HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Hays Farm is starting to rise from the ground up. Four years ago, some of the key players in the project met with members of the community before the idea became reality.
"There wasn't a house, there wasn't a front developed grocery store area, there wasn't office buildings, there wasn't a park, started, there wasn't apartments. So, all those things have come about just in the last four years," said Olly Orton, President of Enfinger Companies.
Wednesday night, developers updated neighbors on what they've accomplished. But, Hays Farm officials will be the first to tell you this has been a long journey. "Eight to ten years ago, it felt a little scary," said James Hays, developer of Hays Farm.
One thing has remained unchanged since the start of this project. "We've involved the whole community in the planning process in the as it evolves and it gets approvals," said John Hays, Owner of Hays Farms. "It can't happen unless you have the communication, unless you tell them what you're doing. If you're operating in the dark, nobody knows what's going on," said James Hays. "Updating and giving input at the same time is core to how we're successful in developing residential and retail and big multi-purpose developments like this," said Orton.
The message to the community is simple. "It's been four years and a lot of what we've done, all of what we've done, has come to be. But, there's more to come." said Orton.
The Park at Hays Farm broke ground on construction Tuesday. It's expected to open next fall.