|
For Media Inquiries: Janet Price, Russell Lands, Inc., 2544 Willow Point Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. (256) 212-1425
|
Press RoomWhat's Happening at Russell Lands Back to Headlines
Russell Lands Announces Plans for Russell Crossroads at Lake Martin
4/1/2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE
Media Contact: Janet Price (256) 212-1425 jprice@russelllands.com RUSSELL LANDS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR RUSSELL CROSSROADS AT LAKE MARTIN Catherine’s Market Open House April 4 SpringHouse Restaurant Open House April 11 Chuck Wagon Cooking and Wildlife Biologist Exhibition, April 18 LAKE MARTIN, AL -- Updated: April 1, 2009 –– Russell Lands, Inc., a private real estate developer on Lake Martin, announced the unveiling of a town center for its land holdings and residential developments in early 2008. Named Russell Crossroads, the new town is located in the heart of Russell Lands’ 25,000 acres on Lake Martin. Russell Crossroads will become a central commercial district for the company’s developments in southern Tallapoosa County and northern Elmore County. About Russell Crossroads Russell Crossroads, located three miles north of Lake Martin’s Kowaliga Bridge on Highway 63, is the hub of an extensive system of scenic trails in Russell Forest. The first Russell Lands commercial development has been designed to reflect the agrarian era when Lake Martin was created. The initial phase includes three buildings: The Discovery Center, Catherine’s Market and SpringHouse Restaurant. All have been designed in period architecture typically found in rural southern towns in the 1920’s. Connected by sidewalks to promote “walkability” of the town, building sites provide stunning views of the surrounding meadows, forest and distant Lake Martin. The entrance into “Crossroads” and street crossings are cobblestone with granite curbs which are common to the entire development. Timbers, produced from specimen pines harvested from company properties and cut at its saw mill operation, are prominent in all three buildings. When complete, the overall design of Russell Crossroads will reflect the natural progression of a town that would have evolved in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. “I am excited about building our first commercial/retail development at the lake that will bring much needed dining and shopping opportunities to residents of Lake Martin. The design features of Russell Crossroads should make going to “town” an experience enjoyed by the entire family,” said Ben Russell, chairman of Russell Lands, Inc. About the Russell Forest Russell Lands will set aside several thousand acres of property designated as Russell Forest. The Russell Forest will ensure that future generations of Lake Martin residents and visitors will be able to experience woodlands and the animal and plant life supported by it. The Forest will also insure that development proceeds in a manner that creates a sense of harmony with nature. Additionally, the natural water filtration provided by Russell Forest will further contribute to the protection of the purity of Lake Martin’s water. About the Trail System Currently, the trail system consists of more than 80 miles of equestrian/bicycle and hiking trails that are open to property owners and tenants in the company’s developments. The trail system is planned to eventually extend well beyond its current scope and connect Russell Lands’ developments with a variety of trail types. Already substantially completed is an extensive equestrian trail that ranges from one of the company’s original developments, Willow Point, to the company’s newest development, The Ridge. The trails meander through Russell Lands’ property, with minimal impact to the land and limited access to public roads. With three levels of trails that will accommodate equestrian/biking, hiking or electric vehicles, the Russell Lands “family” will have multiple opportunities to enjoy nature along the way to Russell Crossroads. About the Discovery Center The Discovery Center was the first of several new buildings in the new town center. Designed by Dungan and Nequette Architects, of Birmingham, AL, the Discovery Center set the tone for the architecture of the entire Crossroads project. The building serves as a “Welcome Center” and offers a place for guests and visitors to learn about the history of the area, the Russell family and the company’s many residential developments. Future phases are planned to have a community conference room and office building which will serve as the main office for the company’s real estate sales group. About Catherine’s Market Locals who remember the old “Catherine’s Store” might be surprised when they experience the upscale nature of this modern market and deli. Another similar exterior design reminiscent of the early 1900s, the interior is a strictly contemporary market and deli. Modeled after the V. Richards concept, and overseen by its owners, Rick Little and Lynn Adams of Birmingham, AL, Catherine’s provides casual dining options that extend from both indoor and outdoor seating to “take home” – all within a 5,000 square foot grocery. The official grand opening and open house for Catherine’s Market is April 4, from 2:00 until 6:00 pm. Learn more about the Littles and V. Richards at www.vrichards.net. About SpringHouse The most dramatic of the three initial structures, the recently opened SpringHouse Restaurant, will have its grand opening and open house on April 11 from 11:00am to 2:30pm. The culinary experience is masterminded by the nationally recognized team of Chris and Idie Hastings. Chris’s experience extends well beyond his ownership of The Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, AL. Chef Hastings was one of five finalists nominated for “Best Chef in the South” by the James Beard Foundation. He was also a 1998 recipient of the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence for Best Restaurant and was voted Birmingham’s best chef in Birmingham Magazine’s Readers’ Poll. You can learn more about Chris and Idie Hastings and The Hot and Hot Fish Club at www.hotandhotfishclub.com. About The Cabins Newcomers and visitors to Russell Crossroads will also be treated to a series of several authentic log cabins that have been reconstructed on the streets of Russell Crossroads around surrounding the Town Green, a park located in the heart of town. The cabins will house a variety of activities ranging from real estate sales offices to a working blacksmith shop. The cabins add to the town’s authenticity and can be used for a variety of activities associated with the period. On April 18, Stanley and Linda Ingram will host an authentic chuck wagon cookout adjacent to the Town Green in the heart of Russell Crossroads from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Stanley, Russell Lands’ Equine Coordinator, better known as the Trail Boss, has competed in, and won, several national chuck wagon cook-offs. Immediately following, at 2:00pm, renowned wildlife biologist and licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Marianne Murphy, will conduct a demonstration with some local wildlife, including several raptors, flying squirrels and more. About Russell Lands, Inc. For over 30 years Russell Lands has been in the residential real estate development business. As the largest recreational developer in Alabama today, the company is also one of uncommon vision, diversity and commitment to community - whose endeavors go beyond developing fine lake homes and communities. Willow Point Golf and Country Club, owned and operated by Russell Lands, is one of the most revered private clubs in Alabama and considered to have the “most beautiful lakeside golf course” in the country. Russell Crossroads, the new central town hub of the Russell Lands 25,000 acres of land holdings, is designed to reflect the agrarian era with period architecture of the 1920s promoting “walkability” of the town. Today, the town consists of the Discovery Center, Catherine’s Market and SpringHouse Restaurant. Russell Marine offers boating enthusiasts world-class sales and service through four Lake Martin locations and is nationally ranked in the Top 10 Boat Dealers for the third consecutive year. Russell Do-It and Home Décor Centers in nine locations make it easier for homeowners to build and personalize the homes in which they live. In 1998, Russell Lands constructed the Lake Martin Amphitheater - a tremendous venue for celebrating culture and the creative arts. And the company continues to serve the community through Children's Harbor - the not-for-profit organization created by Russell Lands Chairman and CEO Ben Russell - whose mission is to strengthen children and families through a variety of programs, services and good works. For more information, go to www.RussellLands.com. . ### Back to Headlines
|
