HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — RCP Companies officially broke ground on Anthem House, a $110 million mixed-use development in MidCity. This dynamic new development is designed to provide Huntsville’s expanding skilled workforce with a residential-meets-hospitality solution, including modern, efficient layouts, as well as vibrant, hotel-like surroundings and amenities.
Today, RCP leadership was joined by representatives from City of Huntsville, Huntsville City Council, Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, Cummings Research Park and 50+ community members for a groundbreaking ceremony.
Featuring 330 apartment units, 35,000 square feet of creative office space and 32,000 square feet of street-level retail, Anthem House was named as a nod to MidCity’s music theme. The development plays into the district’s energy, only steps from live music, dining, shopping, entertainment and community events.
RCP co founder Remy Gross said this was no small task. "That's a tough task," said Gross. "But the people of Huntsville and the 21st-century work environment and workforce requires it. That's what Anthem House is. Anthem House is kind of a prototypical development for MidCity. It's very much an anchor in the center."
With collaborative living, working and social offerings targeted to North Alabama’s young, growing workforce, Anthem House represents the latest iteration of RCP’s broader vision to create a place to live, work, play and stay in MidCity.
Under the direction of Parts and Labor Design, a nationally renowned firm based in New York City, Anthem House will offer an engaging hospitality experience complete with a cocktail bar, indoor and outdoor co-working spaces, lounge, game room, fitness, and yoga center. From vibrant common rooms to quiet workstations, each space is designed with a modern industrial feel and ample outdoor access to bring together residents and community members at any point throughout the day or night.
“Millennials and Gen-Z are shifting consumer preferences and generating increased demand for hospitality features within real estate projects, including more amenities, event opportunities, and group activities which bring residents together,” added Grelier. “Anthem House’s unique multifamily hospitality product, embedded in the MidCity District, is well-positioned to fill this gap.”
With more government jobs per capita than any other U.S. city and a list of growing accolades including being ranked the No. 1 Place to Live in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Huntsville has attracted a significant level of attention from notable outside investors. Over the next five years, private investment in MidCity is expected to exceed $1.5 billion.
"If you look at the market and you look at what a dynamic, changing growing market it is in Huntsville, this is what Anthem is," said Gross. "This is what the city needs. It's what people and corporations demand and we are ecstatic to try and bring this vision to MidCity as anthem house."
The OPAL Fund, a nearly $19M Qualified Opportunity Fund, is an equity investor in Anthem House. The OPAL Fund was raised in 2021 by a benefit corporation subsidiary of Opportunity Alabama to catalyze investment in meaningful projects while seeking attractive risk-adjusted return for investors.
According to Lindsay Edwards, chief investment officer at Opportunity Alabama, this project is well aligned with the company’s investment profile. “Anthem House – which will redevelop a vacant former mall site with critically needed residential units, retail, and office space in one of the hottest job markets in the US – was a great fit for the OPAL Fund’s impact, risk and return profile.”
Anthem House is a partnership between MidCity developers, RCP and Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Real Estate Initiative, which focuses on investing in real estate developments located in regional startup hubs located outside of Silicon Valley, New York City and Boston.
“We are very excited to be expanding our presence in Huntsville, which we believe is one of the most unique up-and-coming cities across the country,” said Starling Cousley, partner at Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Real Estate Initiative. “There’s a lot to like about the city’s growth trajectory, but most importantly, it has an abundance of local visionary leaders like RCP who are the boots on the ground, making change happen every day. We believe MidCity will be a game changer in elevating Huntsville as a top mixed-use district in the region.”
Apart from Anthem House, RCP’s current MidCity portfolio includes The Camp, an outdoor entertainment destination; Metronome, a $100M mixed-use residential project; and the Nola Building, a $10M urban mixed-use retail building. MidCity is one of several anchor developments throughout Huntsville helping to fill consumer gaps in the market and contribute to the city’s strong economic base.
“From downtown to MidCity, it is encouraging to witness the many transformational developments happening throughout our city,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We believe that a rising tide lifts all boats when it comes to commercial and residential development. We commend RCP for their collaborative efforts to bring award-winning tenants to Huntsville, provide a top-notch housing experience for our city’s expanding workforce, and enhance quality of life for our residents.”
Anthem House project partners include Todd Halamka + Partners (architect), ARCO Murray (general contractor), Parts and Labor Design (interior design) and Lincoln Property Company (leasing and property management). RCP expects full project completion by early 2025.
For more information on the project and pre-leasing inquiries, visit MidCityDistrict.com