Huntsville Secures $50 Million Grant to Transform Mill Creek into Thriving Mixed-Income Community

Exciting Developments Unfold in Huntsville’s Mill Creek Redevelopment!

Huntsville, Alabama is buzzing with the news of its ambitious plans to completely revitalize the Mill Creek area! The city has officially taken a giant leap forward by securing a luscious $50 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation (CNI) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding—announced back in July—is poised to be a game-changer, sparking a whopping $350 million investment to reshape the area just west of Memorial Parkway along Governors Drive into a lively mixed-income neighborhood.

A Collaborative Powerhouse

This exciting project is not a solo act! Huntsville is in partnership with the Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA), coming together to craft a community that shines bright with workforce housing, essential medical and childcare services, and bustling retail spaces. The recent approval of key agreements marks a significant step in this transformative journey. Huntsville has brought in the pros with a service agreement with Urban Strategies Inc. (USI) and a master development agreement with McCormack Baron Salazar Inc.. These experienced teams will be taking the reins on housing construction and management.

“These agreements are critical steps to getting the Mill Creek project closer to the start of construction,” shared Huntsville’s Mayor, Tommy Battle. The excitement in the air is palpable as local leaders work closely with seasoned experts, ensuring Mill Creek reaches its utmost potential and becomes a thriving community.

A Focus on Community Well-Being

USI, which receives funding through the HUD grant, will be rolling out services designed to uplift community residents in a variety of ways. From job placement and skills training to childcare services, the focus is on paving paths to long-term economic stability. Mayor Battle emphasized that this project is rooted in the well-being of its future residents, extending far beyond just physical structures.

“USI’s involvement is crucial as it ensures that our project is not just about infrastructure,” he continued. “We are invested in enriching lives and ensuring that community growth and sustainability exist even after grant funding concludes in eight years.”

Voices of Optimism

The enthusiasm is clearly shared by the Huntsville Housing Authority. Executive Director Antonio McGinnis expressed his excitement about the momentum of this significant endeavor. “The Huntsville Housing Authority is thrilled about these next steps, and the outstanding partnerships we’ve forged with McCormack Baron Salazar and Urban Strategies. This will be a transformative community in the heart of Huntsville,” said McGinnis.

Looking Forward

As the pieces of the puzzle come together, the vision for Mill Creek transforms from concept to reality. Residents of Huntsville can expect to see not just a new neighborhood rise up but a community that reflects the vibrant spirit of the city. This project aims to cater to diverse needs—bringing people together through availability and opportunity.

The full details about the project and recent agreements are shared in the city’s recent council presentation, and there’s no doubt that everyone involved is marching toward an exciting future with hope and ambition!

So, keep your eyes on Mill Creek, folks! Huntsville is set for an incredible transformation, and you won’t want to miss a moment of this journey!