The Exciting Mill Creek Project Brings Hope to West Huntsville!
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Everyone in Huntsville is buzzing with excitement about the Mill Creek Project, a major revitalization effort coming to the West Huntsville area. This development aims to breathe new life into neighborhoods that have seen better days, and there’s much to celebrate!
A New Era of Affordable Housing
At the heart of this project is a commitment to affordable housing, something that’s sorely needed in the community. Councilman Bill Kling expresses his enthusiasm, saying, “One of the things I do like about this project is that it provides affordable housing.” He recalls a time not too long ago when the area was known for homelessness, high crime, and the struggles of rescue missions. “Now, we’ve got $350,000 to $400,000 homes being constructed in this area!”
What’s in Store?
The development primarily located just west of Memorial Parkway along Governors Drive, is a partnership with the Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA). Together, they plan to invest a whopping $350 million into creating a mixed-income community that not only includes housing but will also feature essential amenities like medical and childcare services as well as retail options. Just think about it—there’s going to be places for residents to work, apartments to live in, and a variety of restaurants and grocery stores!
Addressing Traffic Concerns
Of course, with any new development comes concerns about increased traffic. But worry not! Councilman Kling assures us that traffic plans were a key focus during the application process. “This is along Governor’s Drive, which already has three lanes of traffic in each direction. So, the capacity is definitely going to be okay.”
A Boost from the Federal Government
Just recently, the Mill Creek project scored a substantial boost with a $50 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation (CNI) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This announcement means even greater things are on the horizon, including approximately 580 new residential units for the area around Butler Terrace and Johnson Towers.
Multiple Phases of Development
So, how is this all going to unfold? Phase 1 will see the construction of an 84-unit Universal Design building at the intersection of Governors Drive and 1st Street—perfectly tailored for accessibility. This is especially significant as it will be the new home for those currently living in Johnson Towers and is expected to wrap up in 2027!
After that, in Phase 2, a dedicated 100-unit senior housing development will pop up off 1st Street. Following that, Phase 3 will introduce 151 units of family housing, divided between two complexes. Finally, the last two phases will add a total of 245 more units and a lovely park for everyone to enjoy.
More Than Just Housing
But wait, there’s more! Along with the housing developments, there are plans for a new Food City and a “Smart Space” facility that will include early learning classrooms, a food pantry, and both indoor and outdoor recreational areas. Plus, beautiful greenways and walking paths are also in the cards, aligning with the city’s long-term vision for connectivity!
A Personal Connection
For Huntsville Housing Authority Executive Director Tony McGinnis, this project is especially close to his heart. “We’re not just improving housing. We’re transforming lives,” he reflects, sharing that he himself grew up in public housing. His passion drives the project forward!
Looking Forward
District 1 City Council Member Devyn Keith is equally enthusiastic about what this all means for Huntsville’s workforce. “The Mill Creek project sets the standard for what neighborhoods can and should be. Receiving this grant is a significant moment for Huntsville,” he states. With continued growth in the area, it’s vital that affordable housing opportunities also flourish.
As Huntsville steps into this new chapter with the Mill Creek Project, the community can look forward to seeing their city flourish like never before!
