Top Photo: A little Dam history. This center section of the dam was constructed after the 1919 flood. An earthen dam was located on this side of the pond and collapsed during the flood. You can see the date 1920 on the steps with the three water gates. The gates are operated by hand crank or with an electric motor and drive shaft. The metal iron screws you see were Cotton Bale press screws manufactured in the Gin Factory. All the metal on the dam was manufactured in the Cotton Gin Factory. (Credit Tommy Brown, “Pratt History” Facebook page.)
BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Many thanks to Tommy Brown for permission to use recent photos and information of the progress being made downtown. Follow his page “Pratt History” on Facebook for updates on this project, as well as a tremendous amount of Prattville history.
If you are a lover of history, particularly Prattville history, you should be following the Facebook page “Pratt History” administered by Tommy Brown.
Brown is a past Advertising Coordinator and Historian for the Continental Eagle Corporation, which was housed in multiple buildings, many of which were built by Prattville’s founder Daniel Pratt.
For many years, area residents have been anxiously awaiting any news concerning the renovations at Pratt’s Mill, and the plans by the City and Envolve Communities to repurpose sections of the older properties into 145 unique apartments. Phase 1 of that plan is currently in progress, focusing on the site located in a floodway with construction of a levee, site cleanup, and weatherizing existing buildings for protection during construction phases.
Brown recently visited the site, documenting work with interesting information, photos and some “Dam History.”
All photos here are courtesy of Brown and the Pratt History page.
In a release in September last year from the City of Prattville, it stated that redevelopment of the Daniel Pratt Gin Company “will directly enhance and support urban living within Historic Downtown Prattville.”
Kea Calame, Senior Vice President of Envolve Communities was quoted saying, “The site plans for ‘The Mill’ have not changed since we started this project and is still slated to be 145 high-end apartment units that reflect the site’s history. As stated in the beginning, there is no retail space in our plans, as we firmly believe this project should be an extension of downtown that encourages residents to shop and visit the already established retailers.”
Downtown has, indeed, already seen a revitalization. An abundance of restaurants and unique shops keep parking at a premium on any given day. Daniel Pratt’s Mill is arguably the most popular photographic spot downtown.
Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr., said, “The amount of time and work put in behind the scenes to bring Phase 1 of ‘The Mill’ project to fruition is a true testament of this partnership. Envolve has faced lengthy obstacles well beyond their control, and I truly appreciate their willingness to work with HPRA, the City of Prattville, and many other entities to overcome each challenge. I believe this project’s completion will be the most significant historic preservation and redevelopment site in the country and will further ensure stability in the heart of Historic Downtown Prattville.”
Work on the apartments will begin once Phase 1 is complete. We will update with more information, as this project is extremely important and followed by many area residents.
Envolve is expected to have a total project investment of an estimated $36 million in the project.
