From Crystal Canerdy, VP Training & Marketing
PRATTVILLE, AL — Envolve LLC, one of the country’s largest multifamily property owners and managers, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on 2/25 for its newest development project—The Mill at Prattville (www.themillatprattville.com). Over 100 officials, partners, and members of the community attended the much-anticipated event and learned more about these luxury apartment homes in the works.
Kea Calame (SVP, Asset Management for Envolve Communities) kicked off the celebration with a passionate speech about the project, describing it as “a long road that has finally come to fruition.” She thanked many in attendance as she noted, “When we started this journey almost seven years ago, we knew there would be challenges. But the most special thing about this piece of real estate also turned out to be the most complicated—and years of dealing with hurdles [associated with the restoration of historic buildings] proved to be brutal. But one thing remained within all team members involved: Perseverance. And through that perseverance, here we are today! We have been so blessed to be a part of this journey and bring these buildings and this site back to life!”
Bill Gillespie (Mayor of Prattville) also spoke at the event, greeting the crowd with, “Wow! What a day. The transformation that has happened is just absolutely unbelievable. It has been a long time coming!” Then, after highlighting a great deal of Prattville and Gin Factory history, Tom Newton (former HPRA Chairman) shared his closing words. “Prices went up on materials, buildings deteriorated, but no one ran away from the project… we are standing on the shoulders of Daniel Pratt [the city’s founder]. It is a remarkable thing.”
This incredible project has been a collaborative effort, and among the individuals/organizations recognized by Envolve were:
John Chambless and Nick Henninger of Chambless King | Alex Whaley, Hubie Garrett, and Ben Jones of Whaley Construction | The Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority | City of Prattville | ServisFirst Bank | River Bank & Trust | The AL Saves program | ADECA | Walter McKay at Balch & Bingham | Bill Eskridge at Rushton Stakely | Paul Compton at Compton Jones Dresher | David Schneidner | The Alabama Historic Commission | Senator Clyde Chambliss | Autauga County Commission | The Prattville City Council | Autauga County Heritage Association | Mrs. Ann Boutwell | The Chamber of Commerce | The Prattville Police & Fire Departments | Project engineers (Greg Gillian, Louis Montgomery, John Curry) | and many more!
After the ceremony, Anna Laura Hatchett (the property’s future Regional Manager) reflected on what this restoration means to all involved. “There has been an influx of inquiries regarding The Mill. Envolve is so excited to renovate and breathe new life into a building that is such a prominent focus of the town. However, based on the enthusiastic conversations I have had the past several weeks with interested parties, we at Envolve are not alone in our excitement! So many people want to live in and be a part of resurrecting this beautiful, historic place.”
About The Mill at Prattville
Built in 1848, the Daniel Pratt Gin Company Factory consists of five masonry structures which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is being redeveloped into a 127-unit apartment community with approximately 60 unique floor plans (1, 2, and 3-bedroom). Many of the original architectural components have been incorporated into the loft designs, including exposed brick walls, wooden support beams, and oversized windows that maximize the one-of-a-kind views and natural light. To learn more, visit the property’s website at www.themillatprattville.com.
About Envolve
Envolve LLC is a vertically integrated multifamily real estate company engaged in management, ownership, and investment. Envolve is committed to its tagline of “Making Communities Better Together,” which represents the positive impact of community involvement by its residents and 1,000+ employees.
For additional information, please contact Crystal Canerdy (VP Training & Marketing, crystal.canerdy@envolvellc.com), Erin Jewell (Marketing & Communications Manager, erin.jewell@envolvellc.com), or visit www.envolvellc.com
