Mobile, AL - April 19, 2024 – A new dawn is breaking for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue as The Branch, a transformative mixed-income development spearheaded by the Fuse Figures team, is officially announced. In a press conference held at 880 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, key community leaders and stakeholders gathered to unveil this ambitious project set to reshape the landscape of Mobile.

Breathing New Life into Mobile

The Branch is more than just a housing project; it's a symbol of renewal and growth for the Mobile community. Strategically located across from Bishop State Community College, The Branch will feature over 300 residential units, including dedicated student housing. This development marks a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to revitalize the area, blending modern living spaces with the rich historical tapestry of the neighborhood. 

A Collaborative Vision

The realization of The Branch is a testament to the power of collaboration. This project is the result of a joint effort by the City of Mobile, the Mobile Housing Authority, and the dedicated team from Fuse Project and Dortch Figures and Sons, alongside numerous public and private partners. This collective vision aims to provide essential housing options and stimulate economic and social progress in the community.

Leadership and Community Engagement

The press conference began with a warm welcome from Ann-Brooks Morrissette, Executive Director of Fuse Project, who highlighted the journey that led to this momentous occasion. "Five years ago, in April of 2019, Fuse Project announced the launch of The Historic Avenue Foundation, a community-quarterback organization for the Avenue community, and began making investments in education, housing, and community wellness in the neighborhood."

Following an invocation from Pastor Donnie Powell of Lily Baptist Church, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson took the stage, emphasizing the significance of The Branch. "This is truly an exciting day. This property, where we’re standing, and what it represents is… an unprecedented opportunity to do something that is desperately needed in the community…this has the opportunity to be one of the most transformative projects that has certainly occurred in this area of the community in the last ten years, maybe even the last 20 years."

Voices of Support

The event featured remarks from notable community leaders, including Michael Pierce from the Mobile Housing Authority, who explained the innovative approach to maintaining affordability. "By leasing the property instead of selling it, it allows (the Mobile Housing Authority) to keep an affordability on the land in perpetuity. Of the 350 units that will be built, 117 of those units will be set aside for HCV, Housing Choice Voucher or better known as Section 8, clients."

City Councilman William Carroll, representing District 2, shared his vision for comprehensive community revitalization. "Some projects are transformative; some projects are transfigurative. Our goal overall is to have a source of multiple projects that give birth to total revitalization in not just one spot but the entire community (while) at the same time helping to sustain the culture and community in the people that currently live here."

President Olivier Charles of Bishop State Community College highlighted the critical need for student housing due to the institution's recent growth. Bishop State has seen tremendous growth in the last couple of years, most notably a 30% increase in enrollment in the last semester alone. This means an additional 700 students and a new set of logistics to face. One of the big pieces of that puzzle for Bishop State is where to house students. There are groups of students, such as student athletes from all over the country, students in surrounding areas without reliable transportation, students with a less-than-ideal home situation, and students that just want the college experience that need housing near campus to better set them up for success.

Charles expressed his excitement about the convenience The Branch will offer. "What IF, they can just walk across the street and get to class every single day? So, we are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this project… because we see this anchor project as not just an anchor for Bishop State, not just an anchor for our community, but an anchor for an entire region to be able to get students trained and get them to work. I can’t wait to see this development, but I also can’t wait to build that crosswalk and see students cross the street every day to go to class."

A Cornerstone of Progress

Grant Zarzour, Co-Founder of Fuse Project, wrapped up the presentation with his insights. Zarzour noted, "Fuse Project, so far, has invested $882,000 in this community, and we’re just getting started."

The Branch represents a significant milestone for Fuse Project and The Historic Avenue Foundation in our efforts to help create transformational opportunities and close the opportunity gap in the Avenue community. This multi-phase development will not only bring new mixed-income housing, student accommodations, and retail spaces but is one step further to fostering a holistic approach to community revitalization.

Looking Forward

The future of Mobile shines brighter with The Branch, a beacon of hope and a catalyst for continued development and prosperity in the historic Avenue. As The Branch takes root, it promises to be a cornerstone of progress, embodying the spirit of growth, renewal, and community. For more information about The Branch and its impact on the Mobile community, please visit www.atthebranch.com.