News Summary
The Big Cove Village development project in Huntsville is currently in negotiations between developers and property owners, with city officials hoping for a finalized agreement by summer 2025. The development aims to create a mixed-use community featuring residential options, commercial spaces, and public amenities, reflecting local heritage and enhancing community engagement. A community meeting to discuss plans is scheduled for August 2025 as officials seek public input.
Huntsville’s Big Cove Village Development Project Under Negotiation Amid Community Engagement Efforts
The proposed Big Cove Village development in Huntsville remains in the negotiation stages between the property owner and the developer. City officials are optimistic that an agreement could be reached by summer 2025 to finalize plans for the project.
Project Details and Design
The Big Cove Village site is located on both the north and south sides of Cecil Ashburn Drive, and east and west of Old Big Cove Road. The vision for this development is comparable to the Village of Providence, an upscale community in Huntsville. Developer Tom Lowe from T2 Capital Management is working to finalize the project, which has already received necessary zoning approvals for a mixed-use development that includes single-family homes, townhomes, apartments, businesses, and restaurants.
A Vision for Community and Amenities
Characterized as a “true mixed-use development,” Big Cove Village is designed to offer a blend of residential and commercial spaces that reflect the local heritage. The conceptual plan indicates a village center with architectural elements similar to those found in the Village of Providence. Key features of the layout include a community plaza for events, festivals, and markets, emphasizing walkability for residents.
Old Big Cove Road is anticipated to be transformed into Drake Commons, featuring wider lanes, brick sidewalks, and a new park for community festivals. As part of the project, the development will allocate approximately 73,000 square feet for a food mall, brewery, distillery, and office spaces.
Residential Plans
Residential options within the Big Cove Village development will encompass around 700 units, which is planned to include various housing types. This includes 110 cottage-style homes, a consolidated area known as Garden Crescent with 127 residential units consisting of both single-family homes and townhomes, and the Prospect neighborhood, incorporating an additional 27 single-family homes and 19 townhomes along with four woodland preserve lots. Furthermore, the Westcourt apartments will contribute 90 units, featuring amenities such as a pickleball court.
Parks and Open Spaces
Enhancing the sense of community, the proposed Meadow Lark Park will span 5.5 acres and include community gardens and farm-style buildings. This park is designed to serve as an active recreational space, including the provision of 190 additional parking spaces to accommodate visitors.
Community Involvement and Future Plans
Property owner Tom Drake, who aims to elevate the value of the Big Cove-Hampton Cove community through this development, has received multiple offers but remains selective to ensure the project fits the community’s needs. Once a negotiated agreement is in place, a formal development agreement will outline standards relating to design, quality, and retail types.
Local government officials, including Councilman David Little, are committed to involving community members in the planning process to ensure the development aligns with local expectations. The Big Cove area has already seen substantial growth, with a population exceeding 20,000 residents, highlighting the demand for additional amenities and services such as restaurants and shops.
As discussions continue, a community meeting is scheduled for August 2025 to review the final project plans and allow residents to provide input on the Big Cove Village development. Despite the ongoing negotiations, city plans for upgrading Old Big Cove Road are set to proceed, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing the area’s infrastructure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville Approves Nearly 400 Acres for Development
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Big Cove Development Negotiations
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- WAFF: Big Cove Village Project
- Google Search: Huntsville Big Cove Village development
- Hville Blast: Welcome to Big Cove Village
- Google Scholar: Huntsville development
- AL.com: Future of Huntsville with Mayor Tommy Battle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville
- Rocket City Now: Mixed-Use Development in Cove Community
- Google News: Huntsville Big Cove Village development
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
