New homes popping up in Pratt City rebuilding | News

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Charlotte Gray has spent more than 40 years of her life in Pratt City. But last year when a tornado leveled a good portion of Hibernian Street, it just didn't feel like home anymore.

"When it first happened, I came out and looked outside and, oh, it was so ugly," Gray said.

The first sight of her neighborhood depressed her.

"I stayed in the house. I finally came out about 11 days later and had to accept the fact that God is still in control," Gray said. "I just had to be patient. I have to ask for patience all the time even now."

That patience is starting to pay off as several new homes are going up on her street.

"I'm excited about the new houses I can't wait to see what they all look like. They're pretty to me," Gray said.

They are also green and environmentally friendly. Construction company Innovative Homebuilders is putting up six of the eight new homes.

"We hope to be amongst the frontline of moving toward sustainability in the city and we think this will be a jumpstart here in Pratt City," company president, Dirk Forbes said.

On Saturday, the company will host a community event so neighbors can take a look inside one of the new homes.

"We'll have tours of some of the custom homes we've built to bring awareness to some of the energy efficient amenities that are in the homes," Forbes said.

Every new home will be built with a bathroom that doubles as a FEMA safe room. Each one will include a custom solid steel door.

"Our whole purpose out here is to build a product and bring something to the table that the community can be proud of," Forbes said.

It is a thought that brings a smile to Gray's face.

"It's beginning to look like Pratt City again," she said.

In all, Innovative Homebuilders plans to build 20 homes in Pratt City. The open house will be held on Hibernian Street Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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