ALABAMA STATE EDITION
231
65
72 Florence
2
Huntsville
20 Decatur
72
565 59
43
A Supplement to:
231
431
31
5
Gadsden
78 59 Anniston
20
Birmingham Bessemer
82 Tuscaloosa
65 280
20 82 Auburn
80
85
Selma
Phenix City
Montgomery
82
October 14 2015 Vol. XXVIII • No. 21
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“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
Dothan
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Mobile
10
Your Alabama Connection • Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479
Foley Anticipates Entertainment, Sports Complex After a shaky start, a 520-acre entertainment and sports development on Baldwin County 20 in Foley, Ala., is moving forward. The Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CEIDA), which oversees economic development for the Atmorebased tribe, assumed control of the more than $200 million project in May 2015, following the departure of the original developer. Described as a family-oriented district with shows, rides, shopping, hotels, dining and a sports complex featuring more than a dozen multi-purpose athletic fields, the project will eventually include a water park. Chuck Corley, director of operations said choosing a name for the development has been one of the biggest hurdles. “You only get one chance, and we want to get it right,” Corley said. “We’ve hired a couple of search firms that have been doing demographic analysis of the area, and we’ve had focus groups taking part in the process. It’s difficult, because there are so many different components to what we’re doing. There’s really nothing else like it.” Originally billed as “Blue Collar Country,” the project has been years in the planning and was in limbo after the change in management. With new leadership, the project appears to be on the right track. In August, local media outlets were invited to tour the property, where crews are currently digging a lake. “It will be the focal point of the development, with about 13 acres,” Corley said. “Next, we’ll prepare the site for the RV park, which should be completed in about a year. We anticipate having the amusement park open around the same time, and the event center should take about 14 months. The pad for it is almost finished. “The biggest thing is revamping the plan to do different things, based on new ownership,” said Corley, a former attractions manager of Six Flags and part of the initial development team led by Glen Bilbo of Blue Collar Destinations. “The uncertainty of everything and the timeline has been a concern, but we’re definitely moving ahead. CEIDA brings financial stability to the project, and that’s very important.” The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has taken full control of the entertainment complex, which Corley said will not include a casino or gambling interest. The tribe actually was tied to Blue Collar Country from the start, providing financing for the real estate acquisition. With the tribe’s buyout, Bilbo is no longer involved.
By Cindy Riley
CEG CORRESPONDENT
Adam Topolnick, Killian Construction photo
Described as a family-oriented district with shows, rides, shopping, hotels, dining and a sports complex featuring more than a dozen multi-purpose athletic fields, the project will eventually include a water park.
Adam Topolnick, Killian Construction photo
After a shaky start, a 520-acre entertainment and sports development on Baldwin County 20 in Foley, Ala., is moving forward.
see ENTERTAIN page 3