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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.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com.
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