New subdivision coming to city’s southwest side

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Steve Leara, general counsel for Retail Specialists (standing at podium) and Darren Hamrick with Sain Associates (holding presentation board) speak at the groundbreaking ceremony for Cullman’s new Ellsworth subdivision Wednesday morning. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. – A “groundbreaking” ceremony for a new subdivision was held Wednesday morning at Cullman City Hall. The event was moved indoors due to weather. The new Ellsworth subdivision will be located off Main Avenue Southwest. The development will be built by Birmingham-based Prominence Homes in partnership with commercial real estate firm Retail Specialists. 

Ellsworth will consist of at least 200 homes built in four phases. The homes will range in price from $190,000 to the $250,000s. The subdivision will feature new streets and sidewalks, underground utilities, green spaces and a homeowner’s association.

“As a growing community, it is exciting to see ground broken on this new subdivision which will bring additional housing options to the current and future residents of Cullman,” said Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs. “The Ellsworth subdivision gives people an opportunity to live close to where all the amenities Cullman and Cullman County have to offer.”

Steve Leara, general counsel for Retail Specialists, said, “We anticipate, literally, moving dirt within the week. Hopefully dirt, not mud. Weather permitting, we can start seeing our home builder up there throwing up foundations, sticks and bricks within 90-120 days. That’s our goal and that’s our plan.”

He said Ellsworth Drive will be widened to 50 feet leading to the two subdivision entrances. 

Investor Missy Blaylock was all smiles at the groundbreaking ceremony, sharing, “I think it’s just a growing need and we are just happy to be a part of it. They are nice quality homes.”

Leara estimates that the project will take approximately 1 to 1 1/2 years to complete. 

“Our company’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Robert Jolly, founder and CEO of Retail Specialists. “Whether it’s commercial or residential development, or another way to enhance a city, we are always looking for ways to be community innovators. We are excited to break ground on Ellsworth and bring additional value to the city of Cullman.”

“We’ve been looking for the right opportunity to build in Cullman for a couple of years and this is the perfect property to develop,” said Scott Underwood, chief operating officer for Prominence Homes. “Cullman is a growing area and has the right ingredients for a new development with its access to the Interstate for commuters to Huntsville or Birmingham, its incredible school district, and the shopping, dining and downtown growth. We couldn’t be more excited to break ground on this project.”

The Ellsworth neighborhood is being developed by Retail Specialists, with Sain Engineering handling the civil engineering, and Prominence Homes constructing the new homes. Retail Specialists is handling the development and infrastructure work including the installation of the underground utilities, the leveling and designation of the individual lots, and preparing the lots for Prominence Homes to build homes. Sain Engineering is the civil engineering firm having worked directly with the City on the rezoning and annexing of the property, as well as handling all construction documentation.

Examples of the types of homes being built in Ellsworth can be seen at https://myprominencehome.com.

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Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune