“Especially in the past year, you’ve seen a lot of new construction in Springville, more than the last several years,” he said. Proximity to I-59 is a key selling point, Kell said, attracting newcomers from Jefferson County. As far as future trends, unless something unforeseen happens, Kell sees continued residential growth. “I see a lot of continued growth,” he said. “There’s still plenty of opportunity for new rooftops, barring something similar to what we just came out of.” At the heart of the community’s overall economy? Pride. “The businesses are very focused on that community,” said Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Authority. “Pride is at an absolute high in Springville.” The town, with rare exception, has operated on a cash basis and has more than $2 million in its rainy-day fund, Isley said. The town has invested some $500,000 annually in recreational facilities and is also working toward sidewalks, curbed and lighted downtown streets as part of a state-sponsored Streetscapes program. The city has seen growth of new restaurants and businesses along its part of the I-59 corridor and hopes to attract a hotel chain. But Isley would also like to see St. Clair cities along the interstate team up to develop economically. “We’re happy with our retail, but we want to try to partner and market with our sister cities, Argo, Odenville, ... Ashville and Steele,” Isley said. “I think that we should be promoting our I-59 corridor as sister cities. We’re a team player in that regard.” While the town wants to market itself to the wider world, its citizens are the priority, as evidenced by the dedication to parks and other amenities. One of the cornerstones of Springville’s economic development is a longstanding commitment to a community blueprint aimed at maintaining the traditional character of Springville. “That commitment was already in place back when I became the mayor. That commitment has been in place with all of or mayors to help maintain the downtown district – home to the historic district. We have had a concerted effort with the local preservation society and the historical society to maintain the character of the town and to improve it.” Springville has held fast to its blueprint, with positive results. “They wanted quality-built neighborhoods. They wanted quality developments and didn’t change because of the whims of the times. They’ve been very selective about what they’ve been involved with,” Smith said. “They’ve been very particular about how they grew, and they wanted to grow in a certain manner.” Smith can see Springville becoming a community more deeply committed to the arts, like a smaller version of Fairhope, Ala., in the future. But it could also be a draw for IT businesses. A big hurdle economically is finding suitable property currently for sale. “The challenge for Springville is to continue to redevelop their activities. They need to look to expand without losing their identity.”
Cherished Education
There’s been a school in Springville since the middle of the 19th century. The city’s deep educational heritage and love for it is evidenced by the preservation society’s efforts to restore the old Rock School and expansion at the Springville Public Library. The belief in education and love for creativity flows through local schools, said Springville High School Principal Virgil Winslett. “You don’t have a lot of arts funding for the school. But we have visual arts. We have a very strong band program. We have a choir and choir classes. One thing about Springville High School is we try to be the best we can in every facet. We try to give 110 percent in every aspect.” As it has throughout its history, Springville loves its schools. “Without a doubt this is one of the strongest bases of support for all of our schools,” Winslett said. “We have great support from the mayor and City Council, the Fire Department, the Police Department. When we need help, we get it.” As an example, the city stepped to the plate to help Springville High repair and upgrade its baseball and softball fields after dugouts were destroyed in a storm. “They’re that way all the time. They are very supportive of what we do,” Winslett said.
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Village at Cook Springs Monday Dec.12, 5:00pm Village East Tuesday Dec.13, 5:00pm Pell City Annual Memorial Service in the Chapel Dec 13, 2:30 pm
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DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • December 2016 & January 2017
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