The Norwood area of Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America, is a vanished former upscale neighborhood. The community, which was established in 1905, attracted residents from all around the state and beyond, regardless of skin color or birthplace. This not only made it the most attractive area to live in, but it also kept crime and violence to a minimum. In subsequent years, racial segregation cast an unfavorable light on the town, eventually contributing to its collapse.

Early years of Norwood Community

The Birmingham Realty Company built the Norwood neighborhood immediately north of downtown Birmingham in 1910, when streetcars were a popular mode of transportation, according to Bham Wiki. In terms of design, it was similar to the neighboring Highland Avenue development. Norwood Boulevard, a 1.5-mile thoroughfare with space for the Norwood Streetcar Line, served as the city's main thoroughfare.  The largest houses, mostly Colonials and Greek Revivals, were built along this road, which had park-like medians. As the construction progressed, the residences became more American Foursquare and bungalow-style. Initially, the neighborhood had a grocery store, a meat market, and a dairy. It became the home of Norwood Hospital in 1916, which was later renamed Carraway Methodist Medical Center after its founder, Dr. Charles Carraway, and is now defunct.

Close of a Chapter

Norwood began a gradual but steady decline in the 1930s, with numerous properties simply abandoned as vehicles allowed residents to relocate further away from the downtown center. For decades, it was a sort of half-living, half-dead hamlet until people wishing to maintain the historic bungalows created the Norwood Neighborhood Association. The Norwood Resource Center, which aids homeowners with cottage upkeep while also offering financial counseling and other community programming, was erected next. The center also holds events such as a farmer's market, fun races, and Christmas tree lighting.

A New Dawn

After years of providing free community services, the center was awarded a grant to establish community gardens. The school, which residents fought to keep open when it was threatened with closure several years ago, has been renovated and will reopen soon. Despite the progress, the ruins of the mansions that once dotted Norwood Boulevard are the first thing people see when passing by.  A magnificent white mansion on a hill overlooking the city is being repaired, but the bulk of the others are beyond repair and must be demolished and removed before the site can be used. The location is free and open to the public. Volunteers are also being sought to assist with the center's day-to-day operations. In town, there are just approximately 12 loyal citizens left. They are the forerunners of the town's community center, which opened to serve the residents.