By Lori J. Connors

Quietdale Estates: A Piece of History Brought to Life

It’s been an ongoing labor of love, punctuated by a variety of administrative, pandemic, and supply chain-induced setbacks along the way, but cybersecurity specialists Ross Hickey and John Francis have remained steadfast in their undertaking.

For the past two and a half years, Hickey and Francis have put quite a bit of sweat equity into transforming the Quietdale Estate into a state-of-the-art event venue; a venue that successfully implements modern day technology yet still retains the beauty, grace, and charm of a much earlier era.

Nestled in a neighborhood near the Lincoln Mill District, Quietdale sits on six acres of land, amid large white oaks, magnolia trees, and thousands of daffodils. Although Lee High School and the Coca Cola Bottling plant are just a stone’s throw away, Quietdale is cocooned by lush foliage that buffers the property from the outside influences of modern-day life.

The property was originally owned by William Robinson, the first Sheriff of Madison County.

Unfortunately, the Sheriff never saw the completion of the home. In 1852, Robinson died at age 44, leaving behind a wife and five children. It was his widow, Caroline Moore Robinson, who saw the construction through, realizing her husband’s vision.

Prior to his death, Robinson was one of the largest landowners in the region, having thousands of acres in north Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Although a skilled bricklayer, Robinson wanted his dream home to be a frame house and sought out the very best lumber he could find.

The house was originally planned to be situated at a point between the house’s present site and what was soon to be the northern branch of the Memphis and Charleston rail line. With that in mind, Mrs. Robinson decided that the building should be farther up on the rise leading to Chapman Mountain.

Mrs. Robinson loved cultivating daffodils and they figure prominently in the early history of the estate. In fact, as part of the deal to gain permission to lay down the tracks for the Memphis and Charleston line, it was agreed that the train would stop each day to pick up Mrs. Robinson and her children, taking them downtown, where they would sell the daffodils.

Since Mrs. Robinson’s death in 1885, the estate gone through several owners, all imprinting their own style in the efforts of home renovation. However, the overall structure itself speaks volumes of the care taken in its construction. Quietdale was built to last. “The architecture is incredible,” said Hickey. “It really tells the story of the home.”

Although Quietdale is a mixture of architectural styles, the interior of the estate is clearly Greek Revivalism. Quietdale has a significant place in the history of Huntsville and also has the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places.

Each room in the estate radiates history through its artistic craftsmanship. “It has good bones,” said Hickey.” There are ten fireplaces; each fireplace is unique, no two are alike. The high ceilings in the downstairs parlors and the entrance hall are adorned by large plaster medallions in a dahlia design.

After purchasing the property in March 2019, the pair began redeveloping the estate. First, by tackling the structural and foundational aspects, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVA.

Hickey and Francis also took great care in making sure that everything is up to code and ADA compliant.

It goes well beyond checking off the boxes, however. A great amount of attention has been focused on preserving the charm and feel of the estate – while having the modern conveniences of WiFi and climate control.

Hickey and Francis envision Quietdale as a destination spot for creating timeless memories. By restoring the building and its surrounding property, the two hope to preserve a valuable piece of Huntsville history, as well as meet the needs of a region that’s on a rapid growth trajectory.

There is a great need for event venues and a dedicated space like Quietdale is long overdue. In a recent Chamber of Commerce report, it’s been predicted that catered event growth could rise by as much as 19.30% between 2022-2026.

Weddings in Huntsville also have almost doubled over the past three years, according to the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Most existing event venues are backlogged and often booked more than a year in advance. As a result, many potential clientele have taken to booking their nuptials during the offseason, such as in the fall or winter. Hosting a wedding in the middle of the week is no longer considered unusual.

Ross and Hickey are currently in the process of finalizing investments to bring Quietdale’s history to the community and they anticipate hosting events by 2023.

When complete, Quietdale will have the capacity to host multiple events simultaneously, accommodating up to 500 people. To address the capacity needs, the pair recently purchased a tract of land from Lee High School to develop into a parking area. u

By Lori J. Connors / Photos courtesy of Quietdale Estates

No Moss Growing on the 212-Mile Singing River Trail

Aristotle once wrote, “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous”.

When the Land Use Committee of Huntsville’s Launch 2035 dedicated the first quarter mile of North Alabama’s original 70-mile-long Singing River Trail in late 2019, the idea of physically connecting Huntsville to Madison, Athens, and Decatur was quite marvelous - in fact, based on a $225,000 Master Plan, it was the most ambitious legacy project ever undertaken in North Alabama.

The original plan revealed a route starting at Bob Wallace Avenue in Huntsville that followed Highway 20 and Madison Boulevard west, bearing south at Zierdt Road to Triana, and crossing over Countyline Road to Mooresville. Another leg bore north off Madison Boulevard towards Belle Mina, and dipped south to the river at County Road, crossing into Decatur and turning north along Highway 31 towards Athens.

It was an ambitious plan. It was a marvelous plan for North Alabama.

In mid-2020, the Singing River Trail brought in historian John Kvach as its first executive director and it immediately grew into a 150-mile, 8-county project connecting North Alabama from Bridgeport and Scottsboro, to Sheffield, bringing it within 16 miles of the Natchez Trace.

Today, the SRT is comprised of a 212-mile truly marvelous natural greenway system, with new branches growing out from its spine in all directions, all the time.

“In one year, we added Jackson, Marshall, Lawrence, Lauderdale, and Colbert Counties to the original Limestone, Madison, and Morgan County group,” said Kvach. “We didn’t get bigger by happenstance. We listened to the people and communities who wanted to be part of something big. We didn’t react, we acted in the spirit of Launch 2035. No boxes, silos, or cartographer’s lines holding us back.”

On October 18, during the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama Line-Off Ceremony, Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama presented Kvach with a $25,000 donation in support of the Singing River Trail in recognition for SRTs commitment to mobility and environmental preservation.

Kvach will be the featured speaker at the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Luncheon at the Best Western Plus on Madison Blvd. on November 18.

Looking back, it has been like watching the entire Tennessee Valley region, knit itself back together again, to how it was before there were towns and cities. It has been like nature reaching out like twining vines to reclaim the region’s vast network of natural resources including cultural areas, recreation spots, nature reserves, forests, lakes, rivers, and streams.

Looking at the SRT in terms of links in a chain, SRT has undeniable benefits for almost every community along its path. The regional project has buy-in from community leaders and businesses all along the trail, including small, sometimes impoverished communities that will greatly benefit from the industry, tourism, culture, and jobs SRT will stimulate.

In a last-minute burst of enthusiasm, the SRT team, led by Kvach, recently applied for Phase I of the Federal Building Back Better Regional Challenge grant that offers $500,000 towards technical planning for a regional project. They have not received an answer yet, but the pitch is compelling.

The Singing River Trail is using the best of the Tennessee Valley’s natural assets, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit to focus on outdoor recreation and tourism as the accelerator for the Singing River Valley concept, which serves as a center for health and wellness, economic development, tourism, entrepreneurship, active transportation, and Native American heritage equal to or greater that the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, or the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee!

According to the grant proposal,

By Kimberly Ballard / Photos courtesy of Singing River Trail

the Singing River Valley regional concept would ultimately “…become the final piece of a larger Appalachian Regional Corridor that extends from Maine to Alabama with North Alabama the southern terminus for a line of outdoor and tourism opportunities that start in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, extend into the Carolinas along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and continue into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee”.

From the earliest days of the SRT concept, the past and future were destined to merge in a historical and high-tech way.

With the preservation of nature, and the history and culture of the region at its foundation, it will not work today in our high tech word without technology.

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the North Alabama Technology Coalition created the North Alabama Entrepreneurship and Innovation Coalition to evaluate and develop a strategic plan for building a connective entrepreneurial ecosystem across the SRT trail system that will market the region’s assets, and engage key stakeholders in the development of the SRT, with recommendations for enhanced outdoor recreation, agritourism, and agriculture tech innovation – all of which will take advantage of the physical landscape to spur economic growth.

The coalition will act like a catalyst for future collaborations between regional partners, inspire entrepreneurship, and interact with local, state, regional, and national entities to create opportunities for North Alabama innovators.

In addition to technology, many of the trail routes are attractive to communities and cities in its path because of the economic development, living improvements, and job creation it will bring to many impoverished areas of North Alabama.

For instance, the Trail of Tears from Decatur to the Alabama/Mississippi state line runs along the National Park Service’s theoretical heritage corridor into sections of an Opportunity

Zone. The SRT will provide access to thousands of workers who live and work along the Tennessee River, reinvigorating rural counties and towns that have lost thousands of jobs because of factory closures. In these areas, the SRT and its land use plan will attract workers to the local Lockheed Martin facility.

Working with the City of Athens this summer, the local SRT committee created by City One Stop Manager Amy Golden and Mayor Ronnie Marks, brainstormed a trail route connecting the Richard Martin Rails to Trails to the City of Athens’ Swan Creek Greenway. That trail is underway while another Athens trail route connects Downtown Athens to the SportsPlex and Athens State University’s historic 200-year-old campus.

This area falls completely within an Area of Persistent Poverty (APP) and is within an Opportunity Zone. The route will give students and residents access to augmented and virtual reality labs, an Education and Innovation Center, incubator space, classrooms, and meeting space at the proposed 85,000 square foot Athens State University Civic and Training Center.

The City of Scottsboro has applied for a $400,000 Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grant to eventually connect local retailers, schools, churches, parks, and the world-famous Unclaimed Baggage Center in Downtown Scottsboro, to Goose Pond Colony Resort. That path will incorporate an eight-mile stretch of proposed greenway, 90 percent of which falls in an Area of Persistent Poverty, to Goose Pond Colony, a recreational area that hosts large fishing and other outdoor events along the Tennessee River.

Leveraging EPA Brownfield Funding grant, the City of Florence will formalize the western side of the Singing River Bridge to create a gateway through an APP and within an Opportunity Zone, into Downtown Florence to the Tennessee River and its existing outdoor recreation and tourism.

Other trail routes include the Eastern Route masterplan that runs from Bridgeport to Gurley and is fully funded by both public and private funding including Google, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Jackson County, the City of Bridgeport, the City of Scottsboro, and the State of Alabama.

The Gurley to Huntsville trail, led by Croy Engineering is supported by Madison County Commissioner Craig Hill, and the Town of Gurley.

The SRT Western Route runs from Decatur to the Shoals and is almost fully funded by 3M, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Regions Bank, the Tennessee RiverLine, the Lawrence County Legislative Delegation, the City of Courtland, and the Muscle Shoals Heritage Area.

Decatur’s OneDecatur masterplan prioritizes the establishment of a Calhoun Community College Pedestrian Tennessee River Walkway over the Tennessee River where the SRT crosses the Tennessee River. The link will improve access to the riverfront and connect future growth areas north and east of the river, including Calhoun Community College and access to the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. And SRT is working with Decatur and Morgan County Tourism to identify and map all sections of the 17-mile Dr. Bill Sims Bike Trail.

The Port of Huntsville is currently working to activate over 8,000 acres of Huntsville Airport land to create an outdoor recreation hub that includes an internal trail system linking the airport to the spine of the SRT. It will offer outdoor activities, AirBnB opportunities, food and beverage centers, traditional runway and drone viewing, and other projects.

This section of SRT will also connect with the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge and connect traditionally underrepresented areas in rural Limestone County.

Along that leg, Schoel Engineering is building a trail route connecting Dallas Fanning Nature Preserve to the town of Triana, the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, and the Tennessee River.

Madison City Planner Mary Beth Broeren and the City of Madison has been especially proactive in all things SRT this past year, recently taking the lead on a Madison Boulevard intersection and connectivity study.

This summer, Mooresville Mayor Nikki Sprader put her full support behind SRT with an official town resolution stating, “WHEREAS, the Singing River Trail will set the tone for future land use and will shape the outlying areas for the next generations.” Additionally, private landowner meetings have begun to create a trial route in the area surrounding Mooresville from Rock House Road to Arrowhead Landing.

The trail route in South Huntsville is underway and will connect existing greenways with a new SRT greenway between Mountain Gap Road and Golf Road. Schoel Engineering is currently overseeing it with support from Madison County Commissioner Phil Riddick and the City of Huntsville.

And the town of Courtland passed a resolution to begin the master planning process there, connecting key historical, economic, and natural elements to the SRT. u

United We Craft: Coming This Fall - The Brewers’ Cooperative Grand Opening

By Lori J. Connors / Images courtesy of Bold Agency

Something is brewing here in the Rocket City. Five fabulous regional craft breweries are teaming up to create a unique and memorable customer experience.

Despite the delays brought on by a myriad of supply chain logjams and pandemic bottlenecks, the Brewers’ Cooperative will finally have its grand opening.

Founded by two of Alabama’s oldest breweries, Straight to Ale and Good People Brewing Company, the Co-Op will also feature Avondale, Salty Nut, and Druid City breweries.

The long-awaited Co-Op is a first for the North Alabama region.

The Co-Op was started as a means to better serve the community through the spirit of collaboration. From tasting panels, beer design forums, and beer education events, the Co-Op will facilitate an engaging craft community, based on the premise of supporting all things local.

“The Cooperative will be a leader in collaboration for our craft,” said Dan Perry, owner of Straight to Ale. “Along with the five breweries featured, we are planning to invite other Alabama-based breweries to collaborate on different featured brews.”

The first two Co-Op locations will be opening this year, one at the Stovehouse in Huntsville and the other at City Harbor in Guntersville. Beers from all five breweries will be showcased at each location, along with serving spirits and wine.

Co-Op patrons will have the opportunity to experience something novel at each location. Along with a selection of beer, spirits, and wine, each site will have a unique food menu inspired by the area’s surroundings.

The interior of each location is not what one would expect, either. Instead of seeing multiple logos or imagery that is specific to any one of the breweries, the interior spaces are ‘unbranded,’ featuring modern design elements throughout.

To make that a reality, Lauren Gowins and her the team at Bold Agency were charged to head up the interior design and marketing efforts.

The Co-Op isn’t about individual breweries, it’s about the community of local makers. “We aren’t looking for individual recognition for accomplishments,” said Perry. “We are building a unique sustainable partnership of like-minded craft artisans coming together for the promotion of craft beer, wine, spirits, and food.”

The Co-Op will also offer a tiered membership program that will include exclusive discounts, special events, and even an opportunity to brew beer with the Co-Op. Anyone over the age of 21 can become a member.

Members of The Brewers Co-Op will also have the opportunity for membership sharing, as well as providing input in setting the Co-Op’s long-term goals and policies.

Once the brewery is fully operational, Co-Op members will be able to be a part of the brewing process and can work with other breweries, in the on-site collaboration of small batch projects.

“Learning about what goes into the brewing process gives you a deeper appreciation for craft beer and how it cultivates a culture of supporting ‘locally made’ in your community,” said Michael Sellers, owner of Good People Brewing Company.

For more information go to: thebrewerscooperative.com. You can also follow them on Facebook @ thebrewerscooperativeguntersville, @ thebrewerscooperativehuntsville, and on Instagram @thebrewersco_op. u

New Promotions Add to Recent Success of Carr, Riggs & Ingram’s Huntsville Offices

Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC recently announced five new promotions within their Huntsville office location.

Dalton Bradford, who focuses on tax return planning and preparation, was promoted from Staff Accountant to Senior Accountant. Bradford has been with CRI for 2 years with a focus in tax return planning and preparation.

Lara Clay was promoted from Senior Accountant to Supervising Senior Accountant at CRI’s Huntsville Office. Clay has been with CRI for 6 years, during which she earned her CPA certificate, worked on CRI’s tax and audit teams, and now serves clients in the company’s Client Accounting Services department.

Raven Hulsey was also promoted from Senior Accountant to Supervising Senior Accountant. Hulsey has been with CRI for 3 year and is focused on multistate taxation, tax return planning and tax return preparation. She continuously aims to help clients in a wide range of industries.

Joseph Vaughan was promoted from Senior Accountant to Manager in CRI’s Huntsville Office. Vaughan has been with CRI for 3 years with a focus on tax consulting and business development.

Finally, Jenelle Whitebread was promoted from Staff Accountant to Senior Accountant in CRI’s Huntsville office. Whitebread has been with CRI for 2 years and has worked with the Client Accounting Services department with clients in multiple industries and helped develop relationships that ensure client success.

“The CRI – Huntsville office is thrilled to see so many of our people moving ahead in their careers. These individuals were selected for their promotions because of the outstanding work and exemplary leadership skills that they offer the company and to each other their department teams.“ – Greg Crabtree, Partner in Charge.

Michelle Epling Named Executive Director of Madison Chamber of Commerce

Following a lengthy search, the Madison Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Michelle Epling as its new Executive Director, effective Nov. 8.

The Chamber of Commerce has been without an Executive Director since 2019.The Covid-19 pandemic halted its search for a new ED in early 2020, with Epling’s arrival heralding a new chapter in the Chamber’s development. According to Board member Jan Bias, “the Board is extremely excited to have Michelle as our new Executive Director knowing she will re-energize the Madison Chamber of Commerce moving forward!”

Epling, a Grissom High School graduate, graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Business Administration - Marketing before moving to Madison in 2006. In addition to her love for the city of Madison, Epling brings extensive and wide-ranging experience from business development, corporate direct sales and sales coaching, two entrepreneurships, and volunteerism with several major nonprofit organizations.

A former account executive with Huntsville EVENT Magazine, Epling is currently a Senior Executive of Sales and Marketing at Newberry Pecans, her family’s business. She also serves as VP of Programs for the Midtown Elementary PTA and is a member of the Women’s Economic Development Council.

Epling strives to lead the Madison Chamber of Commerce to the next era of growth and prosperity. “I am looking forward to continuing to build and grow the great traditions we have at the Madison Chamber of Commerce and partnerships with the City of Madison and our community to continue to add value to our chamber memberships to help grow all local businesses and continue to find new and innovative partnerships to bring the community together.”