Families Returning To Front Street Years After EF-3 Tornado

July 26, 2018

Life continues to return to normal on Front Street in Century, nearly two and a half years after an EF-3 tornado devastated much of the area.

It was one of the poorest streets in one of the poorest towns in the state — an estimated annual household income as low as $7,000. But it’s a street rich in history, rich in memories and rich in the hearts of the residents.

Neighbors Jessica Campbell and Brenda Mullins had been out of their homes for over a year as their tornado ravaged homes were replaced. Standing in one of six new homes constructed for tornado victims, they reunited in an emotional hug.

State Disaster State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funding was allocated to Escambia County in 2016 to assist income eligible owner occupants with rehabilitation. In August 2016, Quina Grundhoefer Architects was tasked to create replacement housing plans that would fit with the historic guidelines prescribed by the Town of Century history district as well as meeting approval with the State Historic Preservation Office since the funding is coming from the state.

Recently residents had a chance to see the inside of their new homes.

“We are very appreciative of everyone that had a part in this,” Marialena Godwin said inside her new home with her husband Carl.

For more photos, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.



Comments

7 Responses to “Families Returning To Front Street Years After EF-3 Tornado”

  1. anne1of2 on July 27th, 2018 5:55 pm

    I am so happy for these families. Once in awhile nice people get a break. May they all enjoy having something new. If those rails haven’t been painted yet, white stain will protect the wood (it soaks in) and is very white. The only paint to use these days is the one with primer in it. Otherwise the paint will be peeling in no time.

  2. Merry on July 26th, 2018 9:05 pm

    @grand locust thanks for your comments. We agree. There is still outside painting to be completed—so the railings will all be painted white.

  3. Grand Locust on July 26th, 2018 7:49 pm

    The house is nice, but the porch trim and railings should be stained white to properly blend into the home. It is nice to see crisp clean lines on a home and even better to see victims of the tornado finding themselves home again.

  4. Jessica Campbell on July 26th, 2018 5:07 pm

    And also Thank u Randon!!!

  5. Jessica Campbell on July 26th, 2018 3:45 pm

    I just want to say a Special Thanks to not only Ms.Debbie Nickles & Ms. Meredith but to the contactors that worked on our houses and all the neighbor hood, churches, & town people that lended a helping hand ever since the tornado hit!!! From the bottom of.my heart we really appreciate all the help!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

  6. Matthew D. on July 26th, 2018 9:13 am

    I’m so happy for this community. It’s been a challenging time for these folks recovering from the tornado.

  7. Randon on July 26th, 2018 7:11 am

    Man if anyone deserved this it was Jesse!! Happy for you my friend!!