Development Set to Transform Downtown Huntsville: The long-anticipated mixed-use development next to the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville is gearing up for construction.
Front Row, set to occupy the former Coca-Cola bottling plant site on Clinton Avenue, is set to begin construction in January. The city council recently approved an “amended and restated development agreement” with the project developers. The updated agreement specifies that Phase I construction must commence no later than May 1, 2024, and is expected to span four years.
Shane Davis, the city’s director of urban and economic development, presented the revised construction timeline to the council for a project approved nearly 2½ years ago. Despite the extended timeline, the project is maintaining its momentum with a capital investment of almost $400 million.
Originally planned in four phases, the project has been streamlined into two. However, the second phase, primarily featuring a hotel tower at the development’s core, is not guaranteed. Davis affirms the developers’ commitment to completing the second phase, emphasizing its importance in the project’s financial success.
According to the amended agreement, Phase II is slated to commence by November 1, 2029, with a three-year completion timeline.
The agreement involves New York-based Rocket Development Partners LLC, the original developers, and major equity partners Huntsville Phase I QOZB LLC and developer’s equity piece Front Row Huntsville Owner LLC. Huntsville Phase I QOZB LLC represents only a part of the first phase of the development.
Upon completion, the project is set to transform the area significantly. Phase I will feature two buildings along Clinton Avenue, spanning from Pinhook Creek to Monroe Street, directly opposite the Von Braun Center. The structures will include:
– At least 500 apartment units
– At least 36,000 square feet of restaurant/retail space
– At least 35,000 square feet of office space
A public plaza greenspace will connect the buildings, with the development providing 565 parking spaces.
The development plan remains unchanged through the amended agreement with the city.
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For the second phase, the city plans to lease 400 spaces in a parking garage integral to the project and implement planned improvements on Pinhook Creek along the development’s western border.
The amended development agreement specifies a “convention-type quality or boutique-style hotel” with at least 100 rooms for Phase II. Davis indicates the developers’ aim for a full-service hotel with over 200 rooms and up to 30,000 square feet of meeting space, enhancing the Von Braun Center‘s appeal for larger conferences.
The developers are covering the cost of the public plaza, reducing the city’s infrastructure investment to approximately $16 million, expected to be recouped in three years. The city had initially planned a road on the development’s western border, connecting Clinton Avenue and Holmes Avenue. Additionally, a new road will be constructed through the development, linking the new road with Monroe Street.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is being built in downtown Huntsville?
Downtown Huntsville’s upcoming mixed-use development has been officially named Bartley Lofts. This project will feature a six-floor apartment complex along with retail options. The site, which was previously the Huntsville Aquatic Center on Monroe Street, is located across from Embassy Suites.
What grocery store is coming to Huntsville?
The Huntsville City Council gave the green light to a development agreement that will welcome a fresh grocery retailer to the Huntsville market. Food City is set to pour in $90 million to construct six new stores and generate 1,350 job opportunities in the next five years.
What is driving growth in Huntsville Alabama?
Huntsville’s economy is thriving, with businesses pouring billions into the city and employment on the rise. In 2021, Huntsville outpaced the rest of the U.S. in economic growth, setting the stage for continued expansion in the 2022 fiscal year.
Is Del Taco coming to Huntsville Alabama?
Del Taco is set to make its debut in Huntsville, AL, as well as five other cities, according to a recent announcement by the restaurant. The specific locations for the other cities have not been disclosed at this time. The Huntsville branch will be managed by franchisee Sam Abusaleem.