Jefferson County, Alabama

News and Announcements

 

Jefferson County and Hallmark Cooperative Announce Plans for Development of Iconic Hallmark Property in Warrior, AL
9/4/2019  

Warrior, AL – Members of theHallmark Farms Cooperative announced today upcoming plans for the new HallmarkFarms mixed-use development in Warrior, AL

“It is exciting to be able tostart the work we have been planning, now that we have officially takenpossession of the property,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons(District 5, Chair of the Economic Development Committee for Jefferson County)“This development is going to honor the Hallmark Family by preserving the houseand at the same time provide 700 much needed jobs and economic growth for thisarea. This location is perfectly situated to provide retail space for thepeople in the community, but also has acreage for light industrial suppliersthat may be working with industry to the north and west of us.”

Jefferson County CommissionerJoe Knight (District 4) explained what a mixed-use development is and how itwill help the area.

“This property has a total of565 acres. We are proposing that the section to the north of the house will befor retail, the acreage where the old Hallmark business office is located wouldbe zoned commercial and the acres back behind the house would be for lightindustrial,” said Commissioner Knight. “We want to reiterate that there are noplans to do away with the Hallmark home or the iconic barn that everyone seesfrom the interstate. We are planning to use both for events.”

Warrior Mayor Johnny Raglandshared memories of Fred and Mary Hallmark at the news conference and how they oftenopened their home to those visiting the area. Two movies and the WBRC TV morningshow Country Boy Eddie shot his Christmas show on the estate.

“The City knew if you had an economicdevelopment prospect in town, you could take them by the Hallmark property andshow them the Petticoat Junction train,” said Mayor Ragland. “And, if Mary orFred were at home, they would welcome you inside for a little sweet tea andsouthern hospitality. To say they were gracious, would be an understatement. Weare extremely grateful to the Hallmark family for this opportunity to grow ourcommunity.”

The first official event atthe Hallmark Farms development will be the 2020 Decorators’ Showhousebenefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in April 2020. More information willbe available in the coming weeks at AlabamaSymphony.org. It is the organization’slargest annual fundraiser featuring the work of professional interior designersalong with student designers from local colleges.

Members of the HallmarkCooperative include:

  • Brad Fuller –Warrior Commercial Development Authority board member
  •   Mayor JohnnyRagland – City of Warrior
  •  Jefferson CountyCommissioner Joe Knight (District 4)
  • John Henry –Jefferson County Chief Financial Officer 

Back