From: The City of Prattville
Prattville, Alabama
Prattville, AL – October 1, 2025 – The City of Prattville proudly announces the naming of the
former Hancock Whitney Bank building, Project Star, as “Esther’s,” and its adjacent outdoor
venue, “The Lyric at Esther’s,” in a dual dedication honoring Esther Ticknor Pratt (1803
1875), the devoted wife and trusted partner of founder Daniel Pratt, and the legacy of the
historic Lyric Theatre, once a cultural cornerstone of Downtown Prattville. The name “Esther,”
meaning “star” in its ancient Persian origins, reflects her guiding influence, enduring light, and
visionary leadership, while “The Lyric at Esther’s” pays homage to the vibrant history of the
original Lyric Theatre, where legends like Hank Williams and many others performed,
enriching the community with music and entertainment.
“Esther’s” stands as a lasting monument to Esther Ticknor Pratt’s legacy of strength, foresight,
and quiet determination. As an original partner in Prattville’s establishment, Esther was
instrumental in urging Daniel Pratt to remain in Alabama, a decision that sparked economic
growth in Autauga County and the broader River Region. Her life exemplified partnership and
perseverance, from her stewardship of family and estate to her active community
involvement.
The official dedication inscription for the building will read:
“Esther’s / Honoring Esther Ticknor Pratt (1803-1875) – An Original Partner of Prattville
This building is dedicated to Esther Ticknor Pratt, whose strength of character, foresight, and
quiet leadership helped lay the foundation of Prattville’s identity and enduring success. As the
devoted wife and trusted partner of our founder, Daniel Pratt, Esther was more than a
supportive figure—she was a woman of vision, intelligence, and deep faith who shaped the
heart and spirit of this community. With unwavering resolve, she urged Daniel to remain in
Alabama, a pivotal decision that seeded the economic growth of Autauga County and the River
Region. Esther worked tirelessly to prepare for the future—not only through stewardship of her family and estate, but through action, as she embodied service with purpose.
As president of the Ladies Aid Society and a leader in the Union Sunday School, she championed progress
rooted in compassion. Upon Daniel Pratt’s passing, he entrusted Esther with complete control
over his estate and business holdings—an extraordinary recognition of her wisdom and
integrity. She continued to guide and invest in the future of Prattville, always intending to lift
others and build a better tomorrow. May this building stand as a reflection of Esther Pratt’s
enduring legacy—a legacy of partnership, perseverance, and preparation for generations to
come.”
The adjacent outdoor venue, “The Lyric at Esther’s,” revives the spirit of the historic Lyric
Theatre, a beloved Downtown Prattville landmark where music and culture thrived in
decades past. This open-air stage and gathering space will serve as a vibrant hub for
performances, community events, and celebrations, echoing the legacy of the original Lyric
Theatre and honoring Esther’s commitment to fostering community. This revival of the “Lyric”
name celebrates Prattville’s rich cultural history while providing a modern space and ensures
that the spirit of those performances continues to inspire future generations to create new
memories.
“Esther Ticknor Pratt’s story is one of quiet power and profound impact, and the legacy of the
Lyric Theatre represents the heartbeat of our community’s cultural history,” said Mayor Bill
Gillespie, Jr. “By naming this building and outdoor venue in her honor and in tribute to the
Lyric, we recognize the enduring contributions of both Esther and our city’s artistic past. The
meaning of ‘Esther’ as ‘star’ reminds us of her role as a beacon for Prattville’s progress.”
The building, located at 124 W Main Street, will serve as a multi-business incubator and place
of opportunity, while “The Lyric at Esther’s” will host performances and events, further
embedding Esther’s values of service and the Lyric’s tradition of community connection into
the fabric of Prattville.
Save the date for the Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Lyric at Esther’s, October 17,
2025, at 5:30 p.m. For more information about the upcoming events at The Lyric at Esther’s,
or Esther’s, visit, www.prattvilleal.gov, or contact [email protected].
