Joint Release from Envolve Communities, HPRA and City of Prattville
Envolve Communities (formerly known as LEDIC Realty Company), the Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority (HPRA), and the City of Prattville, are pleased to announce that through a cohesive partnership, Phase I of “The Mill” project is scheduled to begin by September 30, 2020. Phase I will address the site being located in a floodway with the construction of a levee, site cleanup, and weatherizing the existing buildings for added protection during the construction phases. Weather permitting, Phase I should take approximately six months, and construction of the apartments will immediately follow.
The redevelopment of the Daniel Pratt Gin Company will directly enhance and support urban living within Historic Downtown Prattville. “The site plans for “The Mill” have not changed since we started this project and is still slated to be 145 high-end apartment units that reflect the site’s history. As stated in the beginning, there is no retail space in our plans, as we firmly believe this project should be an extension of downtown that encourages residents to shop and visit the already established retailers,” said Kea Calame, Senior Vice President of Envolve Communities.
HPRA Chairman Tom Newton stated, “HPRA is excited to be part of the announcement regarding the first phase of the Daniel Pratt Gin Shop redevelopment. We thank our partners, Envolve and the City of Prattville for their extraordinary patience and commitment as we worked together through the myriad of delays faced in the repurposing of these wonderful, iconic structures.”
“Projects take partnerships, dedication, and unwavering commitment,” said Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. “Although we haven’t been able to share all the details leading up to this announcement, the amount of time and work put in behind the scenes to bring Phase I of “The Mill” project to fruition is a true testament of this partnership. Envolve has faced lengthy obstacles well beyond their control, and I truly appreciate their willingness to work with HPRA, the City of Prattville, and many other entities to overcome each challenge. I believe this project’s completion will be the most significant historic preservation and redevelopment site in the country and will further ensure stability in the heart of Historic Downtown Prattville.”
Envolve has spent approximately $1.5 million leading up to the start of Phase I of this project and is estimated to have a total project investment of $36 Million. “We know the community is just as anxious as we are to see visible movement on this project, and that time has finally come,” said Calame. “We appreciate HPRA and the City of Prattville for their patience and diligence during this process as we have encountered delays out of all parties’ control, but those challenges have only strengthened our partnership and commitment to move this project forward.”
To further expand this exciting news, the City of Prattville and HPRA are in the preliminary engineering stages to extend the creekwalk with ADA pedestrian access from Heritage Park alongside the creekbank to a kayak and canoe portage that will be added near the spillway. They are also exploring additional downtown parking opportunities and actively working with well-established market owners for a downtown market to be located in the previous grocery store. More information will be released at a later date on these projects and the official ground-breaking ceremony for “The Mill.”
