The 144.2-acre tract of land being developed into the new subdivision of Griffin Park at Eagle Point is known for government purposes at a Single Family Special District, with the zoning designation R-2 SD.

That means the land is designated for single-family houses and allowing lots in varying sizes. Those lot sizes range from 60-feet in width to 100-feet in width. Most of Griffin Park is a gently sloping terrain, which has allowed builders to offer level homesites, with modest terracing between lots that are situated on slopes.

The homes, some brick and some brick-and-frame, range in size from slightly more than 1,700 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet. Most are built on concrete slabs, but there are basement homes as well.

The variety of home sizes and styles has drawn interest from a wide demographic profile. Single-story homes have been popular with empty-nesters looking to downsize and get rid of stairs, and for younger singles. Families with children—from newborns to high-schoolers have been drawn to the four- and five-bedroom homes, which separate a main-level master bedroom from upstairs bedrooms and, frequently, an upstairs den for children.

All homes are built within a tight set of specifications and a generous, but limited palette of colors, decorations and materials.

Some homes are built on speculation. In those cases, buyers accept what the builder has done. For buyers who select a lot to have a house built, they visit builder design centers where they can pick out styles and colors of light fixtures, carpet and tile, counters, cabinets, mirrors and fixtures, among other things. Still, those selections fall within boundaries set by the builder to ensure a certain uniformity and quality standard. There are base offerings that come with each home. Buyers can pay extra for some things that are beyond the base offerings.

Griffin Park’s builders are Newcastle Homes and Harris Doyle Homes. In the main, the Newcastle sector includes approximately 125 homesites in the northeast section of the development and a small number of basement homes on the southwest side. Harris Doyle has the remaining and slightly fewer than 200 homesites in the southwest section.

Griffin Park is also a covenant-protected community and that fact makes Griffin Park not for everyone.

Those covenants are enforceable rules that every homeowner must abide by. For those who don’t want to have a set of rules governing such things as where they can put their garbage can, forbidding parking on the street or requiring prior approval for home additions, then Griffin Park might not be a place they would enjoy.

On the other hand, those covenants protect every home owner’s investment, assure a clean and orderly neighborhood that meets certain quality standards and prevents eyesores and neglected home sites.

It is a tradeoff, and one designed to make sure that homeowners can be confident in a quality place to call home.

The subdivision is patrolled by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. Fire protection is provided by one of two fire districts—Cahaba Valley and North Shelby, both of which have stations nearby. Garbage service is once each week.

Because Griffin Park is in an unincorporated part of Shelby County, there are separate fees for fire protection and garbage service.

An independent sewer company serves the community. Other utilities are provided by Alabama Power Co., Spire (formerly Alabama Gas Co.), AT&T for land-line telephone service, internet and television service and water from Shelby County. That water is drawn from the Coosa River.

Spectrum has recently been installing cable lines and should begin offering telephone, internet and cable television service soon.

Situated between Alabama 119 and U.S. 280, Griffin Park is accessed from either highway. Access is available from Alabama 119 through the older Eagle Point neighborhood or through Lee Branch shopping center. Access from U.S. 280 also is through Lee Branch shopping center or via Eagle Point Parkway.