Simplicity houses

Simplicity houses are a group of small starter homes constructed by the Birmingham Realty Company in the early 1920s. They were devised as a way to sell lots in the city's more fashionable districts during a period of high construction costs, while also preserving the neighborhood's property values.

The small 784 square-foot two-bedroom one-bath houses were constructed at a cost of $2,250 and erected on the back of the lot, which itself would sell for between $2,000 and $6,000 depending on location. Buyers would pay $750 up front and then make monthly payments of $50 (or higher for pricier lots) until the balance was paid. The costs were designed to be comparable to rents for equal-sized apartments in the same neighborhoods.

When or if the owners became able to build a more substantial house at the front of the lot, the existing cottage could be easily converted into a garage and servants' quarters. Under the terms of the contract for the Simplicity house, the designs for the larger houses required approval from Birmingham Realty.

The plan was reportedly very successful and was considered a model for other cities. The onset of the Great Depression, however, made the practice obsolete. Several of the original Simplicity houses in Forest Park remain, with no larger house ever having been built in front of them.

Locations

• 4212 10th Avenue South
• 1015 43rd Place South
• 1021 43rd Place South
• 1025 43rd Place South

References

• Cornelius, Mrs J. N. (August 1920) "The Simplicity House: Alabama Realty Firm Devises Unique Plan to Encourage Home Ownership" American Builder. Vol. 29, p. 90
• Holder, M. T. (September 1921) "Beating Building Costs in Birmingham: Alabama Building and Realty Company Solves Housing Problem and Laughs at High Cost of Homes" Building Age. Vol. 43, p. 33