Hallmark Farm Center will host rodeos, concerts, restaurants, lodging, Jefferson County says

The famous mansion and farm of a Jefferson County coal baron will one day be an event center that hosts rodeos, restaurants and concerts, if all goes to plan.

The Jefferson County Commission on Thursday adopted a resolution supporting the development of the Hallmark Farm in Warrior into a $158 million project that will host rodeos, livestock shows, family entertainment, concerts, restaurants and lodging.

The county offered $16.5 million toward infrastructure for public road access and sewer access for the development of the farm center.

The Alabama Rural Economic Center Inc., a subsidiary of the Alabama Farmers Federation, is considering development of the farm center, the county said. It would acquire the property from the Hallmark Farms Cooperative District to develop the Farm Center in conjunction the Jefferson County Agricultural Authority that would be created.

“It will be a catalyst for great things to come,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight.

Ted Hallmark, owner of Hallmark Coal Company, and his wife, Mary Ruth Hallmark, built the house on a 567-acre farm in 1976-77. Along with a stunning large barn and a lake, it has for decades been a favorite showpiece that caught the eye of travelers, easily visible on the west side of Interstate 65 in the Kimberly and Warrior area.

The red and white barn overlooking a lake on Hallmark Farm has been a landmark along the west side of Interstate 65 in north Jefferson County for decades. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com)