Huntsville’s Foundational Families

Photos courtesy of Hays Farm around 1,000 residential units, three parks and new commercial spaces along with the redevelopment of Haysland Square.

The plans for a 9-acre urban park was approved by the city in March of this year. The $284,800 architectural contract between the city and Bostick Landscape Architects includes a gazebo, splash pad, fitness area, gardens and other qualityof-life amenities that will connect to the existing greenway network. Construction is anticipated to start in September.

The park is a joint $5.6 million project in which the family donated the property and over $1 million for the development. It is this pattern of generosity that led to city officials adopting and presenting a resolution in April 2023 to formally recognize the Hays family’s contribution to the Rocket City.

The resolution officially recognizes the “Hays Family has proven itself to be one of the foundational families to the city” and further elaborates on the contribution of “1,300 acres of land for use by the city.”

John Hays remains true to his upbringing and he isn’t one to brag about his or his family’s accomplishments. But the results speak for themselves. His nephew-in-law and President of The Enfinger Companies Olly Orton perhaps said it best when talking about the family’s legacy.

“This family is the original live, work, play of Huntsville. Because that is what that family did out there for a hundred years. They lived on that farm, they worked tirelessly on that farm and it was also their playground,” Orton said.

Because of the family’s work, the Live Work Play tradition will be able to continue for future generations.

Currently, Hays Farm Homes features The Fields and The Forest, two residential developments juxtaposed against ample green space.

The developments will also consist of a 400 acre nature preserve and 8 miles of walking trials. With around 500 single family homes and 600 multifamily units, the residential development combines the best of John Hays’ current goals with his family legacy.

On the commercial side, the development consists of Hays Market, which includes a shopping center anchored by a 48,000 square foot Publix grocery store.

The Market at Hays Farm, which is currently leasing, features more than 150,000 square feet of retail and shop space. The location also features Staples, Amerigo’s Italian Restaurant, and Tom Brown’s, the former which celebrated its grand opening early last month. The Market at Hays Farm will soon feature a Bank Independent location opening soon.

For more information about the development, please visit haysfarm. com/commercial. w