What’s Next?

An update on the area

Those who have been around this area for more than 20 years have seen a lot of changes around Russell Lands on Lake Martin. From time to time, it helps to look back for a moment in order to look forward.

At the turn of the century, many of us were worrying about Y2K—at least until one arrived at Lake Martin. As soon as folks hit State Highway 63, their worries slipped far away, and their blood pressure dropped. Y2K is a distant memory (if you are old enough to remember that), but the relaxed atmosphere is still here, only enhanced. So, let’s make a partial list of what has happened since then.

A quick review

In 2002, the Willow Point Golf & Country Club board was planning a total renovation of the golf course. Golf design firm Hurdzan/Fry was called upon to implement a design that would be recognized as one of the country’s best golf course renovations of 2003.

The redesign of the course prompted multiple renovations and additions to the club over the years. New cart storage, a new dining venue, tennis courts, fitness center, cabana and pool complex, renovated villas, and much more followed the course renovation.

While the course was being renovated, Russell Lands was in the early stages of developing The Ridge, its largest master-planned waterfront community to date on Lake Martin. This development plan called for a multiphase, multiyear project that would eventually include one of the nation’s largest lakeside marinas; over 550 waterfront homes; The Ridge Club with community gathering space, fitness, pool complex, tennis, and pickleball courts; and multiple waterfront parks and trails.

Recognizing Highway 63 is the central artery for our 25,000 acres and that an increasing number of people were coming to the area, we located a “town center” for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is hard to imagine Lake Martin without Russell Crossroads and Catherine’s Market, SpringHouse, The Stables, BRU 63, The Adventure Center & Company Store, and now Fanny Goldmine Diner.

Along with new amenities came new neighborhoods. Nichols Cove, Rose Point, Russell Cabins at The Ridge, Glynmere, Willow Glynn, and The Willows have all been created and built out over that time. Those neighborhoods have set the example of what waterfront lake homes should look like and what features they should possess.

Speaking of new neighborhoods, The Heritage, with the new Coore & Crenshaw-designed Wicker Point Golf Club, is well underway. While it is a relatively new community, we began initial conceptual planning in late 2018. It has been gratifying to see the course construction near completion while we have successfully introduced the first two phases of lakefront properties—72 of the 79 developed properties having sold. Wicker Point is scheduled to open this fall, and the first Heritage residents are likely to move in soon thereafter.

What comes next?

Not everything that makes our Lake Martin community special is initiated by Russell Lands. Others are adding beneficial developments and services. Recent years have given residents easy access to upscale, lake-themed home décor at Tippy Canoe. Grain & Leaf came to the area offering drink selections perfect for celebrating a day on the water. Who knew that one of the most anticipated additions to the area would be Lake Martin Pizza Company on the northern border of our property?  These are relatively small additions compared to projects underway in Alexander City.

There is an addition to Russell Medical that is likely to give people more time at the lake (in more ways than one!). Thanks to a generous financial gift by Ben and Luanne Russell, a new state-of-the-art geriatric care center, the Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care, is under construction. In addition to the specialized care, the facility will include an enclave of independent living cottages and space for a potential assisted living center. Russell Medical will be able to respond to the desires for many of our property owners who want to be able to receive care and a place to retire in the lake community. This facility will allow both of those things to happen.

Another addition is the new shopping center at the intersection of U.S. 280 and Highway 63 in Alexander City. This new center, The Gateway at Lake Martin¸ will be anchored by Publix and will include outparcels for operations from retail stores to Starbucks. This new addition has created a great deal of excitement within the lake community.

We have more on the planning boards at Russell Lands. If you want to stay abreast of what we are doing, please subscribe to our newsletter or reach out to one of our Sales Executives at 256.215.7011 or by email. We will be happy to let you know what is coming next!