Chambers and Tallapoosa counties, in east-central Alabama, benefit greatly from the region’s crown jewel, Lake Martin, and a variety of other natural resources.
Quality of life is emphasized here, with downtown revitalization, parks, trails, attractions, schools and more.
Both counties have diverse manufacturing economic sectors including automotive, wood and forest products, foods and beverages. Both also are seeing industry expansions.
In Chambers County, 2024 capital investment is about $113 million with 75 new jobs created. Many companies are expanding their facilities.
Chambers County has seen an increase in residential growth over the past five years. With the kickoff of the Holland Homes smart homes project, more developers have started planning and constructing new homes in the area. One of note is Quail Run, an existing subdivision in the eastern part of the county that is expanding, targeting a more affordable market. For the Valley area, a new senior housing development and new single-family homes are planned along Interstate Exit 77. Other developments are in the works that will help provide housing for new residents of the area.
To ensure continuous medical care in the county, in December 2024, EAMC-Lanier, a hospital in Chambers County, plans to transition from a regular acute care hospital to a rural emergency hospital, becoming a new Medicare-provider type of facility. While the hospital will not have inpatient beds, it will provide 24-hour emergency care and many other services.
In 2025, Chambers County will officially launch a Leadership Chambers County program with a goal to train, educate and inspire existing and future leaders in the community.
Tallapoosa County has had growth in different sectors as well. For example, the Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance recently announced that Two Rivers Lumber is building its $115Â million sawmill in the Lake Martin Regional Industrial Park. The park is a partnership among the City of Alexander City, Tallapoosa County and the Coosa County Commission. Two Rivers Lumber will manufacture dimensional lumber and employ 130 people.
Also in Tallapoosa County, the newly opened Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care on the Russell Medical campus is a huge addition to the area. It is part of the Russell Legacy Project, made possible by a $25Â million donation from Ben and Luanne Russell. The center focuses on geriatrics and other specialties. The project also includes an independent living community, an assisted living facility and more.
At Lake Martin, the demand for lakefront living has not slowed at all. Russell Lands, which owns, manages and develops commercial and residential real estate primarily along 41,000 acres of water and 880 miles of shoreline, announced that it has a new luxury residential development, The Heritage, which includes a Coore & Crenshaw golf course and Wicker Point Golf Club at The Heritage.
Opened in 2023, it is the first in the state to be designed by famed architect Bill Coore and golf legend Ben Crenshaw. The Heritage is within the city limits of Alexander City, and lots are selling quickly. Another major amenity in The Heritage is The Benjamin Lake Club, a resident lake club that will open in June 2025.
The Benjamin will provide gathering spaces and recreational opportunities for property owners in The Heritage. The centerpiece for The Benjamin is the two-story clubhouse. The main level will provide large indoor gathering spaces suitable for receptions, community events and more. In addition to meeting spaces, the site includes fitness facilities.
Immediately adjacent to the clubhouse is a two-pool complex, a snack bar, a trails system that leads to an amphitheater, lakeside beach and community dock system. Near the clubhouse is the tennis and pickleball facility, pro shop, event lawns and parking areas.
Lori Chandler Pruitt is a freelance writer for Business Alabama. She lives in Birmingham.
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This story appears in the December 2024 issue of Business Alabama.
