It’s been some 50 years since the Hays family made the tough decision to move away from the farming industry that the family legacy had been built on since John Hays’ grandfather, Elgie Hays, bought the first plot of what would become Hays Farm in 1906.

According to John Hays, the decision was an emotional one at the time and the vote wasn’t unanimous at first. Five generations of their family were born and raised on the farm. They even had a document from 1814 when Roman Simmons, one of John’s ancestors, purchased land from a land grant in the area complete with the signature of James Madison.

The Huntsville Business Journal was able to sit down with John Hays and talk about the history of the farm and the legacy he hopes to be able to live behind.

As emotional as the decision may have been, it’s hard to argue 50 years later that it hasn’t been beneficial for both the Hays family and for the greater Huntsville community.

They were fortunate enough to see early success with the construction of a new Grissom High School on family owned land. The family also stayed true to their beliefs during the process which John described during our conversation.

DSC 6077 1 “Our family believes in education for children, quality of life for the community and habitat protection for wildlife. These values guided us in the design of Hays, creating the perfect opportunity to develop a recreation and nature complex. Two thirds of the land was set aside and gifted to the city for use as parks and school. We planned and designed the parks so wildlife can flourish and families can enjoy quality of life and just breathe in the fresh air,” said Hays.

The family’s passion for wildlife and its preservation for community use is backed up by science.

During the interview, Hays shared a printed copy of a study completed in 2018 by scientists in Sweden. The nationwide study tracked over 900,000 people over the course of 30 years. Its findings showed that children who grew up with the lowest levels of green space had a 55% higher risk of developing a psychiatric disorder independent from effects of other known risks.

The study affirms that integrating natural environments into urban planning is a promising approach to improving mental health and reducing psychiatric disorders.

In 2019, a new development was started that the family knew could be special.

“We’ve put out a lot of plans and we are proud of all of them,” Hays explained. “This is the first thing we ever put our name on because we think it is something special for us and special for the community.”

The Hays Farm development will spread 850 acres and consist of around 1,000 residential units, three parks and new commercial spaces along with the redevelopment of Haysland Square.

The plans for a 9-acre urban park was approved by the city in March of this year. The $284,800 architectural contract between the city and Bostick Landscape Architects includes a gazebo, splash pad, fitness area, gardens and other quality-of-life amenities that will connect to the existing greenway network. Construction is anticipated to start in September.

The park is a joint $5.6 million project in which the family donated the property and over $1 million for the development. It is this pattern of generosity that led to city officials adopting and presenting a resolution in April 2023 to formally recognize the Hays family’s contribution to the Rocket City.

The resolution officially recognizes the “Hays Family has proven itself to be one of the foundational families to the city” and further elaborates on the contribution of “1,300 acres of land for use by the city.”

John Hays remains true to his upbringing and he isn’t one to brag about his or his family’s accomplishments. But the results speak for themselves. His nephew-in-law and President of The Enfinger Companies, Olly Orton, perhaps said it best when talking about the family’s legacy.

“This family is the original live, work, play of Huntsville. Because that is what that family did out there for a hundred years. They lived on that farm, they worked tirelessly on that farm and it was also their playground,” Orton said.

Because of the family’s work, the Live Work Play tradition will be able to continue for future generations.

Currently, Hays Farm Homes features The Fields and The Forest, two residential developments juxtaposed against ample green space. The developments will also consist of a 400 acre nature preserve and 8 miles of walking trials. With around 500 single family homes and 600 multifamily units, the residential development combines the best of John Hays’ current goals with his family legacy.

On the commercial side, the development consists of Hays Market, which includes a shopping center anchored by a 48,000 square foot Publix grocery store.

The Market at Hays Farm, which is currently leasing, features more than 150,000 square feet of retail and shop space. The location also features Staples, Amerigo’s Italian Restaurant, and Tom Brown’s, the former which celebrated its grand opening in early July. The Market at Hays Farm will soon feature a Bank Independent location opening soon.

For more information about the development, please visit haysfarm.com.