We're All In Horizons 2022 by Tallapoosa Publishers

WETUMPKA

MILLBROOK

We’re All In HORIZONS

ECLECTIC

TALLASSEE

The River Region Horizons • We’re All In 2022

Progress 2022

A special edition from Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 1

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

From the Publisher's Desk

very year the staff at Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. works very hard to bring you stories that showcase the quality-of-life Elmore County provides to its residents. This year is no different. The year’s theme of “We’re All In” reminds us all that we have a part in creating and maintaining a community that brings value to our neighbors. And, from what I read, you, the readers, the leaders, the influencers, the planners and motivators are doing your part to bring value to your communities. New businesses are springing up in our cities, economic growth is happening through innovation, and collaboration of all agencies is making the quality of life grow exponentially in Elmore County. We can’t help but celebrate with all of you! TPI is proud to showcase the progress and accomplishments of each of the cities and communities in Elmore County this past year. Just as 2020 had its challenges, 2021 was a challenging year as well. Despite the odds, once again the residents and leaders of Elmore County met the challenge and persevered to continue moving forward. Eclectic is growing with five new businesses opening in the downtown area. Read about these up-and-coming businesses on page 8. The City of Wetumpka just keeps moving forward with more recognition each year. This past year puts the icing on the success cake with them being named Sweet Home Alabama “Small Town Promotion of the year” for 2021 by the Alabama Tourism Bureau. See how Wetumpka continues to add value to their residents through more renovation and expansion on page 14. And let’s not forget one of the reasons HGTV was drawn to Wetumpka was filmmaker Tim Burton who brought national attention to the area several years ago when he filmed “Big Fish” there. The movers and shakers of Wetumpka held a celebration for Tim Burton’s 63rd birthday. See the celebration photos on page 28. Tourism is alive and well in Wetumpka since HGTV’s Home Town Takeover series aired this past year. Check it out on page 32. The Millbrook Chamber is advancing their organization with more services and programs for the local businesses. Read about how they are expanding and collaborating with the City of Millbrook on page 18. Speaking of the City of Millbrook, the dirt has been moved and the completion of Phase 1 is near for the 17 Springs project on Highway 14. This first phase focuses on outdoor sports and recreation through Grandview YMCA. Read about the forward movement happening on page 44. The students at Tallassee High School will be happy to learn that they should be in their new facility by Thanksgiving. Check out the progress on this project on page 24. Downtown Tallassee is getting the facelift that has been in the works for a couple of years. The leaders of the Tallassee Chamber and the city hope this revitalization will bring more visitors to the area. Turn to page 40 to learn more. An important component of a quality lifestyle in our communities is a knowledge of nature and conservation. On page 58 learn about the conservation programs to educate yourself and our youth through the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Through their programs our future generations will have an appreciation for stewardship of our natural resources. Elmore County residents have a bright future ahead with the strong indicators of economic growth and progress being made in each of the communities. As you read about the work being done through the leaders and agencies that support them, know that Elmore County is in good hands for a prosperous year.

Steve Baker, Publisher 4

STAFF Chairman Kenneth Boone President & Publisher Steve Baker steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Managing Editor Kaitlin Fleming kaitlin.fleming@alexcityoutlook.com Magazine Managing Editor Lynn Cox lynn.cox@alexcityoutlook.com Marketing Consultants Marilyn Hawkins marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com Cathy Parr cathy.parr@tallasseetribune.com Creative Services Audra Spears audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Distribution Manager Erin Burton erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com Digital Services Elle Fuller elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com Contributors Siri Hendreen Cliff Williams Jake Arthur Jenny Enslen Stubbs Brenda Dennis Briana Wilson Audra Spears Brian Tannehill Ann Harper Haley Greene Alabama Nature Center

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Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 99 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-7811 thewetumpkaherald.com tallasseetribune.com

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

CONTENTS

40 Up and Coming Eclectic Sees Five New Businesses Open Downtown Sweet Home Alabama Small Town Promotion of the year

8 14

Millbrook Chamber Advanced to 2.0

In the Works Students should be occupying the new Tallassee School by Thanksgiving

Wetumpka Celebrates Tim Burton

28 32

Wetumpka Boom The city is feeling a resurgance after HGTV’s Home Town Takeover Uptown Downtown Downtown Tallassee to see a facelift

Millbrook Seeing Immense Growth 17 Springs project moving along

44 49 52

Cleaning Up Hotel Talisi The historic building is just one part of the city’s revitilization efforts Alabama Wildlife Federation Conservation Education programs for all WETUMPKA

MILLBROOK

We’re All In HORIZONS

ECLECTIC

ON THE COVER: Pictured are Company Street in Downtown Wetumpka, the mural on the Millbrook Welcome Center, mural in downtown Eclectic and Thurlow Dam in Tallassee

TALLASSEE

The River Region

Progress 2022

A special edition from Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

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We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

Up and Coming Eclectic sees five new businesses open downtown STORY & PHOTOS BY SIRI HEDREEN

owntown Eclectic is no longer the same Eclectic Abby Traylor, owner of The Leopard Fox boutique, was dying to leave in high school. “I did not want to live in Eclectic,” Traylor said. “I wanted to live in New York or somewhere where fashion was a big deal because going to school here, I would dress up every day, I looked at Teen Vogue, and I would of course get made fun of sometimes because nobody else really got it.” At the time, downtown Eclectic was largely empty, save for one cafe Traylor would eat breakfast. Since then, however, Traylor has seen a slow reversal with new shops, cafes and restaurants starting to populate the empty storefronts, including The Leopard Fox which moved into its own storefront in February 2021 after being a vendor at Simply Sassy across the street. Traylor is also on the zoning and planning committee and is aware of another restaurant and a bar that have

secured spaces. “I think people really like to see it liven back up because it’s been dead for so long that they really come to support — and they want to support — the local businesses,” she said. And despite its initial halting of non-essential retail, the pandemic has been a boon for local business, Traylor said. “People have been shopping local even more with the pandemic since they don’t want to drive to Montgomery or Prattville and be in a big group,” she said. “So, I think it’s actually helped.” The Leopard Fox, which sells women’s clothing and gifts, is also helped by the fact that locals cannot simply “pop into Walmart.” They’d have to go to Tallassee, Alexander City or Wetumpka for the nearest big-box retailer — the only chain stores in Eclectic are a Piggly Wiggly and a Dollar General.

Abby Traylor owns The Leopard Fox in downtown Eclectic.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Jenna Wright has a second consignment boutique location in Tallassee.

there by Madix (plant) with 140 homes,” Traylor said. “I feel like that’s probably going to be young families moving into those homes.” Traylor’s boutique isn’t the only storefront that has cropped up in the last year and a half.

A Dash of Fashion Consignment

Jenna Wright is the owner of A Dash of Fashion.

With everyone cooped up all of 2020, Traylor said she can see people are dying to get dressed up again, even if only to go out for a meal. “I think it’s great if you need something, an outfit or a gift or something, it’s so nice to leave school or get off work and get that (right here),” Traylor said. “It takes us an hour to get somewhere to really shop like Montgomery or Prattville. It’s just nice to be right here.” While Traylor isn’t letting go of her day job at the bank, thanks to the help of a few employees, she’s able to do both. “They make it easy,” she said. Traylor said she picks out clothing from wholesalers with a variety of customers in mind, from Elmore County High School girls to her mom, but her target demographic is young mothers. Luckily, she believes the town demographics are moving in her favor. “We have a lot of people moving here for the school system and they’re building a new development over Horizons • We’re All In 2022

A Dash of Fashion Consignment shop skipped into downtown Eclectic at the end of April 2021. Business owner Jenna Wright said the store accepts baby, kids, teens, women’s and men’s clothing, plus shoes of all sizes. “We will accept anything that’s contemporary and not outdated, so typically clothing and shoes within the last couple of years,” Wright said. “The items should not be very worn, or have holes or stains. It doesn’t have to be name brand as long as it’s nice.” The Eclectic location is Wright’s second consignment boutique location. The first is located in Tallassee. The Tallassee location has been in business for more than 10 years, but Wright purchased the store from its previous owner eight and a half years ago. The roughly 2,600-square-foot Eclectic location is bigger than the Tallassee boutique, so Wright said she will also be accepting furniture at the Eclectic location. “Eclectic is growing and I feel like this could be a really good thing for Eclectic,” Wright said. “I already have clients who drive to the Tallassee store but live in Eclectic, so having a store here will be more convenient for them.” Wright said the business is also outgrowing the 9

Tallassee location so she has been searching for opportunities to expand.

Down Home Bar and Grill

Jasmine Williams, owner of Down Home Bar and Grill.

Snow Biz owner Arthur Smith and members of his family purchased Kickin’ Chicken two years ago from previous owners.

Down Home Bar and Grill opened in June. For Eclectic resident Jasmine Williams, owning a restaurant was a dream born out of days spent in the kitchen cooking with her grandmother. “All I’ve ever known is cooking and baking,” she said. “My grandmother is the main reason I love to cook. She was a dietician at a nursing home for about 45 years and growing up our house was the go-to house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cooking brings me joy. It’s my happy place.” Williams’ 91-year-old grandmother, Mary Pressley, now lives with her and is still known to cook a good Sunday dinner from time to time. After years of dreaming about owning a restaurant, Williams finally made it a reality. Down Home Bar and Grill opened in downtown Eclectic at 65 Main Street. The dining area of the restaurant is complete with 11 tables, a kitchen counter and countertop made out of refurbished wood pallets by Williams and restaurant kitchen manager Jamie Swiney. It took about a month for the pair to complete the project. “Jamie even built me my very own step stool since I’m short and the counter is kind of tall,” Williams said. The restaurant’s menu includes items like Philly cheesesteaks, wings, burgers, beer and wine. The Eclectic Town Council approved a liquor license to Williams at its March 2021 meeting. Williams said she took a leap of faith when she decided to move forward with her dream of owning a restaurant. “My family knows that this has always been my dream,” she said. “My kids Macari and Makenzie kept pushing me to follow my dreams and they’ve been my biggest source of inspiration.” When she first began searching for a suitable space, she became discouraged because she wasn’t finding what she was looking for. “I like the small-town feel where everybody knows everybody,” she said. “I want the regulars who come in everyday and order the same thing. That’s what I like.” Williams directly contacted the owner of the Main Street location to inquire about renting the space. “This location used to be a restaurant and everyone in town already knows where it is,” she said. “It’s in a great location. A few years ago, I looked into renting this building but it didn’t work out, until now.”

Sno Biz

Sno Biz also opened in April. The business opened beside Kickin’ Chicken on Kowaliga Road is owned by Arthur Smith, who coincidentally is co-owner of Kickin’ chicken. Smith said he decided to open Sno Biz Eclectic because there’s nothing better than a cold, sweet treat in the middle of an Alabama summer. And Eclectic is the per10

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Equality resident Kristen Dales opened Eclectic Nutrition, located at 25B Kowaliga Road.

fect location because the business will catch a lot of the Lake Martin traffic. “I’ve been a pastor in Wetumpka for 29 years,” Smith said. “Everything I do is about ministry, and I learned a long time ago that ministry is not just about preaching or going to church – it’s about meeting the needs of the people. I probably sit down and talk to, and minister to just as many people at Kickin’ Chicken as I do at church. Sno Biz is just another way to reach people and to minister to people.” Smith had people ready for Sno Biz by giving out free Sno Biz samples to Kickin’ Chicken customers to give them a taste of what’s to come. Smith and members of his family purchased Kickin’ Chicken two years ago from the previous owners, and he and his wife moved to Eclectic to immerse themselves into the community. “We’re looking forward to continuing to serve the people here in Eclectic, who by the way, have been extremely generous to us, especially during this COVID situation,” Smith said. “We’ve had people to come in and bless our waiters with as much as $100 and $500 tips. It’s become like a family. If not for the support of the community at the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans, we might’ve had to shut down.”

Eclectic Nutrition

Yet another new business opened doors in downtown Eclectic in 2021. Equality resident Kristen Dales opened Eclectic Nutrition, located at 25B Kowaliga Road, by mid-July. The business features Herbalife Nutrition products, which have been growing in popularity over the past few years. Eclectic Nutrition offers loaded teas, meal replaceHorizons • We’re All In 2022

ment shakes and protein iced coffees. The loaded teas are available to try in several different flavor combinations. Dales said the herbal tea mixtures come in five different flavors, while the sugarfree water enhancers and liftoff energy tablets come in a variety of different flavors, allowing for countless flavor combinations to mix and match. The loaded teas have 24 calories, no sugar and 4 grams of carbohydrates. “The loaded teas aid in weight loss, digestion and helps with your metabolism by making you feel full for longer,” Dales said. “And they’re full of vitamins and minerals.” The 200-calorie, plant-based meal replacement shakes will be available in 15 flavors. They contain 24 grams of protein, 21 vitamins and minerals and 5 grams of fiber. The 100-calorie protein iced coffees also come in a variety of flavors and contain 80 milligrams of caffeine and 2 grams of sugar. Dales said she began using Herbalife products last year at home and discovered that they worked great for her and her lifestyle. “I just really liked the way they make me feel,” she said. “I’m more upbeat and energized, and I don’t feel so dragged down halfway through the day.” Dales decided to sign up as a Herbalife distributor and she began introducing the beverages to people at her job. “I started selling teas at work, then I made a Facebook page and it just really grew,” Dales said. “When I started introducing it to other people, I was seeing how it was changing their lives and it just inspired me to venture out. That’s when I started thinking about opening a storefront.” 11

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

The “Big Fish” house located in downtown Wetumpka received a refresh on HGTV Home Town Takeover.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Sweet Home Alabama

Small Town Promotion of the year

STORY KAITLIN FLEMING PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS & BRIAN TANNEHILL

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

he City of Wetumpka has seen many successes in the last several years, the icing on that success cake is being named Sweet Home Alabama “Small Town Promotion of the Year” for 2021. According to a Facebook post from the city, the award by the Alabama Tourism Department was presented during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. “It was an honor to receive this award as we continue moving Wetumpka forward,” the Facebook post read. While the town may seem small, it actually boasts a population of 7,220, according to the latest census data available. Being the county seat for Elmore County and identifying as “The City of Natural Beauty” is reason enough to be memorable, but Wetumpka gained national attention after being chosen for HGTV’s special “Home Town Takeover.” The series kick-started renovation projects across the downtown area. Wetumpka’s charming downtown got a well-lit facelift with 12 major renovations, including restaurants, stores and other public buildings for residents and visitors to

The Wetumpka stadium saw its first game in rivalry against Prattville in August 2021.

enjoy. In addition to the renovations, the city has seen increased tourism numbers. Wetumpka saw about 1,200 visitors per week before HGTV came to town. Now, the area sees 5,000 people a week, according to Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shellie Whitfield. To go along with the spirit of renovation and revitalization, the city also developed a state-of-the-art sports complex and a new football stadium. A new era of Wetumpka football began in August of 2021, as Wetumpka debuted its new stadium in a game against rival Prattville. After Wetumpka made its first football state championship game appearance in 2017, Mayor Jerry Willis got in front of the team and told them he would build a palace. In October of 2019, the project was officially approved and was set to debut at the beginning of the 2020 football season. Construction ended up being delayed from the anticipated August 2020 debut, but Willis made sure to keep the community excited about the stadium. In November of 2020, the community was reminded of how special the stadium was going to be when Musco Lighting put on a light show to show off the stadium’s brand new lights. Those lights, along with the jumbotron, will be on full display Friday nights. “We are very excited about it because it’s something we’ve been waiting on for a long time,” Mayor Willis told The Wetumpka Herald in August 2021. “Finishing touches have been put on and it should be a tremendous venue to host athletic programs. We are very excited about it.” Looking toward the future, the city has

The city has passed an ordinance to establish an arts and entertainment district.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

passed an ordinance to establish an arts and entertainment district. During an October 4, 2021 council meeting, the Wetumpka City Council voted 5-1 to pass ordinance 2021-5 that established an Arts and Entertainment District in the downtown area, with councilman Joe Brown voting against the measure. According to Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, this new ordinance will allow better regulations in the new Arts and Entertainment District. “This gives us an opportunity,” he said. “By putting something like this in place, that allows us to have better control over what we are doing.”

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

According to Willis, there have been events in the past where alcohol consumption was allowed and there have been no problems, and he doesn’t expect any in the future. “No, we are not going to be New York City,” Willis said. “And we are not going to be New Orleans. That’s not what this is about. This is about allowing our businesses that have invested lots, and lots, of money to be able to improve their businesses, and the quality of their businesses as they manage day-to-day operations.” In addition, Willis assures the citizens of Wetumpka that should any problems arise from this ordinance, the council can modify it if needed.

Millbrook Chamber Advanced to 2.0

STORY LYNN COX & PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRENDA DENNIS

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

HGTV’s Home Town Takeover inspired mural on the Millbrook Welcome Center

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

xciting things are going on at the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Millbrook. Since new Chamber Director Millbrook Chamber Brenda Dennis joined the Director Brenda Dennis chamber last year, programs have been put in place to enhance membership and increase economic development in the city. “The chamber is now 2.0 from what it used to be,” Dennis said. A new website for the chamber was launched in 2021 and includes upgrades that make it more member centric. Some of the new capabilities give members the option of paying their dues online. Also new, are more networking opportunities for members to grow their business. The chamber has added a morning coffee once a month, a Women in Business event, along with the ribbon cuttings and grand openings for The Stanhope Elmore new members. The annual Arts Club painted pots, dinner event is always an put plants in them important event that the for the annual event chamber hosts each year as well. One of the initiatives that was put on hold this past year, but will be coming in the fall of 2022, is the Junior Ambassador program for juniors and seniors in the local public and private high schools. These students will have a chance to job shadow officials and members to understand how business and government intersect. The chamber is always looking to benefit their schools in the area, like asking the students to design centerpieces for the tables at the annual event. The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce works closely with the City of Millbrook on economic development. A recent announcement of collaboration between the two is the Mural Grant

Project. The city has appropriated $30,000 for a municipal-wide mural grant project to promote art tourism resulting in economic development for the city. The chamber has agreed to administer the grant, which will reimburse up to $6,000 after a 20% match of the total project cost has been met. “Art tourism is a growing industry,” said Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley. “Mural programs in other cities have proven to create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenue, and stimulate local economies. We are excited to be able to offer our local businesses this opportunity to create a unique look for themselves, stand out from the rest, and hopefully attract even more business.” “Murals aren’t just about slapping paint on the side of a building,” Dennis said. “They’re about bringing communities together to tell a shared story, and then to share that story with the rest of the world.” “After HGTV reached out while filming in Wetumpka, the producers came over to Millbrook to see how we were inspired,” Dennis said. “The mural on the welcome building on Main Street became a part of the HGTV ‘Home Town Takeover: Where Are They Now.’ In the show, they highlighted local businesses here. One was Kingdom Dough. Now people from all over the country stop in to get a taste of their delicious pastries.” Grant applications are available now on the chamber website: www.millbrookchamber.org or can be picked up at the chamber office located at 3390 Main St. The grant deadline is March 31.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

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We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

The office and auditorium of the new Tallassee High School are taking shape as the classrooms begin to come out of the ground.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

In The Works Students should be occupying the new Tallassee High School by Thanksgiving

STORY & PHOTO BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

year of construction on the new Tallassee High School has lapsed and there is roughly another year to go. Despite a few challenges, the project remains mostly on time, according to Tallassee Schools superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin. “There has been a little rain,” Nolin said. “Contractors would get ready to pour footings and it would rain. They had to redo some of the compaction because of it.” Nolin said board of education staff, contractors and engineers have done a great job of managing the challenges or supply issues and weather. “The project is only about two weeks behind schedule,” Nolin said. “Everyone has done well with lead times, projecting material needs and being ready.” The nearly $17 million project wasn’t just pulled from a hat. “It has been in the works off and on for 20 years,”

Nolin said. “In the last four to five years, the board and previous superintendents have worked to bring the project to life.” Savings of tax revenues since 2011 and the sale of bonds funded by a 2018 sales tax increase made the new school possible. The project was further complicated because the construction site was on top of where the old school used to be. “It has a higher cost because we are building on the existing site,” Nolin said. “We had to bring in mobile classrooms to create the space for the demolition of the old school. It’s been an interesting process.” Nolin said the part most seen by the public currently is what will be the auditorium. “It should take about 18 months,” Nolin said. “It has a lot of custom parts to it. The classrooms are similar to other projects around the state. They are able to construct it faster — it should be about 12 months.” This week contractors were still laying block for the classrooms as the insulation lines the auditorium. Currently, 11 classrooms are being utilized in the annex and 17 portable classrooms are scattered along the back of campus until construction is complete. “We had five buildings before construction, so students were pretty used to moving between buildings,” Nolins said. “We will still utilize the annex once construction is completed.”

Students learn in 17 portable classrooms along back of campus.

Despite a challenging year, the project is on track for completion in 2022.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

Wetumpka Celebrates Tim Burton PHOTOS BY BRIANA WILSON

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

he famed film director, producer and writer Tim Burton was celebrated in the city of Wetumpka during a week in August 2021. The celebration began on Burton’s 63rd birthday, Aug. 25, and continued until Aug. 28. The festivities began with Mayor Jerry Willis cutting a Tim Burton-themed birthday cake in front of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. Simply Southern Treats, owned by Garris Huckabee, sponsored the cake. Afterward, guests made their way to the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery for a Burton-themed tea party sponsored by the Smith-Byrd House. Tim Burton Week was the brainchild of Lucky Lawrence, who co-owns Provisions Cheese and Wine Shoppe with his wife Kate. The business is in the old Fain Theater. Lawrence partnered with Main Street Wetumpka to help turn his idea into reality. The city of Wetumpka has a special tie to Burton. Most of the movie “Big Fish,” which Burton directed, was filmed in the city, as well as at Spectre in Millbrook. Wetumpka’s tie to the movie was one of the reasons the city caught the eye of Home Town Takeover’s Erin Napier, as “Big Fish” is one of her favorite movies. Many events took place during Tim Burton Week: n Expressionism Art Day—Participants grabbed their sidewalk chalk and started creating art. There were displays of expressionism art at various downtown businesses. The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery had an expressionism art exhibit and activity for kids and kids at heart. n Costume Cameo Day—People dressed up to represent various characters from Tim Burton movies. There was a window contest for businesses that decorated their windows and the public voted for the best display from a Tim Burton movie. The Vault Variety Shop won the contest. n Cheshire Cat Scavenger Hunt—The one finding the Cheshire Cat received a private dinner for four at Provisions Cheese and Wine valued at $200. The Craft House and Provisions Cheese and Wine also hosted a trivia contest. n A showing of “Big Fish” in the Alley after dark and pop-up characters were displayed in front of the “Big Fish” house on Main Street. n Provisions Cheese and Wine hosted an open mic night so people could share their “Big Fish” stories. Horizons • We’re All In 2022

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We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

Before, downtown Wetumpka was a sleepy brick-clad area. Now, Wetumpka is brightly lit with tourist visiting daily.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Wetumpka

BOOM!

The city is feeling a resurgence after HGTV’s Home Town Takeover STORY BY KAITLIN FLEMING PHOTOS BY JAKE ARTHUR & COURTESY THE WETUMPKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

“H

ome Town Takeover” has taken over the local economy of Wetumpka. The small town has tourists coming in to see where all the renovation magic took place. The quest to find the perfect location for the HGTV special-event series kicked off in 2020 and by Main Street July 2020 city officials Wetumpka’s former had learned Wetumpka executive director had been chosen for the Jenny Stubbs. television show. The cable network and Ben and Erin Napier, hosts of the series, chose Wetumpka from more than 2,600 other locations. HGTV stated in a release more than half a million photo and video submissions were submitted. Officials from Main Street Wetumpka, the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce and City of Wetumpka were informed by the Napiers via a video conference call the city was picked. Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis told the Napiers this is exactly what downtown needs. “We’re so excited,” Willis said in July of 2020. “Our city has come a long way, but you guys are

going to be the catalyst that it takes to push us over the top.” HGTV stated this is perhaps the network’s single biggest renovation undertaking ever. “Home Town Takeover” was a six-part docuseries that premiered on HGTV in 2021. In typical Wetumpka fashion, numerous officials and residents of the area came together at a watch party in downtown Wetumpka to see the Napiers make the announcement on the cable network and to celebrate the community in July 2020. “The only reason this happened is that there is a powerful relationship between the City of Wetumpka, the Elmore County Commission, Main Street Wetumpka and the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce,” chamber executive director Shellie Whitfield said. “When so many people are selfless and share the same love and vision, amazing things happen.” “Home Town Takeover” entered its fifth season in

Leaders of Wetumpka, Mayor Willis, Belyn Richardson, Haley Greene, Pam Martin and Dennis Fain

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Company Street in downtown Wetumpka has seen numerous improvements in the last year and a half.

2021. The show details the Napiers’ efforts of restoring homes in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. Whitfield said at the time that this project Company Street twinkles at night is going to improve the future of downtown with lights strung across the street Wetumpka. from building to building. “Regardless of what they choose to do does not really matter,” she said in 2020. “We know that is going to forever change Takeover.” The first episode aired on Sunday, May the trajectory of our community for the better.” 2, 2021. Main Street Wetumpka’s former executive direcOver a period of four months, crews with HGTV tor Jenny Stubbs followed the Napiers’ work for transformed Company Street and renovated homes, some time. businesses and parks. “After becoming director of the newly organized “In the span of four months last fall and winter, Main Street Wetumpka in 2016, a friend of mine during a global pandemic, five hours from home, @ brought me an article about Erin, Ben and Laurel, scotsman.co (Ben Napier) and I gave it our everyMississippi, and the phenomenal success being thing to help teach a little town in Alabama everyexperienced there,” Stubbs said. “I saw Wetumpka thing we’ve learned about small town revitalization as having the same potential and actually pinned the in our 13 years of work in Laurel,” Erin Napier article to my whiteboard and have continued to be wrote in an Instagram post in 2021. “We’re sister inspired by the work.” cities now, examples of what communities who Haley Greene took over as executive director for fight for their small towns can do: We will renovate Main Street Wetumpka on July 1, 2021, after Stubbs homes, sure. And businesses. And parks. And an resigned for familial obligations. entire street. All with the help of our Wetumpka, Citizens of Wetumpka waited patiently for nearly HGTV and Discovery friends and family.” a year to watch the premiere of “Home Town Once the series aired, town leaders expected there Horizons • We’re All In 2022

Provisions Cheese and Wine Shoppe has definently seen an increase in foot traffic due to the influx of tourist in the area. The unique business is housed in the historic former Fain Theater.

The mural located in the alley between Company Street and Hill Street depicts the history of the area.

to be in an influx of tourists coming to Wetumpka to get a look at the places they saw on TV. But Shellie Whitfield, director of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce, said she started noticing an uptick in tourism soon after the announcement was made in the summer of 2020 that Wetumpka had been picked for show. “Three days after the announcement, we ran out of tourism guides at the Chamber,” Whitfield said. “The amount of foot traffic in the Chamber has been crazy. We get tons of people from Birmingham. We’ve also gotten visitors from Florida, Chicago and Pennsylvania -- it has really been unbelievable. It’s been amazing and the show hasn’t even aired yet. We all expected that with the pandemic, 36

things would be a lot slower, but not here. Downtown has gotten its life back.” Whitfield said a lot of downtown businesses told her that they’ve experienced a 35-40 percent increase in sales, even during the midst of COVID-related shut-downs. Tim Hinkle, owner of Scent Wizards, said out-of-town visitors always mention HGTV. “Business has picked up since people started hearing about it,” he said. “I have a big order shipping out next week because of it.” Hinkle said a company affiliated with HGTV heard about his business and placed an order for a large quantity of bath bombs. “Hopefully my name will get out there even more,” he said. In addition to the bath bombs, Hinkle said customers really love the Lightning Hill Candles and the wax lanterns with wax melts. “It’s not just me, all the business owners are just excited,” said Hinkle. There were three ribbon cuttings in one week in October in Wetumpka and another just the week before. The growth in downtown Wetumpka continues to gain momentum. The Chamber of Commerce hosted two ribbon cuttings for downtown businesses on Thursday, Oct.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

7, 2021. The River Rose, located at 120 Company St., and Three in Bloom, located just down the street at 129 B Company St., both opened as growth and progress continue in the downtown area. The Chamber also hosted a ribbon cutting for the Wharf Casual Seafood on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Mayor Willis said he is enthusiastic about the growth of quality businesses in the city. According to Willis, this growth and continued progress has taken a lot of cohesive work among city officials. “It has been an exciting week,” Willis said in October of 2021. “To get to cut three ribbons for three new businesses is quite unusual but it is something we have been looking forward to for a long, long time.” According to Willis, years back, city officials began designing the future of the city, and what that would look like today. “We made a plan,” Willis said. “We started assembling groups, assembling development authorities, Main Street, building relationships with our Chamber of Commerce to work together and not to pull apart.” It takes a strong team of individuals working together to create the type of growth recently seen in Wetumpka. According to Willis, it has not always been easy to stay with the plan or maintain the positive momentum needed to move in the right direction. “It hasn’t always been easy. It’s been very difficult at times because we had people that came here who didn’t love Wetumpka,” he said. “They didn’t buy into what we were trying to do. Some of them held very important positions. Some of them were even reporters that did not buy into what we were doing. They chose to point out the negatives, and never dwelt on the positives; that’s destructive. I don’t think that you can ever make progress and accomplish the things that your heart and your soul tell you that you need to be doing with all the negativity.” With most of the negativity in the rearview mirror, Willis said the citizens of Wetumpka are the ones who helped put the forward-moving plan in action. “We had a buy-in from our citizens,” Willis said. “They proved that. They have elected us over and over, and over, again, because they liked the plan and the direction that we were going.” With community backing and the dedication to carry out the strategies that were put in place, Willis said it is nice to see this hard work and dedication pay off.

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

The River Rose ribbon cutting

The Wharf Casual Seafood opened Oct. 14, 2021

Three in Bloom ribbon cutting

-2022 Season LineupPopcorn Falls January 27 - February 12 A Storm Came Up February 24 - March 12 A Trip to Bountiful May 26 - June 11 Fair and Tender Ladies September 22 - October 8 Shows times are 7:30pm and 2pm.

Doors open at 7pm for evening performances and 1pm for matinees. Paper tickets are not needed and your purchase will be at Will Call under the name the ticket was purchased. Seating is general admission. The theatre serves concessions before the show and at intermission.

At this time, the Depot Players ask that our audiences wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID19.

For more information on your ticket purchase, lodging, dining and shopping during your time in Wetumpka contact kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com

300 S. Main Street, Downtown Wetumpka wetumpkadepot.com Thank you for your ticket order and support of the Depot.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

Uptown Downtown STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Tallassee Chamber of Commerce director Jerry Cunningham hopes traffic that passes through downtown Tallassee stops in to visit the area.

Downtown Tallassee to see facelift Horizons • We’re All In 2022

resh sidewalks and improved utilities in down“They are bringing the pressure tank, getting it ready town Tallassee have been years in the making. to be able to handle the pressure surges to make sure After two years of working through red tape we aren’t having any issues,” Harrison said. “The first for a Federal Highway Administration for the Alabama goal is to work on the interior of the tank and get that Department of Transportation’s Transportation completed. It is estimated that will take two to four Alternatives Program (TAP) grant bids will be opened weeks. Then they will start moving their way to the next month for portions of the project. outside putting the drape around the tank and begin that “With costs and complexity of the downtown work, work. we have gone back in and split the project into a utility The repainting of the tank should be completed project which we will be bidding,” CDG Engineers & soon but the demolition of the older smaller water tank Associates’ Jeff Harrison said. “That work will likely downtown will have to be completed once wireless cargo until the April timeframe. Then we’ll bid out the riers remount equipment on the tower and remove temTAP project which will be the sidewalks, the drainage, porary equipment currently setup in downtown. the lighting, the landscaping, that will more than likely be bid in the April to May time frame and working in the summer.” The project was estimated to Downtown construction cost $725,000 with Tallassee prowill see improvements viding a 20 percent match. It will made to utilities, sidereplace the sidewalks and all the walks and streets water, sewer and gas lines. The first phase of the project will take care of the underground utilities followed by the completion of American with Disabilities Acts (ADA) compliant sidewalks and lighting. Tallassee councilmembers were concerned about the demolition process of the Hotel Talisi affecting the downtown streetscape projects. Harrison told councilmembers if demolition starts soon, there shouldn’t be any issues. Harrison also said it will be a difficult few months while the utility and streetscape projects are underway. The president of Downtown Strategies, Jenn Gregory “I’m here to tell you that and Elliott Cook, director of real estate for Retail Stratdowntown during the utility egies are working with the city to revitalize downtown. improvements is going to be a mess because all of the utilities in the downtown area are in the middle of the road,” Harrison said. “Roads are going to be ripped up, torn up. If [demolition] happens during that time frame, it will look like the rest of the construction area.” Harrison said he would be providing the council progress reports on grant work in the downtown area. Work refurbishing the downtown water tank should be under way soon as contractors have recently finished a project in Prattville, but certain steps have to be taken to ensure water service is maintained.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

Millbrook Seeing Immense Growth 17 Springs Project moving along STORY BY LYNN COX PHOTOS COURTSEY OF ANN HARPER, CITY OF MILLBROOK

illbrook has become one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama under the leadership of its mayor, Al Kelley, who is serving in his seventh term. Population has grown to over 16,000 and the city’s budget has grown to more than $18 million. Being a native of Millbrook, Kelley’s interest has always been to bring a high quality of life to the residents of the city. His efforts have helped to improve Millbrook’s housing options, municipal services, parks and recreation systems, and recruit new business and events to the city. In 2017, overlapping conversations between the City of Millbrook, Elmore County Commission,

Greater Montgomery YMCA, Elmore County Board of Education, and Elmore County Economic Development Authority started the process to develop a project now referred to as 17 Springs. A high quality of life project, 17 Springs is the name for a multi-faceted development of recreational, entertainment and retail opportunities brought together in collaboration with all the partners. The name 17 Springs came about because of a historic art festival hosted in the Millbrook community on the Grandview YMCA property. Grandview YMCA has donated approximately 70 acres of land adjacent to the 60 acres of land puchased jointly for the project by the City of

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

The 17 Springs Field House conceptual design from Seay, Seay and Litchfield Architects

Millbrook and the Elmore County Commission. The 17 Springs project is designed and planned in three phases. Phase I encompasses an outdoor area and is named “The Fields of 17 Springs.” The tennis court facility and the pickle ball courts, four multi-purpose turf fields, group pavillion and other amenities are under construction now and are scheduled to be open in the fall of 2022. Phase II includes a multi-use venue for yearround indoor sports like tennis, pickleball, basketball, and volleyball, plus events like trade shows and concerts. This event center has been named “The Fieldhouse at 17 Springs.” Included in Phase II is also baseball/softball fields, a stadium and a track. There also will be an outdoor amphitheater. Projected completion for Phase II is 2024. Phase III is the adjacent commercial area planned as the lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment district. The name will be “The Marketplace at 17 Springs.” Ann Harper, Millbrook’s economic development director, said when families come to see their son or daughter play in travel team sports, they will want to have a place to stay, dine and shop. Commercial businesses like to follow these types of projects. The city has responded to several inquiries already. Harper calls 17 Springs a catalyst project for the Millbrook area and sees it being a means to compliment the existing facilities and venues throughout the River Region. “We are not looking to overshadow anything, just bring more people into the area,” she said. “This is an ambitious

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

project made possible only by the amazing five partners working together.” Millbrook has more high-quality projects in the works thanks to some grants from Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). City leaders joined together in July 2021 to break ground on a new Senior Center for the Millbrook Community. Stuart Peters, Millbrook’s project manager, said the new senior center has been at least three years in the making. The 4,400-square-foot facility will include classrooms, garden space, a full kitchen, office space, plenty of storage space, a quiet room and 100-foot long, 10-foot wide front porch. “We wanted something that looked like a ranch style house, nostalgic, and a big front porch,”

Kelley said. “Well, it has a front porch that’s 100 feet long, so there will be plenty of room for rocking chairs and dominoes.” Peters said the new senior center was made possible through a partnership with the city of Millbrook, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Central Alabama Regional Planning Commission. A $250,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is offsetting the city’s cost for the $1.1 million facility. By design, the center will be nestled in the heart of the city on Grandview Road, close to Millbrook City Hall, Millbrook Fire Department, Millbrook Police Department and other city buildings. Peters said the goal is to make city resources easily accessible for senior citizens. The new senior center is under construction now and projected to open in April 2022. Harper said, “The city just received a grant under the Recreational Trails Program, which is administered by ADECA to construct a 12-footwide concrete walking path alongside Mill Creek between Grandview Road and Edgewood Road in the city’s downtown area. This project represents Phase I of a larger initiative to not only provide additional outdoor recreational opportunities for the public, but to help enhance the appeal of the downtown for future business and commercial investment. The project includes ornamental lighting, benches and landscaping. The Mill Creek Recreational Trail Project is currently under design.” And another grant from ADECA was announce recently to build a new Food Pantry in downtown.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

Don’t Forget, We’re On Mobile Too! You can find all the most recent breaking news stories from Lake Martin to the River Region right in your back pocket! Visit us at www.tallasseetribune.com.

334-283-6568 301 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL

The Tallassee Tribune

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Cleaning Up

Tallassee Library suffered damage from a lightning strike

STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

hile a September thunderstorm passed through the Tallassee area, two loud claps of thunder signaled a lightning strike nearby. At the end of the day the chimney of the library took the brunt of the blow. The lightning shattered the brick chimney and damaged the electronic gear inside. “It hit the metal cap on top of the chimney on the northside, and knocked out a lot of bricks,” Chairman of the Tallassee Community Library Board Bob Reed said. The library was struck by a bolt of lightning that not only fried some of the facility’s electronic equipment inside the building but also left the chimney in pieces with bricks scattered across the lawn and a nearby roadway. “It hit the metal cap on top of the chimney on the northside, and knocked out a lot of bricks,” Chairman of the Tallassee Community Library Board Bob Reed said. The lightning’s energy was so powerful that it launched bricks into the road in front of the library. “It knocked bricks all the way out into Freeman Avenue,” Reed said. “Just over 150 feet away.” The incident happened just around 6 p.m. There were two claps of thunder reported in the area, one just before 6 p.m. and the other just after 6 p.m., according to Reed. The library closes at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. “Fortunately, no one was hurt,” Reed said. While a lightning strike is rare, it can be deadly. Reed said he is thankful that no one sustained injuries and there was no additional damage to the building or the area around it. Horizons • We’re All In 2022

“All in all, we were very fortunate that no one was hurt, that the building didn’t catch fire, and there’s no internal damage that we can see,” Reed told The Tribune following the September thunderstorm. “The modems were knocked out, but there was no apparent damage to the computers.” The lightning strikes from the thunderstorm separated bricks from the chimney on the northside of the building, sending them more than 150 feet into the lawn and roadway while only damaging two computer modems inside. Now repairs estimated by insurance at $4,100 to the chimney can begin. “We have gotten the insurance claim,” city clerk Whitney Pitchford said. “We are waiting on the check.” Pitchford said the insurance company made the determination of the estimate but is open to paying more if the work is more than the company estimated. “Basically, whoever we got to fix, if they thought it was going to cost more, they said to send it to them.” Pitchford said, “They didn’t say they would automatically approve it. If they came across something they didn’t find, they would look at it.” Now work can begin in earnest to repair the layers of brick separated from the chimney and the true extent of the damage can be discovered. “The lightning did it so there could be some internal damage,” councilmember and library board member Fred Randall Hughey said. “A supplemental claim could be possible.”

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We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

he city now owns the historic hotel in downtown Tallassee after accepting the deed at its meeting last week. “It works out better for the city because then, it’s not just another piece of property we can’t do nothing with,” Mayor John Hammock said. “We will be able to turn it into a greenspace, parking lot, pop up shops or whatever.” Wylie Troupe, the building’s previous owner, decided to donate the building and property to the city after the city condemned the severely dilapidated building. “Once it is recorded the city is free to do whatever it wants to,” city attorney John Smith said. “It’s the city’s property.” But just because the city now owns Hotel Talisi doesn’t mean the city will just let it sit. It will immediately install necessary items such as fencing, “no trespassing” signs and more to prevent entry to the property destroyed by fire more than a decade ago. “It needs to be something to tell people don’t go in the thing,” Smith said. “You can envision a scenario that once they figure out the city owns the thing there will be lots of people that would like to visit that. It won’t stop someone who wants to go in there but at least

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

HOTEL TALISI Historic building just one part of downtown revitalization efforts STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

Tallassee City Council has declared the building a nuisance and could have it demolished.

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

Portions of the back of wall of the Hotel Talisi were removed.

The front door of the Hotel.

Bathtubs stacked up to rust.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Abondoned furnishings and fixtures lay to waste.

under the law the city has done a reasonable thing to try and prohibit people from going in it. You can’t stop them from filing a lawsuit, but at the same time you have it so that the city shouldn’t be liable.” Hammock suggested letting CDG Engineering Associates write a scope of work to allow for easy bidding for the demolition of the building. The old hotel is near utilities and other buildings that CDG has already designed other projects to work around. The city previously condemned the hotel after years of little to no improvements on the building damaged by fire. Troupe appealed the city’s decision to condemn the property to the state court system. A judge ruled the city could condemn and demolish the building. Troupe never filed an appeal to the Alabama Civil Court of Appeals. The council said last year it wanted to go ahead and demolish the building sooner rather than later giving instructions to city attorney John Smith to contact Troupe’s attorney for a quick decision on how to proceed — donate the property to the city or a lien process.

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

“He is willing to donate it for a tax write off,” Hammock said in a city council meeting in December 2021. “His attorney wants a licensed commercial appraiser, which I have Ira Betts out of Montgomery doing it. Brad Davis has done the title work already.” The unique history of the Hotel Talasi, paired with a widely popular buffet, once drew a tremendous number of people to the area. That changed in October 2009 when a fire spread through the downtown area and engulfed the interior of the building. Afterward, Troupe put a tremendous amount of time and money into the hotel but bringing the facility up to code became more expensive than he anticipated. The building was constructed in 1928 as a replacement for the previous building at that location, which had been destroyed in 1915. Originally known as the Woodall Hotel, the name was changed to Hotel Talisi in 1962. On July 28, 1977, the building was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.

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We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

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The ANC NaturePlex houses exhibits, classrooms, workshops and more

Alabama Wildlife Federation

Conservation Education Programs for All STORY BY LYNN COX PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALABAMA NATURE CENTER

labama Wildlife Federation opened its headquarters on the Lanark property in Millbrook nearly 20 years ago thanks to the efforts of the AWF Board of Directors, past presidents, key supporters and the generosity of Isabel Hill and her family. The headquarters of the oldest and largest citizen’s conservation organization in Alabama is situated intimately amidst the very resources it has worked so long to conserve. AWF fulfilled a vision to provide a worldclass conservation center that allows AWF the opportunity to teach children and adults about wild-life and the responsible stewardship of natural resources. In 2008 the Alabama Nature Center was opened to provide a world-class outdoor facility that maintains the beautiful landscape at Lanark while offering educational programs and activities for schools, church and civic groups and the general public. One of ANC programs offers schools the

opportunity to teach children through the Lanark Field Days. Lanark Field Days provide fun and nature-based field trip opportunities for Pre-K12 students. During the summer months, the Expedition Lanark Summer Day Camps offer hands-on outdoor learning experiences. You can access the various activity options on the Alabama Wildlife website. There you can submit your reservation request form online and an ANC staff member will contact you. You can work with the staff member to schedule the activities listed or customize a program for you. To feel the full impact of the sight, sound and smell of nature’s beauty, you must experience it in person. Go to www.alabamawildlife.org/lanark-fieldday--program-theme-options to request a field trip for your class.

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons

Birdwatching is popular at ANC

Hands On Outdoors programs take kids to the outdoor classroom

Inside the NaturePlex, guests can browse the interactive exhibits

Horizons • We’re All In 2022

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Horizons • We’re All In 2022

We’re All In 2022 • Horizons