BRIEF: Seven years after tornado's devastation

April 27--Seven years ago Friday, the most devastating storm in this Tuscaloosa's recorded history tore across the landscape.

The EF4 tornado that struck shortly after 5 p.m. contributed to 53 deaths, millions in property damage and wounds that, in some cases, have yet to fully heal.

Coming Sunday, The Tuscaloosa News will examine how economic investment has contributed to new developments that have risen from the wreckage.

Some of the progress took hold almost as soon as the City Council signed off on new rules governing the redevelopment within the tornado's path.

Other improvements, for a variety of reasons, took a bit more time.

But to rebuild better than what stood before took resilience on behalf of both city leaders and investors. All along the way there was pushback and support, advancements and setbacks.

When standing in what appeared to be a war zone soon after April 27, 2011, it was difficult to envision what could emerge from the wreckage.