Historic Preservation of Pepperell mill and village
The first residents of the Opelika were the people who were working in the Pepperell Mill textile factory in the early 19th century. The mill and the surrounding community have been socially and culturally connected over the years. However, the factory burned in 2013 and has been remained abandoned since then. Like every healthy community, Opelika needs to build and maintain proper social, cultural and emotional interactions, not only between the residents but also between the residents and places (urban spaces). The Pepperell Mill plant and its surrounding landscape provides a unique opportunity for Opelika to improve these interactions.
This area can be revitalized and defined as a focal point of the community to encourage the sense of belonging among the residents to flourish. Although revitalizing and developing the Pepperell Mill plant site can lead to several social and environmental benefits, the current appearance of the landscape is extremely unpleasant and possibly attracts crime. Above all, the soil and water bodies in the area are contaminated and would threaten the health of the residents. Therefore, revitalizing the landscape can remove part of health concerns of the community.