Huntsville, AL, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The City of Huntsville has approved a $9.98 million expansion of the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, set to increase its size by over 27,000 square feet. This project, designed by architect Jeffrey S. Alpha A.I.A. and contracted to Chorba Contracting Corporation, is expected to enhance the museum’s facilities and display capabilities significantly. The expansion will include modern offices, a conference room, and outdoor areas for larger military artifacts. Construction is projected to take 16 months, with an anticipated opening in Spring 2027.
Huntsville Approves $9.98 Million Expansion for U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
The City of Huntsville has approved a construction contract to expand the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum at John Hunt Park, with the project valued at $9.98 million. The museum, situated at 2065 Steve Hettinger Drive SW, will see a significant enhancement to its facilities as part of this expansion effort.
The expansion will feature the construction of a new pre-engineered metal building equipped with insulated panels, modern storefront glazing, offices, a conference room, and restrooms. Additionally, there will be limited renovations and repairs made to the existing museum facility to support the expansion.
This project, designed by architect Jeffrey S. Alpha A.I.A., is contracted to be executed by Chorba Contracting Corporation as the lead contractor. The construction timeline is projected for 480 days, or approximately 16 months, with an anticipated opening for the expanded facility scheduled for Spring 2027.
The depth of the expansion is poised to increase the museum’s size by over 27,000 square feet. This additional space is expected to significantly enhance the city’s military history representation and provide the museum with the capacity to display more military artifacts and vehicles. Current conditions within the museum have been described as crowded, resulting in numerous restored military items being unable to be displayed due to existing space limitations.
The museum was incorporated in 1986, but it has only had a dedicated facility since 2000, with the current building having previously served as a jail. This upcoming expansion is highlighted as one of the most substantial developments for the museum since Veterans Day in 2001.
In addition to the expanded indoor space, new features will include improved lighting, enhanced parking facilities, and outdoor areas designed to showcase larger equipment and artifacts. The museum remains committed to its mission of education and support for veterans, thereby enhancing its ability to participate in various veterans’ activities.
Bids for the construction may be opened as early as Fall 2025, representing a significant step towards the completion of this ambitious project which aims to honor and educate on military history.
Summary of Key Project Features
- Project Value: $9.98 million
- Location: 2065 Steve Hettinger Drive SW, Huntsville, AL
- Increase in Size: Over 27,000 square feet
- Construction Timeline: 480 days (16 months)
- Opening Projected: Spring 2027
- Lead Contractor: Chorba Contracting Corporation
- Architect: Jeffrey S. Alpha A.I.A.
- Bids Opening: Fall 2025
FAQ
What is the value of the expansion project for the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum?
The expansion project is valued at $9.98 million.
Where is the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum located?
The museum is located at 2065 Steve Hettinger Drive SW.
What will the expansion include?
The expansion will include the construction of a new pre-engineered metal building with insulated panels, modern storefront glazing, offices, a conference room, and restrooms.
Who is the lead contractor for the expansion project?
The lead contractor for the project is Chorba Contracting Corporation.
When is the anticipated opening for the expanded facility?
The anticipated opening for the expanded facility is projected for Spring 2027.
When could bids for the construction be opened?
Bids for the construction could be opened as early as Fall 2025.
Chart: Key Features of the Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Value | $9.98 million |
| Location | 2065 Steve Hettinger Drive SW |
| Increase in Size | Over 27,000 square feet |
| Construction Timeline | 480 days (16 months) |
| Opening Projected | Spring 2027 |
| Lead Contractor | Chorba Contracting Corporation |
| Architect | Jeffrey S. Alpha A.I.A. |
| Bids Opening | Fall 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville Honors Vietnam War Veterans with Ceremony
Huntsville’s U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum Expands with New Building
Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations in Tennessee Valley
Councilman Bill Kling Discusses Community Projects in Town Hall
Major Expansion Confirmed for U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville
University of Alabama Announces New Projects and Programs
Additional Resources
- Hville Blast
- AL.com
- Rocket City Now
- The Redstone Rocket
- WAFF 48 News
- Wikipedia: Military Museum
- Google Search: Military Museum Huntsville
- Google Scholar: Military Museums
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military History
- Google News: Huntsville Veterans Museum
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.
