Interstate Business Park for Commercial and Retail Development Coming to Exit 186

By Tatum Northington
Elmore/Autauga News

The Autauga County Industrial Development Authority, the Autauga County Commission, and the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, September 13, right off of Exit 186 in Autauga County. The business park site boasts 12 acres and 15 new lots for commercial and retail development in the community of Pine Level. The
groundbreaking ceremony was highly anticipated and many local leaders were in attendance.

Local leaders spoke on behalf of the project and thanked the tireless efforts of all involved in making this happen. Economic development helps areas thrive. Without growth, groups and communities are stagnant and can see a downturn in population. The Autauga County groups involved in this project have seen the stimulating growth, have studied the area, and with AllSouth Corp., have targeted Exit 186 as the “Ideal location for financial, medical, and professional services targeting the River Region.

The Pine Level/Marbury area is expanding exponentially with households growing by 1500 and population increasing over the past 20 years. Exit 186 gives direct access to Pine Level, Downtown Prattville, and I-85, allowing for ideal economic development in the area off Jesse Samuel Hunt Boulevard.

Russ Thompson, Chairman of the Autauga County Industrial
Development Authority praised the work of CAEC and the Economic Development team within the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce. These groups have been tirelessly working for years to expand the economic resources in this untapped area.

Kristi Pieper, Director of Economic and Community Development for Autauga County explained that “People want to work, play, and shop in the communities in which they live. The Pine Level/Marbury area is an outstanding resource and will create jobs right here in Autauga County. You want to have your identity shown in your community and this opportunity for economic development is just the beginning.”

Tom Stackhouse, President and CEO of Central Alabama Electric Cooperative discussed how “This vision has been 20 years in the making and doesn’t stop here; this is just the next step.” He discussed how he asked the board of CAEC years ago for permission to purchase 10 acres of land adjacent to the CAEC building, and ended up coming back to the board with a proposal
to purchase 250 acres to grow this community. Stackhouse addressed attendees and thanked the CAEC board for their vision in making everything happen with the partnerships with all
entities involved.

Commuter traffic is at an all time high in this area and there is no better time than now to continue this industrial park development. The Interstate Business Park is open for businesses to come to the area and plans to expand the area behind these lots to create an industrial site are in the works.

State Senator Clyde Chambliss and State Representative Van Smith reiterated Stackhouse’s excitement and voiced praise for the vision of this area, boasting that this is just another step for the future of Autauga County. Jay Thompson, Chairman of the Autauga County Commission closed out the local leaders portion of the ceremony, commending the work already put into this
area and expressed excitement for the future, “This development will allow workers in the area to work in the community where they live instead of having to travel 20-30 miles one way to
work. This area right of Exit 186 is the perfect opportunity to build and grow.”

Chamber President, Patty Vanderwal closed the ceremony, boasting the work of all involved. “The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to help grow the area with businesses to help all in their communities.” She thanked River Bank and Trust for their partnership and asked everyone to stay for fellowship and lunch.

Pieper said “Right now is the time for businesses to get their foot in the door to this community. This is the perfect set of circumstances to expand their market.” For businesses interested, they need to work with the Commercial Lot Real Estate Partner, AllSouth Corp., by contacting Jake Whaley or Joe Turner. “These lots won’t last long,” Pieper exclaimed.

The ceremony concluded with the groundbreaking and attendees were encouraged to stay and mingle with one another, with lunch provided by community partner, River Bank and Trust.