Five New Macon Affordable Homes Completed on Villa Esta Avenue
The Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund and Macon-Bibb County cut the ribbon Wednesday, October 28, on five new Macon affordable homes on Villa Esta Avenue, directly across from Bruce Elementary School.
The homes sit on lots that once held dilapidated houses. County officials said the project expands homeownership opportunities in a neighborhood that has seen recent development in recreation and healthcare.
About the homes
Each home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Floor plans range from about 1,050 to 1,290 square feet.
Stafford Builders & Consultants finished the five homes in about eight months. The company is one of two developers selected to support the housing fund’s work in the area.
The Land Bank Authority approved the transfer of the properties to the Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund, known as MBCAHF, in November 2025.
Land Bank Authority Director Everett Verner said the project puts long-held property back to use.
“MBCAHF is an ideal partner as we are finally seeing lots the Land Bank has held for decades be put back into highest and best use, infill housing.”
What officials said
Bruce Elementary Principal Dr. Endirka Williams Okonkwo said the school’s students see the change on their way to class.
“We’re celebrating more than 5 homes being built, we’re celebrating hope, opportunity, the power of community coming together to invest in its future,”
She said. “Every morning our students travel down these streets to school. They’re seeing transformation. They’re seeing progress. They’re seeing something that was once ugly is now beautiful.”
MBCAHF Director Natalie Bouyett said, “Villa Esta is more than building houses. It’s about opportunities for families to create their homes and encourage growth and investment in Macon-Bibb.”
Kesia Stafford, president of Stafford Builders & Consultants, said, “Working with MBCAHF on this project has been joyful. We all moved with intention to ensure our decisions left a positive impact on the families for the five homes and the neighborhood.”
Mayor Lester Miller said the homes reflect a broader approach to neighborhood investment.
“Every family deserves the opportunity to own a home and build a future right here in Macon-Bibb County. These five homes represent more than just new construction. They represent stability for families, new life for our neighborhoods, and the kind of investment that strengthens our entire community. When we invest in housing, recreation, and healthcare together, we’re building neighborhoods where families can truly thrive.”
Investment in the area
The county said the homes are part of larger spending nearby. That includes $2.5 million in county investment for Cliffview and Frank E. Lewis Park.
It also includes $3.2 million in private and public investment toward a new healthcare facility, First Choice Primary Care. The clinic will provide affordable care and pharmacy services to uninsured and underinsured patients.
The project follows other county efforts on affordable housing in Macon-Bibb.
Open house Saturday
MBCAHF is working with Norluxe Realty Macon to market and sell the homes. Norluxe will host a “Fall Into Villa Esta” open house Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visitors can tour the homes, talk with lenders and enjoy candy, games and free food.
Shiwanna Reed, a broker with Norluxe Realty Macon, said, “Our focus is ensuring every buyer enters into the transaction informed and confident on what they are purchasing and what it means for their long-term investment.”
About the fund
MBCAHF is a nonprofit that partners with public and private developers to expand and preserve affordable housing. It supports homeownership for Macon-Bibb County residents who make 120% of area median income or less.
Stafford Builders & Consultants and Norluxe Realty Macon were both chosen as MBCAHF partners through a competitive request-for-qualifications process.
