On Wednesday morning, CEOs and community volunteers assembled in West Tuscaloosa to raise the walls of a new Habitat for Humanity home. The project, dubbed the “Saban Smart Home,” is being financed by the Nick’s Kids Foundation in honor of the upcoming Saban Center learning campus slated to open in downtown Tuscaloosa in 2028.
Local partnership fuels family‑focused housing
The house will belong to Lauren, a county coordinator with Community Service Programs of West Alabama, and her two daughters. Currently living in a two‑bedroom apartment where she shares a room with her youngest, Lauren said she looks forward to a safe, stable environment where her children can grow and feel secure.
Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa’s executive director, Ellen Potts, highlighted the long‑standing partnership between the nonprofit and the Saban family. Since the 2011 tornado, the Sabans have funded 22 homes in the area, including championship‑themed houses that celebrate Alabama football victories. “We are so fortunate that we have 18 national championship houses, two SEC championship houses, and a Sugar Bowl house funded by Nick Kids,” Potts said. “When Terry contacted us, they wanted to build a home in honor of the Saban Center.”
Technology and STEM built into the home
What sets this house apart is a technology and learning package tailored to the interests of Lauren’s daughters. Habitat volunteers consulted with staff from the future Saban Center to determine which features would best support hands‑on learning, creative play, and STEM education. While the structural design mirrors a standard Habitat home, the added technology will provide an environment that encourages curiosity and academic growth.
Potts expects construction to be completed by February or March, after which the family will move in. Habitat homeowners purchase their homes with a 30‑year, zero‑interest mortgage and contribute sweat equity through homeownership classes, volunteer work, and hands‑on construction experience.
Corporate leaders see stewardship in action
The annual CEO Build also serves as a transparent accounting for major corporate donors. CEOs such as Katrina Keefer of DCH Health System, Brock Corder of the Builder’s Group, and Jill Stork, Vice President of the Western Division of Alabama Power, worked side‑by‑side with Habitat professionals to frame walls and install anchor bolts. “We want to make sure we are good stewards of every penny given to us,” Potts said. “This is a way we can show our major corporate contributors that we are giving them good value for their money, that this is changing families’ lives.”
Habitat’s broader impact in West Tuscaloosa
Milestone Circle, a development of 32 lots in West Tuscaloosa, was vacant three years ago. Today, 22 houses are finished and five are under construction, a testament to the rapid growth spurred by Habitat’s “Operation Transformation.” The organization is also advancing infrastructure in the new Westgrove neighborhood, a 25‑lot development north of Kaulton Park, with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony planned soon. Potts likened the progress to a garden blooming across the city.
Habitat continues to seek additional land for future affordable‑housing projects. Residents with acreage are encouraged to contact the nonprofit to explore partnership opportunities.
Supporting families and the local economy
By combining corporate philanthropy, nonprofit expertise, and community volunteerism, the Saban Smart Home project exemplifies how Tuscaloosa’s business leaders can directly improve the lives of local families while reinforcing the city’s commitment to strong, traditional values and economic stewardship.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
