BL Harbert awarded construction management responsibilities for the Alabama Farm Center at Alfa Centennial Park
BL Harbert International, LLC was recently selected by the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) to construct the new Alabama Farm Center at Alfa Centennial Park in Chilton County. The Foundation was created by the Alabama Farmers Federation with support from Alfa Insurance (Alfa) to advance agriculture in the state through education, research and other activities.
The preliminary master plan for the Alabama Farm Center includes a 5,000+ seat air-conditioned arena, 150,000 square foot exhibition building with meeting rooms, 400-stall horse barn, 1,125 tie stall cattle barn, 400 recreational vehicle (RV) hookups, among other arenas and buildings.
Capital expenditures for the project are estimated to exceed $100 million. The 500-acre project is expected to break ground in the spring of 2020. As Construction Manager, BL Harbert plans to staff this project with local employees and utilize local businesses as much as possible. Key members of BL Harbert’s on-site team live in Chilton County in close proximity to the site.
“This is an exciting project for not only Chilton County, but also the state of Alabama. Our team is honored to be the construction partner in bringing such a significant project to life,” said Johnny Garlington, President of the U.S. Group of BL Harbert International. “We look forward to leveraging our extensive global construction management experience in delivering this project on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations.”
Jimmy Parnell, who chairs the Foundation, said the selection of BL Harbert International is a major step toward making the Alabama Farm Center a reality.
“We look forward to working with the Harbert team to bring this project to fruition,” said Parnell, who also serves as president of Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. “Harbert is well respected and has extensive experience in managing large economic development projects. We’re convinced the Alabama Farm Center at Alfa Centennial Park will be a centerpiece for Alabama agriculture and an economic engine for Alabama.”
Alfa Centennial Park will be located in the center of the state off of I-65 at Exit 212 between Alabama 145 and County Road 43, and will be visible from I-65. It is expected to draw visitors from throughout the nation to Alabama and Chilton County.