More on Country Crossing development
February 27th, 2008 - Categories: Real Estate News
By: Charles Woodall
http://www.dothanhomesearch.com
Judy had a great post yesterday about the new Country Crossing development to be located here in Houston County. I have read through some of the documents related to the project, especially the economic impact study, and here are some interesting nuggets.
- The master plan is being completed by Apogee Attractions and Michael Lee Design. Apogee has designed numerous other projects, including Epcot Center, Disneyland Resort, and Universal Studios. I don’t think this will be a couple of metal buildings with a rock driveway.
- Out of the estimated one million visitors forecast to visit Country Crossing once all the venues are completed, only an estimated 15-20% will be local. That is 800,000 visitors coming into our area every year. You think traffic is bad now.
- Eight to ten venues are expected to be open by the second quarter of 2009. That is only about 16 months from now. The commercial district, with retail, commercial, and some lodging, will be the last phase completed, sometime around year six.
- Projections are for over five millions dollars in annual tax revenue generated for Houston County by its fifth year of operation, and over $24 million by year ten. Houston County?s total revenues for 2006 was just over $34.6 million. If the projections work out, this project will effectively double the tax base of Houston County.
- The development is expected to employ between 1,500 and 2,000 people in years one through four, and upwards of 2,500 beyond that, making it the largest employer in Houston County. Southeast Alabama Medical Center is currently the largest employer, with over 2,000 employees.
To give you an idea of the size of this project, I have a map below showing how big about 500 acres is in relation to downtown Dothan. It comes close to one square mile of real estate.
Anyway you look at it, Country Crossing is going to have a huge impact on our area.
What are your thoughts on this project? What are the drawbacks you see? Let us know by commenting below!
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I think it is time to expand and let Dothan grow. I live in Slocomb, Alabama and it would be great to be able to take my grandchildren to an event close by. Also, we need to keep the money in Alabama. I would vote for the loto if the chance occurs again. I myself go out of state to play games, bad that the people of Alabama can’t see we could grow in schools etc. We need to build another circle about 8 or 9 miles on the outskirts of Dothan.
Thanks, have a great day!
I agree with you Gwen regarding economic expansion for our area. I also think we are going to be in for some major traffic problems if something isn’t done soon.
I can’t wait until CC is here,I too agree with Gwen as for the roads they are going to have to do something anyway to them.Lets keep out TAX dollars here in Alabama.
Being new to the region, I don’t understand why this project is not being received with open arms. County Economic Development offices in Alabama counties Houston, Henry, Dale, Coffee and Geneva. Florida counties Jackson, Homes, Washington, Bay, Calhoun and Gadsden, Georgia counties Early, Miller and Seminole should vigorously support the new facility. This support requires comprehensive oversight to insure well thought out and planned infrastructure. This project will benefit all our communities and it needs our support. The investment is being made to generate profit; however all the citizens will also profit by realizing economic expansion. If Houston County is not interested leading the charge, perhaps another county along 231 will.
I agree with you Gwen and Bruce! Thanks for stopping by our little corner of the Internet.
Yes, if you folks can’t work it out please extend our invitation from Charlotte.
[...] been turned on Country Crossing, Alabama’s answer to Branson, Missouri. The project was first announced back in February, and after a couple of delays and a change in location, clearing of the land for the entertainment [...]
hello, ronnie/mark had it been easy, everyone would be doing it,you guys to the challenge and succeeded, everyone at mollywood promotes c/c again we thank you for the economic boost for the community thanks molly
i am very interested in a managment postion When will you start hiring?