News Summary

Huntsville is commencing a $400 million redevelopment project, the Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative, which aims to transform the area with residential buildings and mixed-income community development. The project has secured $50 million in federal funding and will start with the construction of two residential buildings focused on accessibility. The development is projected to improve living standards and create economic opportunities in the community by integrating workforce housing and essential services over the next decade.

Huntsville Begins Construction on $400 Million Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative

Huntsville is set to commence construction on the Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative, a significant $400 million redevelopment project, beginning in 2025. The initiative aims to transform the area through a series of residential buildings and mixed-income community development.

During a recent meeting, the Huntsville Planning Commission was updated on the progress of the initiative, which has successfully secured $50 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). City officials revealed that they are already utilizing this funding, with earth-moving activities expected to start in the first quarter of the upcoming year.

Phase One Construction Details

The first phase will focus on constructing two residential buildings located on the southwest corner between Clinton Avenue and Governors Drive, west of Seminole Drive. The first of these buildings will incorporate a universal design, promoting accessibility for all. This will be followed closely by the development of a senior housing facility in phase two.

A crucial aspect of the project involves relocating residents from the current Johnson Towers to the new buildings. Once the move is completed, the city will proceed to demolish Johnson Towers, facilitating the third phase of the initiative, which will aim to accommodate additional families in the community. Meanwhile, the buildings of Butler Terrace have already been dismantled due to detected radon issues.

Development Goals and Community Impact

The Mill Creek initiative seeks to establish a mixed-income community, integrating workforce housing with various essential services. This development, which is projected to involve a total investment of approximately $350 million, aims to enhance the living standards of families in the area while creating economic opportunities that extend beyond just housing.

In 2024, the city formally accepted a $50 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant from HUD, which mandates that the housing components of the project must be completed within a span of eight to ten years. As part of the plan, Huntsville Hospital is expected to contribute by constructing workforce housing on the site, guaranteeing a minimum of 125 units specifically for its employees.

Design and Community Integration

The design of the Mill Creek neighborhood focuses on blending with existing market-rate housing, significantly improving the visual quality of the area. An additional feature of the development will be the establishment of a linear park throughout the neighborhood, enhancing public spaces for community use.

The Huntsville Planning Commission has approved a resolution supporting this initiative, which may facilitate additional grant funding opportunities in the future. The project is modeled after successful mixed-income initiatives in cities such as St. Louis and aims to create vibrant environments conducive to economic growth.

Timeline for Completion

The entire development is planned for completion by 2032, with city officials emphasizing the significance of fostering a community that promotes ongoing economic opportunities for residents. The Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative not only aims to provide quality housing but also seeks to strengthen community ties and enhance the overall quality of life in Huntsville.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Dirt to move on Huntsville’s $400 million Mill Creek project early next year
• Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
• WAFF: Huntsville public housing residents set to be some of the first residents of $350 million project
• Google Search: Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative
• Hville Blast: Huntsville moving forward on Mill Creek project
• Google Scholar: Huntsville Mill Creek project
• Huntsville Business Journal: Huntsville advances Mill Creek redevelopment with HUD grant acceptance
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville, Alabama
• Rocket City Now: City of Huntsville forward with Mill Creek redevelopment
• Google News: Huntsville Mill Creek

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.