New growth driving local economy
Story by Katie Beth Buckner
Photos by Mike Callahan
If numbers are any indicator, Springville is in the midst of what is being called a business boom for this northeast St. Clair County city.
Five businesses have opened their doors to the community already this year, and the outlook for the future is promising, officials say.
On Saturday, May 19, the Springville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted grand openings for HBI Salon, Daylight Donuts, Laster’s Sundries and Bam’s Coin Laundry. The owners and their families and friends took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their new businesses.
Hair. Beauty. Inspiration
HBI Salon served Springville for many years from a location right off of Main Street, but it relocated to a larger space at 6448 US Highway 11. The new location in downtown Springville has added artistic flare to the area.
The staff is dedicated to using their knowledge, passion and experience to meet their clients’ hair care needs. To help her clients achieve their hair style goals with minimal effort, owner Jenny Ryan uses high-quality products she’s confident will keep her client’s hair healthy, yet stylish.
“We are so excited to be a part of what makes downtown Springville hop,” Ryan said. “Our clientele pulls from Springville all the way to Nashville. We love that all of our (Springville’s) unique shopping options can offer them an experience that goes beyond great hair.”
Sweets, sweets
and more sweets!
Amid the growth, Springville has gained two small businesses that cater to that sweet tooth. Daylight Donuts opened a new location at 449 Marietta Road. They serve a wide variety of donuts, croissants and coffee that are made fresh daily. The most popular treat sold is the apple fritter.
Co-Owner Vatanak Sap said he fell in love with the town and its friendly people and decided it was the perfect place to open a donut shop since there wasn’t one nearby.
“I love the support the locals have shown me. Business has been great,” Sap said. “We are very busy in the mornings. People like to stop by and grab breakfast on their way to work.”
Meanwhile, what was old has become new again. Laster’s Sundries, a historical ice-cream parlor, recently reopened under new ownership. Its lively atmosphere and central location in downtown Springville make it a great place to host a birthday party or similar event.
Their ice-cream is imported from New York and offers customers a large variety of flavors you can’t get elsewhere. They also serve shakes, floats and sundaes for customers who want a sweet treat beyond a regular ice-cream cone.
Locals have been very receptive of Laster’s reopening and wish to see their limited hours extended, according to Mayor Butch Isley.
“Business has been great and busy,” Laster’s manager Jordan Hamilton said. “People seem to really enjoy our ice cream.”
Wash, dry and fold!
A convenient new service is now available in Springville. Bam’s Coin Laundry, LLC opened a new location at 143 Marietta Road. They provide 24-hour access to large capacity washers and dryers, allowing customers to wash their clothes, comforters and blankets for a reasonable price. Bam’s is also equipped with video surveillance, free Wi-Fi and cable television.
Individuals on a tight schedule can take advantage of their newly offered wash, dry and fold service. They can coordinate a drop-off and pick-up time with an employee and have their laundry done for them at a small additional charge.
“People from Springville were coming to our laundromat in Pell City and saying that they wanted us to open one closer to them,” owner Billy Blaylock said. “We found a location and opened to meet their needs.”
First pediatric clinic comes to town.
Springville Pediatrics, located at 350 Springville Station near Walmart, opened its doors to patients on March 12. The clinic is the only one in the community tailored toward pediatric care with patients ranging in age from infants to 18 years old.
“We have new patients coming in everyday, so we are excited about being able to take care of children in Springville and the surrounding areas,” office manager Jennifer Richardson said. “We are set and ready to care for our patients in the best way possible.”
What’s Ahead?
“People have been very receptive of these new businesses,” Mayor Isely said. “They’re meeting the needs of the community.”
Looking forward, he hopes to see more development of businesses near Interstate 59. He’d like to bring a large chain restaurant and a full-service gas station to town.
Candice Hill, retail specialist for St. Clair County Economic Development Council, is working with Isely to bring more retailers to town in the shopping area near Walmart.
But while Isley likes growing big city amenities for the community, he notes that there are elements of downtown he wants to maintain. He plans to work alongside business owners to preserve the historical charm of the area by restoring some of the aging and unoccupied buildings.
Downtown revitalization is part of the plan for the future.
And while Springville has visions of continued growth, Isley said it’s vital the town doesn’t grow too rapidly and become something he and locals aren’t proud of. Growth is good, he said, but it needs to grow in the right way, filling needs while maintaining the city’s allure.
