HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Mill Creek Project is moving ahead, and West Huntsville will see one of many revitalizations' projects. "One of the things I do like about this project is that it provides affordable housing," Councilman Bill Kling shares. "20 years ago, there were rescue missions in the low mill area, homeless, a lot of high crime. now we got 350, $400,000 homes that are being constructed in this area. and again, look at Huntsville. we have a great central area of the city. a lot of energy taking place.
The development area, just west of Memorial Parkway along Governors Drive, is a partnership with Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) that will invest $350 million into a mixed-income community with workforce housing, medical and childcare services and retail options. "There's going to be places for people to work. they're going to be apartments for people to live in. there are going to be restaurants, retail, grocery stores. and again, all of this is taking place in an area that has been more or less somewhat deserted or kind of worn down."
As with any development, the threat of added traffic is always a talking point. "Traffic plans were very much part of what we used in the application process, since this is going primarily along governor's drive west of the parkway, which has three lanes of traffic in each direction. capacity is going to be okay," Kling shares.
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The Mill Creek project, near historic Lowe Mill and the popular entertainment venue Campus 805, just got a big boost thanks to at $50 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation (CNI) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The plan, which has been in development for five years, will bring housing, family services, and retail space to the area around Butler Terrace and Johnson Towers.
According to the Huntsville Housing Authority, the plan will bring approximately 580 new residential units. Huntsville Hospital intends to contribute a 125-unit development for its staff, for a total to over 700 units of replacement, affordable and market-rate housing. Phase 1 will include the construction of an 84-unit Universal Design building at the intersection of Governors Drive and 1st Street. This accessible building will be the new residence for those living in Johnson Towers and is expected to be finished in 2027.
Phase 2 will add a 100 unit senior housing development off 1st Street, followed by Phase 3 with 151 units of family housing split between two complexes. The final two phases will add a total of 245 more units and a park.
Simultaneous with the housing will be other planned construction projects, including a new Food City, a "Smart Space" facility with early learning classrooms, a food pantry, and indoor and outdoor recreation areas. Greenways and walking paths planned for the area are part of the city's larger long-term plan for connecting different parts of the city.
Huntsville Housing Authority Executive Director Tony McGinnis says the $50 million grant hits very close to home. "We're not just improving housing. We're transforming lives. I grew up in public housing right here. This means a lot to me."
For District 1 City Council Member Devyn Keith, the CNI grant represents a significant step in providing affordable housing for Huntsville’s diverse workforce, a cause he has championed as an elected leader.
“The Mill Creek project sets the standard for what neighborhoods can and should be,” said Keith. “Receiving this grant is a significant moment for Huntsville. As we continue to grow, we must work to find more innovative and affordable housing opportunities.”