforts. Local activists rallied support, leading to the preservation of this 1923 architectural gem, which will undergo renovation. This victory highlights the determination of residents to protect their heritage and opens the door for potential restoration of nearby historical homes, including the Three Sisters.
Birmingham Breathes a Sigh of Relief as Historic “Little Villa on Highland” is Saved from Demolition
Birmingham has some wonderful news to celebrate! The historic home known as the “Little Villa on Highland,” located at 2931 Highland Avenue South, has just been saved from the jaws of demolition. This charming piece of history will now be restored thanks to its new owner, who has serious plans to breathe new life into the property.
A Close Call with Destruction
Not too long ago, the “Little Villa” was on the verge of being razed to make way for a new six-unit apartment building. The plans for demolition were officially submitted to the Birmingham Design Review Committee, which sent local residents into a frenzy. But the good-hearted folks in the community weren’t ready to let this treasured gem go without a fight. Local activists and neighborhood groups rallied together, launching a passionate campaign to save the beloved home.
This community-led effort gained momentum, bringing together nearly 2,500 people who signed a change.org petition urging for the home’s preservation. These actions did not go unnoticed. The Highland Park Local Historic Advisory Committee stepped in and decisively voted to deny the demolition request. In a remarkable turn, the Birmingham Design Review Committee ultimately tabled the demolition proposal, effectively stopping the project dead in its tracks.
A New Chapter Begins
Come January 15, 2025, the property officially exchanged hands. With the new ownership, a sense of excitement is in the air, as plans for the renovation have been confirmed. The “Little Villa” is a spacious 2,160 square-foot residence that boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Built in 1923 by Mr. and Mrs. Colby, its architectural design draws inspiration from ancient Roman villas, crafted by the talented architect William Leslie Welton.
Interestingly, the “Little Villa” shares a distinct design aesthetic with the Colby Decorating Company Building, which is currently home to the vibrant Dread River Distilling Company. How lovely it is to see elements of history and heritage woven together in the very fabric of the neighborhood!
A Glimmer of Hope for the “Three Sisters”
With the “Little Villa” having successfully evaded the looming threat of demolition, attention is now turning to the neighboring residences known as the “Three Sisters.” The George Harris and Robert Warner residences, which were built in the early 1900s, have stood vacant for decades and are currently up for sale as a combined lot for a cool $1,000,000.
The community is buzzing with excitement at the prospect of restoring these charming structures. The Eugene Enslen residence, one of the “Three Sisters,” underwent a restoration in 1994 and now houses Snable Attorneys at Law. However, the Robert Warner residence is missing its entire front porch, and both homes have succumbed to disrepair over the years. It’s time to bring them back to their former glory!
Community Spirit Shines Through
The successful preservation of the “Little Villa on Highland” is a testament to the power and determination of the Birmingham community. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed and are now paving the way for potential restoration of the “Three Sisters” homes. Hopefully, this determination and passion for preserving history will continue to resonate throughout the city, reminding everyone that even in the face of development, community spirit can win the day!
Birmingham has proven that it still cherishes its history and is taking steps to ensure that the past remains a part of its vibrant future. Now, all eyes will be watching how these restoration efforts unfold as the “Little Villa” gets the careful attention it deserves, while everyone hopes to see the “Three Sisters” follow suit. What an exciting time to be in Birmingham!
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now: Historic Little Villa on Highland Saved
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- WBRC: Highland Park Neighborhood Efforts
- Google Search: Highland Park Birmingham
- AL.com: Save Little Villa
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham, AL
- Bham Now: Iconic Vacant Houses in Highland Park
- Google News: Historical Homes Birmingham
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
