Huntsville updates [Archive] - Page 6

HSVTiger

06-21-2006, 12:50 PM

every city has one from time to time, ours is the new Metro Jail

http://www.al.com/images/newshp/hvillejail.jpg

By JOHN PECK
Times Staff Writer jpeck@htimes.com
A city panel voted Tuesday to fire the contractor of the problem-plagued county jail, a move that could add millions of dollars to the cost and push completion to 2008.

The action by the Public Building Authority comes amid repeated work delays and mounting cost overruns fueled by disputes between the contractor and consultants over several support beams that cracked when cell modules were being set.

James W. Dawson, president of Dawson Contracting Inc. of Rainbow City, and the firm's attorney, Bill Fishburne of Birmingham, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

City officials said Tuesday that the firing will halt all work on the site while a structural specialty firm from Atlanta designs repairs and a new general contractor is ultimately hired.

"Realistically, it may not be until the middle of winter before work resumes," said Cissy Cates, assistant city attorney.

Cates said the city continues to investigate the cause of the structural failures and could wind up modifying Tuesday's "termination for convenience" action to a "termination for cause." A "for cause" declaration could pave the way for the city to seek to recover damages from the contractor's performance bond, which essentially ensures completion of the job.

Architects and structural engineers are required to carry insurance for "errors and omissions" that may be blamed for problems. Cates said the work of the project architect, 2WR/Holmes Wilkins Architects Inc., will also be reviewed to determine if the jail's design is the problem.

"We're still in the investigative process on what went wrong," she said.

Bruce Taylor, the city's director of projects and fleet management, couldn't give a revised completion date for the $30 million-plus, 1,300-inmate jail expansion, which began two years ago. Taylor's last estimate was summer 2007, a year behind the original completion date.

Firing the general contractor seemed logical given all the delays and change orders stemming from the problem support beams and the conflicting opinions of the city's structural consultants, Taylor said.

Madison County Commissioner Faye Dyer asked to sit in on Tuesday's meeting of the Public Building Authority as a commissioner and a citizen. Dyer, an outspoken critic of the project since structural issues started popping up, told the authority that she shared data related to those problems with several local engineers and structural experts and that they believe the structure should be demolished.

Dyer said they reasoned it would be too costly and risky to continue with the type of structural problems flagged by the city's engineering consultants.

"If this building is not a fixable building, maybe you'd be better off to start over," she said.

Dr. Barbara Jones, vice chairman of the authority, said authority members share Dyer's concerns and have gone the extra step of using outside consultants to review the work.

'Not a trivial matter'

Pat Hair, the city's manager of facilities projects, reported that the engineering consultants believe structural fixes can be made easily without excessive costs.

"This is not a trivial matter, and we do take it very seriously," Jones said.

Dick Reeves, the newest member of the authority, promised Dyer that the jail will be sound.

"I can assure you, we won't permit an unsafe building to be occupied by anyone," he said.

Taylor and Cates said after the meeting that Dawson officials had raised the possibility of terminating the contract. The original agreement allows either party to bow out without a reason, Cates said.

"They said they couldn't continue without viable plans," she said.

The termination action requires Dawson to cooperate fully with the authority in documenting all work and materials that have already been purchased with public money for the project. Cates said the city, likewise, will honor its financial obligations - to a point.

"If they close up shop and go home, we pay for the work they've done," she said. "What we won't do is pay for work they never got to. They don't get any anticipatory profit."

HSVTiger

06-21-2006, 04:05 PM

a repost from the Birmingham thread since it is related to HSV

the latest CITY estimates

Birmingham 231,483 metro(2004) 1,082,193
Montgomery 200,127 metro 355,181
Mobile 191,544 metro 400,526
Huntsville 166,313 metro 362,459

of these only Huntsville showed positive increase.

It's time for two more counties to be added to the metro,

thoraudio

06-21-2006, 04:28 PM

where'd you get the metro numbers?

neilson

06-21-2006, 04:31 PM

HSVTiger

06-21-2006, 04:35 PM

where'd you get the metro numbers?

two years old , but the latest on the site

http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metropop/table01.xls

HSVTiger

06-21-2006, 04:38 PM

Morgan and Jackson?

Perhaps Lincoln County, TN?

I know we already got Limestone County.

Morgan(Decatur) is it's own, but it would seem logical to combine the two
now. Lincoln would seem possible. Jackson is the odd one, many people from this county work in HSV but probably in Chattanooga too.
Guess it all depends on the commuting criteria, is it 25%?

HSVTiger

06-21-2006, 06:23 PM

Opelika has been ranked as the No. 1 "Small Market of the Year" by Southern Business and Development Magazine, a professional publication that helps corporations in their expansion, relocation and development decisions.
The rankings were released Monday, using a formula that weighs the top 100 corporate job and investment announcements.
Opelika beat out Greenville, N.C., and Rocky Mount, N.C., for the top honor.
Four Alabama communities were singled out in this year's statement. Huntsville was named "Mid-Market of the Year," while Mobile took honorable mention in the category. Anniston/Calhoun County earned Honorable Mention for "Edge Markets."
Opelika earned the top spot thanks to its success in bringing Gambro Renal Products, Jo-Ann Stores, Maxforma Plastics, Benteler and Mando Corporation to the community in 2005. And, as the magazine reports, "Opelika has been one of the hottest small markets in all of the South over the last couple of years. Look for that to continue."

codyg1985

06-21-2006, 06:24 PM

Morgan(Decatur) is it's own, but it would seem logical to combine the two
now. Lincoln would seem possible. Jackson is the odd one, many people from this county work in HSV but probably in Chattanooga too.
Guess it all depends on the commuting criteria, is it 25%?

Huntsville and Decature are in a CMSA that encompasses the four counties of Lawrence, Morgan, Limestone, and Madison.

Lincoln will probably be added in the next census; it is well within that commuting threshold.

HSVTiger

06-21-2006, 06:43 PM

Add this to the 10,000 already in the chain .Retail will be the next wave

Huntsville’s BRAC-fueled housing boom appears poised for another burst.

A Huntsville planning subcommittee gave the go-ahead today for several large residential developments. The City Planning Commission’s subdivision subcommittee approved plans for 889 single-family residences and 480 apartments.

City planners have approved thousands of new home sites in the past couple of years. That pace seems to have accelerated since Redstone Arsenal was tapped to get nearly 5,000 new defense jobs under the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations. Those BRAC positions could bring an equal number of support jobs.

Ed Starnes, chairman of the subdivision subcommitee, attributed the housing boom to developer expectations of a swelling population.

“If they don’t come, we’ll have a badly overbuilt market,” he said.

Today’s approval recommendations send the requests to the full planning commission, which meets next Tuesday.

The proposed developments include a 480-unit apartment complex (named Ashford Crossing) off Research Park Boulevard just north of Plummer Road on newly annexed property, a 211-lot subdivision on adjacent property just east of Indian Creek Road; a 150-lot subdivision (Lake Forest) west of Zierdt Road and south of Martin Road near the arsenal gate; and a 135-lot subdivision north of U.S. 72 West and east of Nance Road called Iredell subdivision.

--John Peck Huntsville Times

HSVTiger

06-21-2006, 06:56 PM

the constant battle for service

By MARIAN ACCARDI
Times Business Writer accardi@htimes.com
Huntsville International Airport is offering incentives to try to lure low-fare jet service.

"We wanted to show airlines and our customers that we're serious about bringing competitive fares to Huntsville," airport spokeswoman Cindy Maloney said. "To be competitive, we need to be in line with fares offered out of Nashville and Birmingham" airports.

The incentives are available for low-fare carriers moving in here or for major legacy airlines that modify their pricing so Huntsville is more competitive with Nashville and Birmingham airports.

Any airline is eligible for the incentives if it provides at least three flights a day from the airport to all markets served by that airline. The fares cannot exceed the lowest advance purchase published fares.

Each aircraft must have at least 50 seats, and at least 90 percent of the seats on each aircraft must be available at the low fare.

The program is included in a statement of policy on airlines' use of the airport adopted Tuesday by the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority.

Among the incentives are a credit for the fees for any new exclusive terminal space rented by the airline. The authority also will spend up to $250,000 to advertise the low-fare jet service.

The airport's five existing carriers have already been briefed on the incentives package.

The number of passengers at the airport has dropped each month this year, compared with the same months in 2005. In May, the passenger count at the airport was 106,540, down 9.9 percent compared with May 2005.

The traffic decrease is fallout from the loss of Independence Air from this market, said Rick Tucker, executive director of the Port of Huntsville, which includes the airport.
Passenger traffic at the airport is up about 4 percent this year compared with comparable 2004 figures, Tucker said.

"We are growing," Tucker said, although the growth was at an accelerated pace when Independence Air was in the market.

Tucker and airport marketing director Barbie Peek are meeting today with representatives from 10 airlines - most of those not currently serving Huntsville - during JumpStart 2006 in Austin, Texas. The forum, hosted by Airports Council International-North America, gives airports a chance to make presentations to airlines.

From what I understand the airlines either request to meet with the representatives or they agree to a request. So having 10 airlines ok a meeting is a positive first step. The are showing genuine interest.This
was last week but it could easily be a year before anything happens if at all.

HSVTiger

06-21-2006, 07:51 PM

http://www.uah.edu/admin/camtest/latest.jpg

HSVTiger

06-22-2006, 12:52 PM

By BRIAN LAWSON
Times Business Writer brianl@htimes.com
Gov. Bob Riley flew to Alabama's largest cities Wednesday to tout the state's strong economy, but the Huntsville visit likely provided him the best material.

Riley's trip was timed to highlight the fact that Alabama was selected Tuesday for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year as "State of the Year" by Southern Business and Development magazine, which ranks 17 Southern states.

The magazine called Huntsville "the South's newest economic development rock star," and Riley happily announced that description during a stop at Signature Flight Service in Huntsville.

"Alabama's economy has never been stronger," Riley said. "And economic development doesn't get any better than it is in Huntsville-Madison County right now."

The magazine ranks Southern states and cities on economic development activity levels, and Huntsville, the governor noted, was picked for the second straight year as "Mid-market of the Year."

Huntsville was cited for the 900-job Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology announced last August and an expected 4,700 jobs included in the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations for Huntsville.

Huntsville-Madison County had 7,017 new jobs announced last year, a record for the area and by far the largest share of Alabama's roughly 25,000 new jobs announced in 2005.

Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, said the recognition of success in job growth locally and for the state is very meaningful. He said it reflects public officials who understand and are committed to economic development, an attractive work force and quality employers.

"It's a process that continues to serve itself," Hilson said. "While we still have to market ourselves and compete, we have a very good product to work from."

The magazine, published in Birmingham, uses a ranking system that awards points for job announcements that include at least 200 jobs or a business investment of at least $30 million, said Mike Randle, the magazine's editor and publisher.

Randle said for 2005 Alabama had 58 such announcements, not only the best per capita in the South, but a straight-up better performance than neighbors Georgia and Tennessee.

"Ten years ago that was unthinkable," Randle said, pointing to the recruitment of Mercedes Benz as a key turning point for the state. "This may be the best state economy in the country right now."

Riley said when he took office he recruited the "best economic developer" in the country, Alabama Development Office director Neal Wade. Riley said Wade built a "world class" team and the state is benefiting from his results.

During Wednesday's visit Riley heaped praise on the leaders of Huntsville-Madison County and their track record of economic development. Several officials responded by saying there had never been a governor with a better understanding of economic development.

"The reason they are successful is they are absolutely committed to this area," Riley said.

HSVTiger

06-22-2006, 12:55 PM

one of the new bridges replacing the 75 year old bridge on the right, did they have cars back then?

photo courtesy Huntsville Times

http://www.al.com/images/newshp/bridge.jpg

HSVTiger

06-22-2006, 01:10 PM

According to numbers released Wednesday, Huntsville added 6,727 people in the last five years - an increase of 4.2 percent.

Madison added 6,567 people in the last five years, an increase of 22.4 percent.

"Huntsville and Madison are perennially the fastest-growing cities in Alabama," said Annette Watters, manager of the Alabama State Data Center at the University of Alabama.

After Huntsville, Madison was behind only Auburn, which added 6,620 people, in the number of people who moved to town since 2000.

Overall, Huntsville's population increased to more than 166,000.

As well as Huntsville did, Madison County did even better.

"There are a lot of attractive places to live in Madison County that are not inside the city limits of Huntsville," Watters said.

The county grew by 7.7 percent, increasing to 298,192 people.

codyg1985

06-22-2006, 01:28 PM

one of the new bridges replacing the 75 year old bridge on the right, did they have cars back then?

photo courtesy Huntsville Times

http://www.al.com/images/newshp/bridge.jpg

Wow, I am glad they finally opened that new bridge. The old one to the right of the new one has a unique "feel" to it that I believe most would rather not experience.

HSVTiger

06-22-2006, 01:58 PM

Wow, I am glad they finally opened that new bridge. The old one to the right of the new one has a unique "feel" to it that I believe most would rather not experience.

but ALDOT still will tease and torture for years to come

After seven years of construction, the northbound lane of the Whitesburg Bridge opened Wednesday morning. Alabama's Department of Transportation took over the project five years ago.

The bridge is 2,075 feet long and 58 feet wide. Right now it has two lanes. Once complete, though, it will have three lanes with ten foot shoulders on each side.

This week, the department will begin demolition of the old bridge to make room for a new southbound bridge. The bidding on that project hasn't begun yet, so it's still years away. From WAAY TV

HSVTiger

06-22-2006, 07:51 PM

These are the latest that are confirmed, most were previously announced,
still to come possibly Apple, Rocky Mountain Chocolate, Moe's, World Market,
Joe's Crab Shack.
Now that the contractor issues have been settled expect many more announcements updates and progress. The cranes for the Westin should appear in the coming month. Speaking of cranes quite a few are now over
Research Park.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Sullivan's Steakhouse

Connor's Seafood and Bravo Cucina

Coldwater Creek

DSW

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon

Francesca's

Monaco Pictures

Anthropologie

Ann Taylor Loft

Chico's

White House/Black Market

Soma

J. Jill

Brighton Collectibles

Victoria's Secret

Bath and Body Works

Reed Jewelers

Acorn

These are strong possibilities but No gurantees that these will be there when
opening but could be:sly:

Crabtree & Evelyn
Red Robin
Coach
Banana Republic
Moe's
Doc Greens
Sharper Image
Wild Oats
Panera Bread
Barnes Noble
Gordon Biersch
Swarovski
Apple
Saddle Ridge
Eddie Bauer
Brooks Brothers

This still leaves 12-15 spaces

In addition expect other development to take place on Old Madison Pike
east of the Bridge Street entrance. There will also be some interchange improvements at Old Madison Pike with Research Park and I-565

neilson

06-22-2006, 08:08 PM

These are strong possibilities but No gurantees that these will be there when
opening but could be:sly:

Crabtree & Evelyn
Red Robin
Coach
Banana Republic
Moe's
Doc Greens
Sharper Image
Wild Oats
Panera Bread
Barnes Noble
Gordon Biersch
Swarovski
Apple
Saddle Ridge
Eddie Bauer
Brooks Brothers

This still leaves 12-15 spaces

In addition expect other development to take place on Old Madison Pike
east of the Bridge Street entrance. There will also be some interchange improvements at Old Madison Pike with Research Park and I-565
Any chance this could come at the cost of Madison Square Mall with its current renovation, or might we see a continuation of the retail "complimenting" that already exists for the most part with Madison Square and Parkway Place wherein there is not an underlying competition between the malls/shopping centers but rather each center has it's own niche that allows for all to exist without the risk of fading off?

Oh, and I'm not so sure about Barnes and Noble leaving University Drive.

I think this is Borders chance to finally enter Alabama(Come on, you guys are in Mississippi and Montana for God's Sake; don't tell me your company is so afraid of Books A Million that you won't enter BAM's home turf?)

codyg1985

06-22-2006, 08:23 PM

Any chance this could come at the cost of Madison Square Mall with its current renovation, or might we see a continuation of the retail "complimenting" that already exists for the most part with Madison Square and Parkway Place wherein there is not an underlying competition between the malls/shopping centers but rather each center has it's own niche that allows for all to exist without the risk of fading off?

This will most definately come at the expense of Madison Square Mall. Have you ever been there on a Friday or Saturday night? That right there will tell you why Bridge Street is going to seriously put Mad. Sq. down.

HSVTiger

06-22-2006, 08:33 PM

Any chance this could come at the cost of Madison Square Mall with its current renovation, or might we see a continuation of the retail "complimenting" that already exists for the most part with Madison Square and Parkway Place wherein there is not an underlying competition between the malls/shopping centers but rather each center has it's own niche that allows for all to exist without the risk of fading off?

Oh, and I'm not so sure about Barnes and Noble leaving University Drive.

I think this is Borders chance to finally enter Alabama(Come on, you guys are in Mississippi and Montana for God's Sake; don't tell me your company is so afraid of Books A Million that you won't enter BAM's home turf?)

Hey Neilson why do you bother posting on AL.com? If that is you. That
place is a snake pit of negativity. Your wasting your keystrokes.:banana:

HSVTiger

06-22-2006, 08:37 PM

This will most definately come at the expense of Madison Square Mall. Have you ever been there on a Friday or Saturday night? That right there will tell you why Bridge Street is going to seriously put Mad. Sq. down.

I'm not so sure, however MadSq is wasting a chance to evolve into a cool
lifestyle center of it's own, even with the renovations going on.
They should build a parking deck. Plow up half of the Sahara parking lot and replace with entertainment/ restaurant venues. Huntsville is seriously short
of good eating venues even with the new ones coming on the scene.

neilson

06-22-2006, 08:38 PM

Hey Neilson why do you bother posting on AL.com? If that is you. That
place is a snake pit of negativity. Your wasting your keystrokes.:banana:
Yes, that's me on AL.com.

It's a good place to give the old coots a reason to argue.

Kinda fun to shake them up.

I will say I'm hopeful of the Madison Square Mall renovations; CBL is a quality owner.

neilson

06-22-2006, 08:39 PM

HSVTiger

06-22-2006, 08:46 PM

What's the Sahara?
The huge wasteland of parking surrounding the place.

neilson

06-22-2006, 08:47 PM

The huge wasteland of parking surrounding the place.
Good point; lotta space for a successful project there.

codyg1985

06-23-2006, 01:08 AM

I'm not so sure, however MadSq is wasting a chance to evolve into a cool
lifestyle center of it's own, even with the renovations going on.
They should build a parking deck. Plow up half of the Sahara parking lot and replace with entertainment/ restaurant venues. Huntsville is seriously short
of good eating venues even with the new ones coming on the scene.

That whole area around the mall needs to be redone completely in order to keep up with what Bridge Street has to offer. Security needs to be beefed up to keep the parking lot from becoming a congregation point for teens with nothing better to do. As you said, more eating options should be a part of that renovation. I would add some landscaping and maybe even another hotel. I would also consider adding a ramp from Research Park Blvd to directly serve the mall and the surrounding area, keeping traffic off of University Drive.

HSVTiger

06-23-2006, 04:01 PM

That whole area around the mall needs to be redone completely in order to keep up with what Bridge Street has to offer. Security needs to be beefed up to keep the parking lot from becoming a congregation point for teens with nothing better to do. As you said, more eating options should be a part of that renovation. I would add some landscaping and maybe even another hotel. I would also consider adding a ramp from Research Park Blvd to directly serve the mall and the surrounding area, keeping traffic off of University Drive.

I've wondered about this also, probably can't be justified. It's amazing
the poor design of roads in this area like odd merge/exit lanes to wrong
or poor signs, mis-striped lanes just an overall mess.
Here is a simple example, I may be wrong but this is an indication of ALDOTS
tunnel/cataract vision thinking.
Westbound over Chapman Mountain approaching I-565. What city are you in?
Signs would indicate Decatur
First two lanes are not enough, overhead signs says Decatur and Athens.
I say they should indicate Downtown Huntsville/Birmingham/Nashville/I-65 on one or two and Madison/Athens/ US72 on the second or third.
Reason I-565 is a spur off I-65 not a connector to Decatur. If you are a visitor where does this road go, plus it's purpose was to link Downtown with I-65.
Even downtown Birmingham and Nashville use Huntsville as the control city now. Clear as mud right.

HSVTiger

06-23-2006, 04:35 PM

From what I understand the airlines either request to meet with the representatives or they agree to a request. So having 10 airlines ok a meeting is a positive first step. The are showing genuine interest.This
was last week but it could easily be a year before anything happens if at all.

From the Mobile Press Register in regard to AirTran

In contrast, Mobile is not in the running for AirTran service any time soon, he said. AirTran pulled out of Mobile in 1998, after a two-year stay, because it was losing money.

"We have not taken a look at Mobile in a while, although we do look at lots of cities," Hutcheson said. "Perhaps one of these days we'll reconsider it."

Mobile is among many cities courting the low-cost carrier, according to Hutcheson.

"Every city -- Mobile, Montgomery, Huntsville, Birmingham -- they all want us to come," he said. "Hopefully one of these days we'll be in Alabama, but we're not there yet."

HSVTiger

06-23-2006, 07:43 PM

Decatur's mayor seems to have a good idea, shows it takes the everyday citizen to come up with alternatives since ALDOT can't

By Martin Burkey
DAILY Staff Writer
mburkey@decaturdaily.com · 340-2441

Mayor Don Kyle called together area, state and congressional lawmakers, highway officials and landowners Friday to propose a northern route for an Interstate 565 spur into Decatur instead of the current route of Alabama 20.

His proposed route starts at Interstate 65 and Alabama 20 but turns north across a small, wooded corner of Wheeler National Wild-life Refuge and railroad right of way before turning west and ending at a new intersection on U.S. 31 south of Calhoun Community College.

Kyle said the new route was motivated by recent events on busy Alabama 20, including another fatality, Calvary Assembly of God's plans for a new church and commercial development, and the prospect of traffic lights that would slow traffic.

Alabama 20 was never officially designated as the route for a 565 spur, Kyle said. Extending 565 along 20 likely would involve turning Alabama 20's eastbound lanes into a service road, using the westbound lanes for the interstate, and adding two interstate lanes and a service road north of the current highway.

"The construction period would be an absolute nightmare," he said.

The revised route would get traffic bound for locations on U.S. 31 off Alabama 20. It would be entirely within the city limits and would open up development on both sides of the highway. By comparison, development on the south side of Alabama 20 is largely blocked by the wildlife refuge.

Alabama Department of Transportation division engineer Johnny Harris said he agreed with Kyle's concerns about the Alabama 20 route. But he noted that any route would have to be able to handle projected traffic for 25 to 30 years.

A DOT location engineer said a new interchange shown just west of I-65 on Kyle's map may be too close to the interstate for safety. At the railroad, the route will require an overpass that could interfere with the glide path for planes landing at Pryor Field Regional Airport, he added.

Ultimately, DOT officials noted, either route funnels traffic toward the Alabama 20/U.S. 31 intersection and the causeway. But Kyle said his route would reduce traffic at that intersection and make it easier to enter and leave Day Park.

Kyle had no estimate on the cost of the route. The Alabama 20 route is estimated at around $54 million, and the new route would be about half a mile longer. About $17 million from Congress is either approved or recommended for starting the project.

Kyle's proposal must be included in the area transportation plan and submitted to state and federal highway agencies for approval before becoming part of a corridor study that could start late this year or early next year, Harris said.

The proposal got the support of Limestone County Commissioner Bill Latimer and Tom Hill, Limestone County Economic Development Association director, who said it would fit well with their economic development plans.

codyg1985

06-24-2006, 03:34 AM

Here is a simple example, I may be wrong but this is an indication of ALDOTS
tunnel/cataract vision thinking.
Westbound over Chapman Mountain approaching I-565. What city are you in?
Signs would indicate Decatur
First two lanes are not enough, overhead signs says Decatur and Athens.
I say they should indicate Downtown Huntsville/Birmingham/Nashville/I-65 on one or two and Madison/Athens/ US72 on the second or third.
Reason I-565 is a spur off I-65 not a connector to Decatur. If you are a visitor where does this road go, plus it's purpose was to link Downtown with I-65.
Even downtown Birmingham and Nashville use Huntsville as the control city now. Clear as mud right.

The control cities used on I-565 westbound vary from "Airport" to "Decatur." Eastbound is "Huntsville" or "Scottsboro." I don't think that Decatur should be removed from the signs, especially since one of these days I-565 may reach Decatur itself, and technically the city limits of Decatur adjoins the I-65/565 interchange. I would use two control cities for I-565 westbound: Birmingham and Decatur. I would not use Nashville simply because it is better to take Highway 53 north to Ardmore and get on I-65 there to go north.

His proposed route starts at Interstate 65 and Alabama 20 but turns north across a small, wooded corner of Wheeler National Wild-life Refuge and railroad right of way before turning west and ending at a new intersection on U.S. 31 south of Calhoun Community College.

Unfortunately, that route still does not completely allow for a westward or a southern extension because of its proximity to the Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads going into Decatur. Plus, the Wheeler National Refuge borders to the west. I think that any revision of the current plans should include an alternative that would allow for a westward extension to cross the Tennessee River west of downtown Decatur.

HSVTiger

06-24-2006, 08:03 PM

In town to see his son graduate from Space Camp. He is a big fan of the space program, (Apollo 13) and has been to HSV several times
Good to have big money connection like that, would not be surprised if he helps with the Saturn V restoration. Mr. Hanks why not make downtown your
pet project:tup:

http://www.al.com/images/newshp/hanks.jpg

By KENNETH KESNER
Times Staff Writer kesner@htimes.com
Two original members of Dr. Wernher von Braun's team of German rocket scientists, whose work took men from Earth to the moon and back, had breakfast Friday with the most famous of Apollo astronauts.

Tom Hanks.

Konrad Dannenberg and Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger were among more than a dozen guests who met with Hanks, a self-confessed space fan and star of the movie "Apollo 13," at Huntsville's U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The multi-Oscar winner was taking time from promoting "The Da Vinci Code" and work on other projects to watch his son, Truman, graduate after a week at U.S. Space Camp.
Hanks shared behind-the-scenes stories and details from his movies, including getting used to riding the "vomit comet" airplane to simulate the zero-gravity environment of space as he played astronaut Jim Lovell in "Apollo 13."

He seemed happy to take time to talk with everyone, Ward said. Guests included Space Center staff and retired astronaut Story Musgrave and family.

"I am sure he was quite happy to be among the space people here," Stuhlinger said. Stuhlinger told Hanks how much he appreciated the actor's commitment to getting technical details and other aspects of the stories right in his space-related work.

Stuhlinger, now in his 90s, said his only disappointment was that there wasn't more time for the "space old-timers" to share their unique perspective on the future of space exploration with Hanks, who could be a powerful ally for any space cause.

"He is quite an active member of the National Space Society," which von Braun co-founded, Ward said.

Hanks was given a DVD outlining the Huntsville's rocket history and especially the development of the Saturn V, said Space Center spokesman Al Whitaker. There was also a request that Hanks consider including the Rocket City on his schedule next year when Space Camp celebrates its 25th anniversary and the refurbished Saturn V is moved into its new home in a brand-new visitor's center.

"What we hope to have is a formal, grand celebration next year," Whitaker said. "Just a 'welcome home' ceremony for the Saturn V," and all who worked in the program.

Hanks would be the ideal person to headline or host that celebration, Whitaker said. He certainly got good reviews for his appearance in Huntsville.

"I was impressed by what I saw in the movies," Stuhlinger said Friday afternoon. "But I was even more impressed by what I saw today

HSVTiger

06-26-2006, 06:19 PM

"How are you doing?" Crow asked the crowd as she took the stage. "I feel great, real good. I'm glad you're here.

"We're glad we're here tonight."

The 44-year-old singer, who rescheduled the concert from March 8 following minimally invasive surgery and chemotherapy, looked, acted and, perhaps most importantly to the ticketholders, sounded just like everyone expected the nine-time Grammy winner to sound. She felt so good, Crow said she jogged around Big Spring International Park and Twickenham District before Sunday's performance.

"I ran around your town today and it's lovely, beautiful. I passed all these beautiful homes with markers. I made an offer on a house," she said, teasing the crowd.

HSVTiger

06-26-2006, 08:46 PM

Move here

Experts say thousands of defense jobs may be unfilled here by the year 2013
Retirements, lack of engineering grads pose challenge to arsenal, city
Sunday, June 25, 2006
By SHELBY G. SPIRES
Times Aerospace Writer shelbys@htimes.com
Looming federal worker retirements combined with military budget cuts and low unemployment could create an acute shortage of skilled workers in Huntsville, just as thousands of vacant defense jobs move here through Base Realignment and Closure Commission decisions, local experts say.

The local defense community has dubbed the confluence of work force problems "The Perfect Storm," an allusion to a 2000 movie about a killer storm at sea caused by a unique combination of weather events. Estimates say the "storm" could create a gap of up to 7,000 unfilled federal and civilian contractor jobs by 2013 if something isn't done soon to start training and recruiting thousands of new high-tech workers.
Across Redstone, including the Aviation and Missile Command and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, a graying work force presents a major problem. More than half of Redstone's 14,670 government workers will reach retirement age about 2010. Local aerospace businesses, which employ about 12,400, face a similar problem.

Government contracting rules and regulations exacerbate the situation, Link said. In most programs, contract specifications require experienced engineers and won't pay for inexperienced ones.

Contracts often stipulate that federal money cannot be used "to grow somebody's work force," Link said. "The way it is today, the federal government will not pay to train a worker or create a trainee position.

"I understand that the government wants to get the best for the taxpayers' dollars, but we have tried to change this and haven't had much success to date," Link said. "As the work force grows older, there has to be somebody to take the place of retiring workers."

Compound the retirement problem with a lack of students graduating from college with math, science, research or basic engineering skills, Flinn said, and a large wave appears "much like a storm's tidal wave" on charts graphing future employment problems. "That's where 'The Perfect Storm' idea comes from," Flinn said.

Add to that the equal opposite spin off jobs created in all other markets, retail, service, hospitality etc.

HSVTiger

06-27-2006, 06:16 PM

Westin Huntsville and Residences scheduled to open Summer 2007.
The project now seems to be entering fast phase mode now that
the contractor issues have been worked out.
Steel should be rising in the coming 3-4 weeks.

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 12:40 PM

on the latest ranking
you will make money here.

Salary index gives city a nice raise
Huntsville jumps from 2nd to 1st; new sales pitch
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
By GINA HANNAH
Times Business Writer ginah@htimes.com
If you checked America Online's Web site on Tuesday, you may have noticed a familiar scene.

At AOL.com's home page, in the box highlighting top news stories, was a photo of Big Spring International Park in Huntsville's downtown, the AmSouth building in the background. The photo illustrated a story on Huntsville's latest acclaim: No. 1 on Salary.com's annual Salary Value Index.

Huntsville is named the top U.S. metro for building personal net worth, based on local salaries, cost of living and unemployment, relative to the national average.

Birmingham ranked No. 2, with Knoxville third. Rounding out the top five were York and Reading, Pa.

The survey ranked 188 cities. The bottom five cities were New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, Stamford, Conn., and Washington, D.C.

"This is precisely the kind of story we need at this time," said Bill Killingsworth, director of the Office for Economic Development at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. "Huntsville has an incredible sales job in front of it in terms of attracting people here."

Killingsworth noted base realignment jobs are moving to Huntsville at the same time officials fear a brain drain from thousands of baby boomers nearing retirement. To fill the gap, Huntsville could recruit talent from such high-cost cities as Atlanta or Austin, Texas, he said.

"If we're going to truly capture the benefits of all that BRAC is offering, that's going to require a very sophisticated marketing campaign," he said. "Engineers and managers tend to have very high salaries and, to be able to point out to them, that they can get more here is a very important part of the marketing campaign."

Salary.com said it compared more than 2,500 jobs in its calculations. The study included cost of housing and other living costs and job growth numbers in its calculations.

This isn't the first time Huntsville made the list; last year it ranked No. 2, behind New London, Conn.

The survey gives Huntsville high marks for its high salary levels (the highest in the South, it said) and demand for skilled labor.

Dave Hargrove, chairman of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is evaluating its work force development program, and news such as the Salary.com ranking can help market the area to new talent.

"I think it certainly shows that the rest of the country is finding out what we've known for a while: We have an educated work force, good, high-paying jobs and affordability," Hargrove said. "There are a lot of places in the country where you can make a lot of money, but what really matters is where you choose to live, and how affordable that is."

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 01:09 PM

some views of Huntsville International from their website
http://www.hsvairport.org/hia/index.html
one side of concourse
http://www.hsvairport.org/images/support/hia/images/airlineinfo2_02.jpg
cargo facility
http://www.hsvairport.org/images/support/iic/images/contact2_02.jpg
cargo ramp
http://www.hsvairport.org/images/support/iic/images/ac2_02.jpg

mustanggt

06-28-2006, 01:48 PM

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 02:15 PM

First off, I am new here, been reading the forum for a while, finally decided to join. I'm sure you guys have heard about it, but just to make sure. Gander Mountain is going to put a new store at the old Sam's building on North parkway. I'm glad to see someone using that building, instead of it being another eye sore. Does anyone know if Cabellas or Bass Pro Shops still has plans to build in the area?

http://www.gandermountain.com/

welcome mustanggt. Yeah we covered it pretty good a few pages back.
One difficulty with forums is sometimes things get forgotten or lost in the shuffle. Gander is a problem for Bass Pro, and I feel they have oversaturated
the market or will. Stores possible in Florence(doubtful now) Leeds, Prattville,
Nashville, Jackson, Atlanta, Spanish Fort I may have left some out.
Agreed with the reuse of huge ex Walmart/Sams buildings.
Now Cabellas is still out there, would be a good fit in HSV I think as being
the only one around.
Hey you see where Ford has a 500hp Mustang coming out ?

mustanggt

06-28-2006, 02:36 PM

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 03:01 PM

Ohyeah... Would love to get my hands on one of the new Shelby's. There are people auctioning off the right to buy one from the dealerships on ebay. That is a bit rediculous...

Hopefully Cabellas comes.. One store I would really like to see come here is World Market. Tired of driving to Birmingham to get bags of Chocolate Macadamia nut Kona Coffee. (I'm Hawaiian).

Anyone have any news on the "Southern Bypass" going through Redstone? Is that still in the works?

World Market is planned to have a location at Bridge Street.
Surprised Jason's Deli hasn't announced yet. McAllisters is not a bad substitute.
Yes the Southern Bypass is very much in the works just at a corpse rate.
May pick up with BRAC pressure.
Had two wonderful trips to paradise a few years ago, Maui and Hawaii.
Hope to make Kauai and Molokai next
Aloha

neilson

06-28-2006, 03:07 PM

Any word on if/when Borders will enter the Alabama market?

It is insane that they ignore us simply because we are BAM's Homebase.

mustanggt

06-28-2006, 03:44 PM

Mahalo HSVTIGER for your responses. Beautiful places.. Dad was born on Kauai.

I would love Borders to come here as well, love visiting them when I go to Cali.

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 06:26 PM

http://www.flyingmonkeyarts.org/images/monkeylogo.jpg

In the cool historic Lowe Mill
http://www.flyingmonkeyarts.org/images/lowemill.jpg

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14912021

Keep It Local!
By Tina Rochester
06/15/2006

Recently I was hanging out with some friends, chatting about what all there is to do this summer. Between camping with the kids, Dixie Derby Girls kicking bootie, Crossroads relocating, friends getting married, new careers for several of us - not to mention Bonnaroo! Shew ... it's hard to keep up with it all. Not that I'm complaining. I love it!

My friend Carla quickly brought up the Flying Monkey Arts Center's upcoming Artist Market. As she was talking another friend mentioned that it would be the perfect subject for this issue of the Planet. I would have to agree with her.

The Flying Monkey Arts Center is one among several entities that inhabit the historic Lowe Mill. There is also a guerilla film group, a new biotech company, a soon-to-be takeout restaurant and independent artists. And all would agree that it is the Flying Monkey who has done most of the hard work in getting and keeping the Mill in the public eye.

Their newest endeavor is the Artist Market. Starting Saturday June 10th and every Saturday thereafter the Flying Monkey will open its doors (on the 2nd floor) to artists and the public for what they hope to become a standard in people's lives. The shops (Virago, Recyclery) lending library (The Burning Nun) and several (if not all) of the artist studios will open from 12-6pm every Saturday. They hope to get in someone with locally grown produce and flowers. There will also be opportunities to purchase local favorite FredBread. The market on June 10th boasts puppets, belly dancers, and musicians.

As we were talking I couldn't help but think about the awesome open air markets in Europe - but inside an awesome old Mill ... perfect!

At this time all artists are invited to bring a table and/or display and set up at no charge. The Monkey hopes that as time goes by they will be in a position to charge a nominal fee. Carla was quick to mention that some of the artists have donated percentages of their sales to the Monkey - not that it is required - but it is truly appreciated.

She tells me that the motivation behind the Market is for "local artists to get a chance to sell art without having to be in a gallery-type setting" and "more exposure to what is going on at the Mill".

So if you get a chance, go by Lowe Mill and check out what The Flying Monkey Arts Center and Artist Market have to offer. There is nothing like meeting face to face with the person who painted that incredible still life or spent hours kneading dough to happily have you sample the jalapeño/cheddar or tomato/pesto. Humanizing your consumer experience makes you feel good and proud. Bring your kids ... teach them to Keep It Local!

Flying Monkey Arts Center and Artist Market

2211 Seminole Drive

www.flyingmonkeyarts.org

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 07:03 PM

This the the new Cancer Institute being built across from Butler High School
along I-565. Nice view of downtown I bet.

http://www.ccihsv.com/images/CCI-arial-vw_md.jpg

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 07:28 PM

HUNTSVILLE, AL-The Santa Monica, CA-based O&S Holdings LLC has hit the 50% preleasing and presale benchmark to signal the start of vertical construction for the $200-million Bridge Street Town Centre. The developer has aligned four general contractors to complete the two-million-sf, mixed-use development in the heart of Cummings Research Park.

O&S Holdings started priming the plan last summer for the 101-acre development at the junction of Interstate 565 and Alabama 72. Patterned after classical architecture in Tuscany, Italy and Provence, France, the mix of retail, hospitality, office and high-density residential space is scheduled to start delivering in June 2007.

There continues to be a tremendous amount of interest from retailers," Gary Safady, managing member for O&S Holdings, says in a press release. "I anticipate that the property will open nearly 100% leased."

Meanwhile, a contact for the developer tells GlobeSt.com that the ideal tenants for Bridge Street Town Centre are upscale retailers who might be new to the Huntsville market. "We'd like to see retailers who unique to Huntsville and even to Alabama," she says, adding leasing is being handled in-house.

Bridge Street Town Centre's residential component, the Westin Huntsville Residences is more than 50% sold out, with 44 of 74 units reserved. Move-ins are planned to start in November 2007. The units, ranging from 750 sf to 4,300 sf, are going for $250,000 to $1.7 million. Scott Averbuch with Averbuch Realty Co. Inc. in Huntsville has been marketing the residential component.

O&S says the preleasing and presales mean it's time to forge ahead on completing the project, designed by TSA Architects of Los Angeles. Atlanta-based Winter Construction Co. will build the 210-room Westin Huntsville and its 74 residential units plus the northern half of a 550,000-sf lifestyle retail center. Brasfield & Gorrie LLC of Nashville will develop a 2,580-space parking garage and the balance of the retail component. VCC Construction Co. from Little Rock will bring on line a 73,300-sf theater, 150,000-sf office building and 95,000-sf big-box retail. The landscape architect is ValleyCrest Landscape Development from Calabasas, CA. The retail, theater and office space will be ready to fill in summer 2007 and the hotel will open in the following fall.

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 07:45 PM

well now it seems several Huntsville projects are now online and/or beginning to get in the mix. Bridge street underway, Summit complete, Embassy complete. Many large Research Park/UAH projects underway, Valley Bend
in progress.
So what will be the next big project to grab the cities attention, some possibilities

Downtown, Market Square redevelopment, we will see activity this summer.
This project may impact the overall landscape and feel of the city more than any other.
So much potential downtown, when will we see the break through high rise?
Retail, with the current developments it may take a little time to absorb the new additions, but in any case HSV should see a large increase in restaurants
and stores, most will be new to the area. With a possible increase of at least
10,000 residents in the next few years something has to give. The metro will see an even larger increase. The two county metro could see 400,000 within 3-5 years. If a county or two is added then between that and 500,000 is not
impossible.

Road construction, well it's out there but when we will see it is anybodies guess.
But I believe there are several surprise blockbuster developments that will surprise us, any speculation out there?

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 08:13 PM

On the southside another building is under renovation the old Loan building
on the corner will be brought back with restored iron balconies and such on the second floor overlooking the street. A restaurant is supposedly a tenant, more on this later.

I like this building

Local developer Jeff Sikes announced plans Wednesday for a European-style eatery he plans to open in Huntsville's downtown square.

Sikes said the restaurant, at the corner of Fountain Square and Madison Street downtown, would probably feature sidewalk dining and wine, martini and coffee bars.

The development, which is scheduled to be complete in October, will also include two upscale loft apartments on the second floor, Sikes said.

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 08:26 PM

Any word on if/when Borders will enter the Alabama market?

It is insane that they ignore us simply because we are BAM's Homebase.

If Bridge Street couldn't snag them, then it may not happen soon, Barnes&Noble has a good grip. BUT things change rapidly, I do think
a store here would be wildly successful.
Downtown (Market Square) would be the location best fit, even at 5 points, eventually a parking deck in the 5 Points area would really make the area produce more retail and draw people in.

HSVTiger

06-28-2006, 08:54 PM

It takes a lot of work to land the stores we want and then some.
Why we don't see some either.
From Retail Traffic

Call them the chains gang: They're the top big box tenants in the nation and when it comes to where they choose to locate, whom they will accept as co-tenants and what they will pay, these powerful players call the shots. They are Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, Kohl's, Costco, Office Depot, Staples, Best Buy, Home Depot and a handful of others. When they come to negotiate a lease, they do the talking, says Kent Newsome, a partner with Fulbright & Jaworksi LLP's Houston office who specializes in retail real estate development and leasing. “They know good and well that they bring a lot to the table.”

“If you want the good credit tenants, you're going to pay for them,” adds Marshall Mills, president and COO of The Weitzman Group, a Dallas-based developer.

These credits pay half as much in rent as non-credits. They also refuse to budge on rent increases. They won't sign operating covenants. They want exclusivity, barring a whole range of other retailers from their centers. And they want to be able to control their space, even if they choose to vacate before the ends of their terms.

Retail leasing is about leverage. This group has it and the competitive environment gives them more. Development is so strong right now that there are usually two to three projects vying for the same tenants in an area, according to Mickey Ashmore, president & CEO of Dallas-based United Commercial Realty. “As long as the market stays this competitive, then retailers will have even more leverage,” he notes.

Industry experts estimate that a non-credit retailer pays 50 percent to 100 percent more rent than a credit tenant. A large tenant like Best Buy pays somewhere in the ballpark of $12 to $13 per square foot per year nationally, while a small regional or local tenant pays in excess of $25 per square foot.

Part of the differential is based on sheer size — a tenant that leases 70,000 square feet would never pay $25 per square foot. But credit tenants are also balking at any kinds of increases. For example, according to Developers Diversified Realty Corp.'s annual report, Wal-Mart grew to account for 10.1 percent of its company-owned shopping center GLA in 2005, from 7.8 percent in 2004. But its share of DDR's base rent grew to just 6.1 percent from 5.0 percent. On the flip side, Gap Inc.'s share of space remained constant at 0.8 percent, but it's percentage of DDR's base rent rose to 1.3 percent.

With developers and landlords losing the power struggle, they often end up taking on significantly more risk when they lease to a credit tenant than they do when they enter into an agreement with a local retailer. “The idea is that leasing space to a credit tenant protects you in case of default, but most of the leases with credit tenants create so many other entanglements that you're exposed,” explains Sally Vogel, managing director of retail for RiverRock Real Estate Group, a South Coast Metro, Ca.-based leasing and management firm.

Power struggle

Twenty years ago, there were far more brand-name retailers with strong credit. Department stores were in much better shape than today, for example. But consolidation within the retail industry not only diminished the number of retailers, it also limited the number of retailers that agencies like Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poors actually rate.

Today, there are only a handful of true “credit” retailers, especially among the big boxes. According to Moody's, Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, Kohl's, Costco, Office Depot, Staples, Best Buy and Home Depot are the only investment grade big box tenants. Among those, only six have A ratings.

“For power centers, developers are all chasing the same retailers, which just gives them more power as tenants,” says Tara Scanlon, partner and co-chair of the national retail leasing and development team for Holland & Knight LLP. “These retailers are very adept at figuring out how much a center needs them.”

These retailers know their drawing power and are using it as leverage in negotiations with developers and landlords. “They have an advantage because they are market dominant tenants,” Vogel says. “They have this huge brand recognition and they really set the tone for the center. That's why they have the ability to negotiate the favorable terms.”

Anchor tenants have always received preferred treatment when it comes to leasing, paying sweetheart rents for long terms. But what the big box credits are getting today far exceeds what department stores received, even at their height. Department stores, for example, did sign operating covenants — often for continuous operations. Moreover, there were no co-tenancy or exclusivity clauses, and no specific language about recapturing space. Department stores also didn't have the right to sublease space without landlord consent.

Over the past six months alone, new construction costs increased 7.2 percent for nonresidential buildings, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Materials with the steepest increases over 12 months included copper and brass mill shapes (up 53 percent), asphalt (up 43 percent) gypsum products (up 24 percent) and concrete products (up 11 percent).

Rents are up as well — about 6 percent in 2005 with projections for a similar increase this year — but big boxes aren't part of that trend. Developers have had to raise rents on other tenants to make up for credits that pay preferential rates.

“[Retailers] don't care that it costs more money to build a center today than it did 12 months ago,” says one retail broker who declined to be named for fear that his retail clients would drop him like a hot potato. “They are willing to pay a certain rent for a certain type of center in a certain area, and that's it.”

In fact, this broker says he has seen several retail projects fall through recently because the retailer wasn't willing to pay more rent. “I really think it's hard for these developers because they need these tenants to create the best mix and draw, but they also need a certain amount of rent to make the deal pencil,” he explains.

There's really only one situation where a retailer may be more willing to negotiate, says Gary Glick, a partner with the Los Angeles office of Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP. “If you're a developer and you have a great location, then you definitely have leverage, and you can command fairly decent rents and lease terms,” he notes.

Developers and owners with top-quality locations and premier centers have something that retailers need, so both parties are on more even footing and the lease negotiation becomes more of a give-and-take, Regenstreif notes. “The desirability of your center and location will dictate how much bargaining power you will have,” he says.

But even then, most big-name credit retailers are so secure in their attractiveness that they have trouble giving an inch. “You could have the best center in the best possible location and Target still would not lease from you,” Glick says. “Target wants to own their real estate and is willing to walk away from a deal if a developer won't sell. Target will just look for a comparable site — unless the site is truly one-of-a-kind.”

Moreover, most credit retailers will only use lease documents generated in-house. “When you deal with a Target or Wal-Mart, they come in and say that they're using their own lease form and every landlord capitulates right away,” Regenstreif notes. “Their forms are very tenant favorable and it's difficult for the landlord to make changes.”

Barring the competition

Today, more and more credit and national retailers are also demanding broader exclusivity clauses, which are used to protect a retailer's competitive position. For example, an electronics chain previously would have required exclusive rights to a category of merchandise, say, television sets. Now, that same retailer will try to get a landlord to give exclusive rights to sell appliances, computers and mobile phones, too That means that a landlord could not lease space to Apple, Home Depot or Verizon Wireless if an electronics retailer like Best Buy held all of those exclusives within a center.

Experts say that landlords rarely deny any big boxes their exclusivity requests, even though exclusivity clauses can jeopardize a center's performance. “They make it very difficult and very cumbersome to finish out your tenant mix,” Ashmore points out, adding that the length of the exclusivity is also important. “Over time, retailers want to be able to reinvent themselves and will eventually encroach on these exclusivities.”

Indeed, a developer or landlord is giving away his control of the center's tenant mix when he agrees to an exclusivity clause, Vogel says. “A lot of landlords get in trouble with exclusives,” she cautions. “Because some retailers are powerful enough, they get very broad exclusives, and that can be great while they're doing well, but what if that changes? More viable tenants will come along later on, and you're stuck with the other one.”

Exodus

06-28-2006, 10:26 PM

This the the new Cancer Institute being built across from Butler High School
along I-565. Nice view of downtown I bet.

http://www.ccihsv.com/images/CCI-arial-vw_md.jpgSo that's what I've been seeing when going down the freeway.

codyg1985

06-29-2006, 07:05 AM

Many large Research Park/UAH projects underway

Looks like there may be about to start to construct the gateway to the UAH campus at Lakeside Dr. There was some silk fencing alongside the roadway from the traffic signal at Sparkman Drive along the duck pond up to the campus loop road beside Madison Hall and the new Applied Sciences Building.

The gateway will consist of a relocated Lakeside Drive north of its current location, which will intersect the campus loop road at a traffic circle.

Anyone else know anything about this?

HSVTiger

06-29-2006, 12:26 PM

Looks like there may be about to start to construct the gateway to the UAH campus at Lakeside Dr. There was some silk fencing alongside the roadway from the traffic signal at Sparkman Drive along the duck pond up to the campus loop road beside Madison Hall and the new Applied Sciences Building.

The gateway will consist of a relocated Lakeside Drive north of its current location, which will intersect the campus loop road at a traffic circle.

Anyone else know anything about this?

should really improve things

http://urnet.uah.edu/News/newsImages/5yearplan.jpg

Mike Finnegan, assistant vice president for facilities and operations.

Finnegan said parking lots will be relocated to the perimeter of campus and some roadways will be re-routed. Ben Graves Drive on the north end of campus will be routed outside of the North Campus Residence Hall and Lakeside Drive will be routed to create a new campus entrance that will lead to a round-about intersection

Immediate construction in the five-year plan include:

- Applied Sciences Building, a 200,000-square-foot building that will house research, teaching and the university's economic development activities. Construction is expected to begin later this year and be completed during 2007.

- Five fraternity and sorority houses are in the design phase and tentatively scheduled to be open the summer of 2006.

- A multi-level intermodal center that is tentatively set for completion in the summer of 2007.

- The feasibility of modifications to Holmes Avenue are being studied. No timetable has been set for this part of the campus master plan

HSVTiger

06-29-2006, 12:40 PM

I like this building

Local developer Jeff Sikes announced plans Wednesday for a European-style eatery he plans to open in Huntsville's downtown square.

Sikes said the restaurant, at the corner of Fountain Square and Madison Street downtown, would probably feature sidewalk dining and wine, martini and coffee bars.

The development, which is scheduled to be complete in October, will also include two upscale loft apartments on the second floor, Sikes said.

Sikes' plans call for a major makeover of the former Rocket City Credit Union building on the corner of Madison Street and South Side Square. He is developing loft apartments on the upper floor and transforming the ground floor into space for a deli restaurant/martini bar complete with outdoor tables.

"I'm very excited about this project. I think it's a great addition to the square," Sikes said Wednesday. Joining him at the building for a news conference were Mayor Loretta Spencer, City Councilman Bill Kling, several city department heads and project officials.

Mayor Spencer said the city has tried to foster downtown growth by easing building code requirements on older buildings, tweaking ordinances to allow outdoor tables, running weekend trolleys to downtown venues and granting easements that - in Sikes' case - will allow balconies in his loft apartments.

Sikes said he's talking with potential proprietors and hopes to stage an official opening in October. He envisions a place that will sell bagels, muffins and specialty coffees in the morning; provide soups, sandwiches and gourmet salads at lunch; and become a martini/wine bar by night with light live music.

The building will feature walls that can be rolled back to allow the music to flow to the outdoor tables. Sikes said a full-scale restaurant could be part of the mix if a kitchen can be incorporated in the design

Sikes' building, which dates to the 1850s, has a jack-of-all-trades history. His earliest photo of the building shows it as a bookstore. It's been a radio and appliance store, a B.F. Goodrich tire store and a First Federal bank before becoming a credit union office.

The interior still houses a vault, which will become the ladies' room, he said. The upper floor will have two-bedroom and a single-bedroom loft apartments, each with such features as granite countertops, hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, Viking appliances and balconies.

Sikes isn't the only one retrofitting an old building downtown into a cafe or bar. Workers on the north side of Courthouse Square are putting the finishing touches on the House of Brews Cafe/Pub, a smoke-free establishment that should open this summer. House of Brews follows the recent opening of the Kenny Mangos Coffee Shop Gallery and the makeover of the Wild Rose Cafe next door. The Jazz Factory is a couple of doors down.

HSVTiger

06-29-2006, 12:46 PM

Sikes' plans call for a major makeover of the former Rocket City Credit Union building on the corner of Madison Street and South Side Square. He is developing loft apartments on the upper floor and transforming the ground floor into space for a deli restaurant/martini bar complete with outdoor tables.

"I'm very excited about this project. I think it's a great addition to the square," Sikes said Wednesday. Joining him at the building for a news conference were Mayor Loretta Spencer, City Councilman Bill Kling, several city department heads and project officials.

Mayor Spencer said the city has tried to foster downtown growth by easing building code requirements on older buildings, tweaking ordinances to allow outdoor tables, running weekend trolleys to downtown venues and granting easements that - in Sikes' case - will allow balconies in his loft apartments.

Sikes said he's talking with potential proprietors and hopes to stage an official opening in October. He envisions a place that will sell bagels, muffins and specialty coffees in the morning; provide soups, sandwiches and gourmet salads at lunch; and become a martini/wine bar by night with light live music.

The building will feature walls that can be rolled back to allow the music to flow to the outdoor tables. Sikes said a full-scale restaurant could be part of the mix if a kitchen can be incorporated in the design

Sikes' building, which dates to the 1850s, has a jack-of-all-trades history. His earliest photo of the building shows it as a bookstore. It's been a radio and appliance store, a B.F. Goodrich tire store and a First Federal bank before becoming a credit union office.

The interior still houses a vault, which will become the ladies' room, he said. The upper floor will have two-bedroom and a single-bedroom loft apartments, each with such features as granite countertops, hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, Viking appliances and balconies.

Sikes isn't the only one retrofitting an old building downtown into a cafe or bar. Workers on the north side of Courthouse Square are putting the finishing touches on the House of Brews Cafe/Pub, a smoke-free establishment that should open this summer. House of Brews follows the recent opening of the Kenny Mangos Coffee Shop Gallery and the makeover of the Wild Rose Cafe next door. The Jazz Factory is a couple of doors down.

There is a small rendering in this pdf
http://www.al.com/huntsvilletimes/pageone/thursday.pdf

HSVTiger

06-29-2006, 01:42 PM

one of the best sites in Alabama may have something in the works

Commission rezones I-65, Ala. 20 land from agricultural to redevelopment

By Martin Burkey
DAILY Staff Writer
mburkey@decaturdaily.com · 340-2441

After three previous failed development efforts at Decatur's only Interstate 65 interchange, a fourth proposal apparently is on the table.

The city Planning Commission in a called meeting Wednesday rezoned 535.31 acres on the southwest corner of I-65 and Alabama 20 from agricultural to the city's recently approved "redevelopment district" designation for Mitchell-Frazier Farms Limited Partnership.

No one with the partnership attended the meeting to offer a plan. However, Birmingham attorney and property owner Sam Frazier told THE DAILY this week that the property is under contract and that the potential buyer's option expires in October. Frazier said he was under a "confidentiality agreement" with the party and declined to discuss it further.

Planning Commission Chairman Gil Aldrich and Mayor Don Kyle said they don't know who's interested in the property.

"We don't want to be the ones to hold up progress," Aldrich said. "I hope it's something that's going to be beneficial to us and in the city limits and a tax-base thing."

Both Kyle and Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce President John Seymour asked the commission to approve the rezoning.

Redevelopment district zoning makes the property more attractive to a potential buyer because it allows for a variety of uses, Kyle said. Zoning is one of a developer's first big questions about a tract, Seymour said.

Development officials say the requested zoning suggests the potential buyer has several uses for the land. According to the city's zoning ordinance, the redevelopment district allows for a range of uses including light industry, commercial, retail, office and residential.

It would be the fourth attempt to buy and develop the property.

In 2001, Huntsville sports team owner Art Clarkson proposed an $84 million arena/hotel/retail complex, but he gave up in fall 2003 when he couldn't find investors to pony up the $12.6 million purchase price.

A second project fell through in 2004 when Kansas City-based developer Mike Belew couldn't win support from the Decatur City Council and Limestone County Commission for a tax incentive package to land the $345 million projects.

After those two high-visibility projects fell through, a third developer purchased an option to buy the land in April 2005, but Frazier never discussed the buyer or the project.

HSVTiger

06-29-2006, 01:50 PM

it appears that a large shopping complex (Decatur Crossings?) is about ready to begin construction at the Beltline (US 31) and Highway 67. Target is expected to be the main anchor. This is a project that Decatur officials have been working on for several years.

HSVTiger

06-29-2006, 02:46 PM

Second Parking deck schedule. Believe it will match the existing 6 level deck.

The deck construction is expected to start in December and be finished Dec. 14, 2007, according to a presentation by Harry Wilson of the engineering firm Barge, Waggoner Sumner and Cannon. Wilson is the design/project manager for the parking deck project. The toll plaza and building construction is to begin next Jan. 11 and be completed April 4, 2008.

The entire project, including the site work, is to be finished in June 2008.

In other business at the airport authority’s meeting, Mitch Bradley, director of the International Intermodal Center, reported that there were 3,782 rail cargo lifts in March, an increase of 51.3 percent compared with March 2005. That represents the highest lift volume for a single month in the center’s history.

HSVTiger

06-29-2006, 06:30 PM

If Bridge Street couldn't snag them, then it may not happen soon, Barnes&Noble has a good grip. BUT things change rapidly, I do think
a store here would be wildly successful.
Downtown (Market Square) would be the location best fit, even at 5 points, eventually a parking deck in the 5 Points area would really make the area produce more retail and draw people in.

From BBJ

http://birmingham.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2006/06/26/story1.html?i=48235
Despite soft sales, Books-A-Million is holding up relatively well in the market, rating a "buy," for example, from Weiss Ratings Inc., a firm based in Jupiter, Fla.

With 205 locations, according to the company Web site, Books-A-Million is small compared with the giants in the business. Barnes & Noble Inc. (NYSE: BKS), for instance, has more than 800 locations.

Books-A-Million's main competitors, Barnes & Noble and Borders Group Inc., also are adding and renovating physical locations, though not as quickly as they once were, says David Magee, managing director of SunTrust Robinson Humphrey in Atlanta.

Weiss' director of research, Rudy Martin, says Books-A-Million stacks up well against these larger competitors.

HSVTiger

06-29-2006, 08:14 PM

HSVTiger

06-30-2006, 04:40 PM

nearly 3 years old but the last one done I believe

A study on the economic impact of the Port of Huntsville shows that more than 7,700 people were employed in 2002 at companies and agencies located there, up more than 13 percent since a 1996 study. And annual payrolls climbed to nearly $466 million in 2002, a 36.6 percent climb since '96.

The Port of Huntsville includes Huntsville International Airport, the International Intermodal Center and the Jetplex Industrial Park.

When employers located within two miles are added, the total number of jobs grows to 12,505 - with a payroll of $714.9 million, according to the 2003 Economic Impact Study.

The multiplied impact of the transportation facility on North Alabama and south central Tennessee was 24,653 jobs and more than $1.1 billion in payroll. The calculation shows the indirect impact of spending by employees working at or near the Port of Huntsville.

"We're creating jobs" and having tremendous economic impact on Huntsville and the surrounding area, said Rick Tucker, executive director of the airport complex.

The study is the third of its kind conducted by Dr. Niles Schoening, an economics professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

The impact of the Port of Huntsville and nearby employers represented 7.3 percent of all wage and salary employment in Madison County and 11 percent of payrolls in 2002, the results showed.

and
By SHANNON BELEW
Special Sections
Huntsville Internation-al Airport executives say that an ongoing five-year expansion project is only enhancing what's already considered a convenient and travel-friendly airport.

"Passenger wait times are extremely short in Huntsville," says Cynthia Maloney, spokesperson for Huntsville International Airport. "If there is a wait it's typically no more than five to six minutes." That's not bad considering the airport set another record for passenger traffic last year, serving 1.26 million people. That number is expected to rise.

The airport's expansion project is a testament to its commitment to convenience and service for passengers. "We try to outpace our growth as far as the facilities and infrastructure are concerned. What we're building now is designed to meet our capacity 10 years from now," Cindy Maloney says. Announced in 2004, the expansion and renovation is expected to exceed $87 million and will be completed in nine phases. The first phase is in progress.

A substantial amount of the funding is for the Terminal Area Planning and Programming project, which includes major improvements to the terminal and concourse. In particular, 20,000 square feet is being added to the passenger screening and public waiting area. That means another 200 seats in the public waiting area.

Other features, such as new public and family restrooms, an observation area and customer service kiosks, are all included in the plan. "The passenger screening area is going to be really beautiful. It's being opened up with a two-story vaulted ceiling and surrounded by windows to let in natural light," says Maloney.

No inconvenience

The additional space will support four baggage lifts and provide customers with large, unobstructed views of the airport operations, as well as the terminal's front curbside. Maloney expects this phase to be completed sometime in late 2007, but says customers shouldn't be inconvenienced in the meantime. "We've planned the construction so that we can start in one area, building around what's existing, and then completely wall off the construction area from customer traffic," she says.

Work on the air traffic control station should also go largely unnoticed by passengers. Already under construction, it expands the tower's eye-level viewing from 96 to 219 feet. The control station improvements should further add to the airport's safety record. Last year, the airport was recognized with an award from the Federal Aviation Administration for maintaining an error-free and zero-tolerance runway incursion record for the past five years.

"Of course, what people are more interested in is the food and beverage expansion on both sides of the checkpoint," says Mahoney. The airport's concessions include a Subway and TCBY Yogurt, along with a restaurant and bar managed by the on-site Four Points by Sheraton hotel. Expansion plans call for another 5,000 square feet to accommodate more food choices on both the land and air sides of the concourse.

The restaurant expansion should be wrapped up by early 2008. Not long after that, Mahoney says work on the airport's parking deck is expected to finish. The parking deck already has 3,300 spaces, but the project adds 1,360. Approximately 1,330 will be covered spaces, including the area for rental cars.

"

HSVTiger

06-30-2006, 04:46 PM

and have the cash
Alabama Air Shuttle based at Huntsville /Madison County Executive Airport

Great for quick trips to the beach, mountains or ballgames

http://www.alabamaairshuttle.com/Images/Logo%2001.GIF

http://www.alabamaairshuttle.com/About.htm

HSVTiger

06-30-2006, 04:51 PM

the above mentioned airport, a very nice small facility but big on service

according to the web site responsible for 17.85 million in economic activity
no small number

http://www.mceaa.org/images/aerial/aerrunway.jpg

http://www.mceaa.org/

HSVTiger

07-01-2006, 05:20 PM

This should recreate this area of housing next to the Medical District.
Not only to redo the low income housing but develop retail, hotel, and park space. Very valuable land.This should also make the Medical District a strong part of the Central Business district downtown

By DAVID HOLDEN
Times Staff Writer, dholden@htimes.com
The Huntsville Housing Authority has launched its search for a real estate development partner to help forever change the face of public housing in the city.

The authority is inviting potential partners to send it summaries of their qualifications by Aug. 11. The authority will host a pre-deadline conference in Huntsville on July 13.

The authority is looking for a partner that can provide skilled financial advisers, a legal team, community and support services, and other expertise, said Michael O. Lundy, the authority's executive director .

"We want the best development partner that money can buy," he said. "We don't want a partner who comes looking for what we have."

Immediately on the table is the authority's plan to sell part of and redevelop part of its Councill Court residential community at Gallatin Street and St. Clair Avenue, next to Huntsville Hospital.

The authority's board of directors adopted a resolution in March supporting the plan, which calls for eventually razing all 196 units of Councill Court and building modern housing units. Councill Court sits on 17 to 20 acres.

This long-range plan to redevelop the residential area will occur in three phases, Lundy said.

This first phase calls for building at least 100 units for seniors. The second phase calls for buying small multifamily dwellings throughout the city to relocate Councill residents or new public housing residents. The third phase calls for 28 single-family houses for current and new public housing residents who qualify to buy government subsidized homes.

"Our goal is for none of these new developments to look like traditional public housing," he said. "We want to change the image of public housing so that it blends into the community."

Before one resident has to move, the authority will have an array of options in place for them, Lundy said.

The authority sent out requests for development partners on Friday for publication in area newspapers and industry trade journals, Lundy said. It also sent requests directly to some developers in the region.

"We have been talking to some people," he said. "We'd be foolish if we hadn't."

Similar development partnerships have been carried out in Lexington, Ky., Atlanta, Philadelphia, Birmingham and Nashville.

"We want to open the door for everybody, and we want the best firms involved," he said. "There will be a potential to make substantial revenue."

Lundy said he doesn't want to rely solely on money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to change the image of public housing. There will be assistance through low-income credits, home loan funds, local foundations and proceeds from the sale of a portion of the Councill Court property.

U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Huntsville, announced Friday that Huntsville will receive more than $2 million in competitive grants from HUD. They include $1.3 million through the Community Develop Block Grant program; $701,446 through the HOME awards program; and $19,501 through the American Dream Downpayment Initiative.

"We will be able to apply for some of that," Lundy said.

HSVTiger

07-02-2006, 06:31 PM

By JOHN PECK
Times Staff Writer john.peck@htimes.com
From benches and flower beds to a proposed plaza/promenade near Big Spring International Park, offers of gifts to Huntsville's downtown have picked up since construction began on a giant fountain honoring a late civic leader.

Mayor Loretta Spencer formed a committee in January to help screen the proposals and decide if they meet city criteria. A steering committee of the Public Spaces Enhancement Commission meets monthly to review applications and forward a recommendation to the City Council, which has the final say.

Spencer said the revitalization of downtown has brought a greater desire from groups to be a part of the movement. The Bicentennial Park project last year may have helped that momentum with its extensive brick-selling campaign and other donor recognition opportunities.

"I think it's awesome that people have the pride that they want to make a permanent investment in Huntsville in a tribute sort of way," she said.

The screening committee includes representatives from city planning, the Department of Recreation and Landscape Management, the Operation Green Team clean community department, and the city facilities division. Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, who heads Big Spring Partners, a private, nonprofit downtown development group, chairs the committee.

The panel represents a mix of departments that oversee growth and issues such as safety, maintenance and aesthetics. Such guidance can avert problems such as having a hodgepodge design of benches or biologically unsuitable plants.

Spencer said the screening committee is a clearinghouse for gift offers for public places.

"Long after elected officials leave, the departments of the city have to continue to keep these to a standard. And if they have a functional part that requires electrical or plumbing or water, someone needs to help decide whether it's appropriate and what it might cost to maintain it," she said.

Caylor said the Thrasher Memorial Fountain triggered a wave of offers for gifts. The family made the donation last fall in memory of late civic leader Tom Thrasher. She said the diminishing amount of public spaces downtown may be spurring many of the gift offers now.

"What we're trying to do is have one conduit that all these projects come through so we can, first of all, identify available land," she said, "and then discuss them all the way through to determine whether they meet all the requirements and streetscape plans and the city's master plan."

Committee member Joy McKee, with Operation Green Team, said the committee must be careful to not let the gift offers become commercial. "There has to be tastefulness and appropriateness," she said.

The committee has a binder with a map outline of potential gift sites. The map includes areas along Pinhook Creek, the canal extension, the historic Councill School site, the proposed Gateway Greenway from Meridian Street to Veterans Park and the roundabout on Monroe Street by the library.

codyg1985

07-05-2006, 04:33 PM

No sign of a bubble in Madison; new homes are still being built, much probably due to the anticipated need for housing from the BRAC realignment:

City's residential growth shows no sign of slowing (http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/115209106628010.xml&coll=1)
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
By THOMAS R. TINGLE
For the Madison Spirit thomas67@knology.net

With the summer season officially in full swing, temperatures have not hampered residential construction in the city of Madison.

Bob Atallo, director of the city's planning, engineering and building department, said the city is close to the number of residential building permits issued by the department at the same time last year. Earlier this year, Atallo predicted that residential growth in 2006 may slow a little in Madison, but there is no sign of that happening with the year half over.

"We have issued 271 building permits so far this year, so we are actually on track with last year," Atallo said. "At this rate, we will do almost 600 houses in 2006."

In 2005, Atallo said the city did 551 houses.

In February, Atallo said the city was running out of lots in some price ranges, particularly higher-priced lots. But more developable land is available. He said much of it will be put up for sale and be developed and subdivided this year, with most of those homes actually being built in 2007 or later.

"Madison is absolutely continuing to experience rapid residential growth," Atallo said. "Most of this growth is being experienced mainly between Wall-Triana Highway and County Line Road."

Atallo said he expects to see residential growth in Madison to continue on the same pace for the rest of 2006.

"We have new subdivisions coming on line through the rest of the year and this will provide the supply of lots that we need to continue growth," Atallo said.

The city of Madison, with a population of nearly 36,000 residents, is expected to become one of Alabama's top 10 cities in population by 2010. Madison remains one of the fastest-growing cities in the state in residential growth, along with Madison County and the city of Huntsville.

HSVTiger

07-05-2006, 04:50 PM

and nearly completely encircled by Huntsville. I really don't see the appeal to live there, especially since there are many nicer areas. Yeah the first argument is the school system and it is excellent, but so are Madison County,
Huntsville City. But it's good it is still growing, for an overpriced bedroom suburb they are doing very well. Madison's biggest problem is increasing it's
tax base through retail and while some success it really hasn't lived up to expectations. Huntsville is more attractive, aggressive and better locations to offer.

neilson

07-05-2006, 06:10 PM

Here's the thing though; if Madison is encircled by Huntsville, then that'll mean within the next 20 years of buildout; Madison will have to grow upward in order to increase population.

codyg1985

07-06-2006, 01:47 AM

Here's the thing though; if Madison is encircled by Huntsville, then that'll mean within the next 20 years of buildout; Madison will have to grow upward in order to increase population.

Especially considering that the large majority of development in Madison is low-density single-family residential units, it is entirely possible for Madison to continue to add people even after maxing out the land area.

HSVTiger

07-07-2006, 02:06 PM

Sikes' plans call for a major makeover of the former Rocket City Credit Union building on the corner of Madison Street and South Side Square. He is developing loft apartments on the upper floor and transforming the ground floor into space for a deli restaurant/martini bar complete with outdoor tables.

"I'm very excited about this project. I think it's a great addition to the square," Sikes said Wednesday. Joining him at the building for a news conference were Mayor Loretta Spencer, City Councilman Bill Kling, several city department heads and project officials.

Mayor Spencer said the city has tried to foster downtown growth by easing building code requirements on older buildings, tweaking ordinances to allow outdoor tables, running weekend trolleys to downtown venues and granting easements that - in Sikes' case - will allow balconies in his loft apartments.

Sikes said he's talking with potential proprietors and hopes to stage an official opening in October. He envisions a place that will sell bagels, muffins and specialty coffees in the morning; provide soups, sandwiches and gourmet salads at lunch; and become a martini/wine bar by night with light live music.

The building will feature walls that can be rolled back to allow the music to flow to the outdoor tables. Sikes said a full-scale restaurant could be part of the mix if a kitchen can be incorporated in the design

Sikes' building, which dates to the 1850s, has a jack-of-all-trades history. His earliest photo of the building shows it as a bookstore. It's been a radio and appliance store, a B.F. Goodrich tire store and a First Federal bank before becoming a credit union office.

The interior still houses a vault, which will become the ladies' room, he said. The upper floor will have two-bedroom and a single-bedroom loft apartments, each with such features as granite countertops, hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, Viking appliances and balconies.

Sikes isn't the only one retrofitting an old building downtown into a cafe or bar. Workers on the north side of Courthouse Square are putting the finishing touches on the House of Brews Cafe/Pub, a smoke-free establishment that should open this summer. House of Brews follows the recent opening of the Kenny Mangos Coffee Shop Gallery and the makeover of the Wild Rose Cafe next door. The Jazz Factory is a couple of doors down.

rendering added

http://www.hsvcity.com/mayor/images/downtown_sikes_dev.jpg

HSVTiger

07-07-2006, 02:23 PM

Down the river a bit new condos. This area is about 40 miles from downtown HSV. Hopefully they won't completely strip the trees as the rendering shows

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/060707/condos.jpg

By Holly Hollman
DAILY Staff Writer
hhollman@decaturdaily.com · 340-2445

COXEY —
Follow the widening Snake Road past leaning fence posts, grazing cattle, cotton fields, mobile homes and quaint brick houses to a dead end that reportedly will become the site of the largest riverside residential development in North Alabama.

On Thursday, Christopher Realty and Riverfront Development had a groundbreaking for its $20 million condominium development called Two Rivers at The Pointe. The name is derived from the site being where the Tennessee and Elk rivers join.

Forty-three of the 61 units have pre-sold, said developer Billy Christopher. The condominiums are selling for $157,800 to $687,000 for a four-bedroom penthouse.

Amenities include 147 boat slips, waterfalls, a 30-foot fountain, hiking trail and utilities including water and sewer.

Didn't think rural Limestone County could lure such high-priced living?

Christopher and his uncle, Jimmy Christopher, saw a trend where baby boomers were purchasing secondary homes and investment property. He predicts half the buyers will use the condos as secondary homes.

Escaping the coast

There also is a recent trend of Gulf Coast residents and property owners moving away from hurricane threats to freshwater areas.

"We can offer four seasons, yet with relatively mild winters," Billy Christopher said.

Hugh Ball, president of the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, said the project will be another way to lure those relocating because of Base Realignment and Closure to Limestone County.

Ball and other members of the local BRAC committee will go to Virginia this month to present Limestone's assets to relocating families.

"In our county, they could find river homes, brick homes in a subdivision or a secluded home in the hills in the western part of the county," Ball said.

Christopher said his project will be only the beginning of condos on the rivers. Interest will continue to grow in other river communities, he said.

"It's a tremendous market," he said. Construction of the condos should be complete in 14 months, he said. Once complete, they will encompass 128,047 square feet and tower five stories above this neck of the woods.

HSVTiger

07-07-2006, 02:26 PM

the big news is Targets arrival in a year..

By Chris Paschenko
DAILY Staff Writer
chris@decaturdaily.com · 340-2442

With Target Corp. and possibly 35 other retailers opening in Decatur next year, officials say traffic will increase at one of the city's busiest intersections, but by how much is anyone's guess.

A developer's preliminary design shows two signalized intersections accessing the 26-acre property near the U.S. 31 and Alabama 67 junction, which averages 60,000 vehicles per day, according to state Department of Transportation studies.

Are two traffic lights east and south of the intersection sufficient for shoppers at The Crossings of Decatur?

Johnny Harris, a DOT division engineer, said he's not aware of a traffic study on the site. Decatur and state officials said they could rely on the developer to complete one. A message left with the developer wasn't immediately returned.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for September to accommodate the October 2007 grand opening of Target's 127,280-square-foot store.

"It will probably increase it some, but it's hard to say," Harris said. "Certainly traffic will be seasonal during the Christmas holiday season. Year around you're going to attract some additional traffic. There are some traffic modeling techniques that traffic planners use, but there's no way to predict it until it opens up and you measure it."

Mayor Don Kyle said three proposed right-in and right-out entry/exit ways would help facilitate a smooth traffic flow for the proposed 245,680 square feet of retail space.

"I know developers had meetings with Gresham Smith and Partners, a large engineering firm, and the Alabama Department of Transportation to look at traffic issues," Kyle said. "It's been an early consideration at the site."

Harris said four signals were proposed, but Kyle said developers usually ask for the most that would benefit the property.

"No matter what you build, if you can't get enough people in and out, sales won't be where they need to be," Kyle said. "But proper placement and timing between the series of lights shouldn't negatively impact flow of traffic through the major intersection."

Kyle said annual sales are projected at more than $60 million.

City Councilman Ronny Russell said the development at U.S. 31 and Alabama 67 is better suited for smooth traffic flow than a previous suggested location at Wilson Morgan Park.

Kyle said it remains to be seen how existing businesses near the retail site would affect traffic flow.

"I presume all the businesses would want to be open to access to the main center when it's done," Kyle said. "There may be more ways to get in and out of that corner than the preliminary diagram shows."

Kyle said a variety of turn lanes and median work would help ease traffic.

"We'll be reviewing some of that in a week to 10 days to see what concerns the state has and what tweaking needs to be done," Kyle said.

Harris said the developer would submit documentation to justify the number of signalized intersections. Once submitted, the state would examine the issue with a three-tier review at the local DOT office and at the district and central offices.

If approved, the state would then issue permits for traffic lights, Harris said.

State DOT officials should have the number of traffic signals approved to meet the developer's time frame, Harris said.

HSVTiger

07-08-2006, 12:18 PM

By GINA HANNAH
Times Business Writer ginah@htimes.com
State housing market strong despite slowdown nationally

Huntsville's housing market showed a slight dip in sales in May compared with the previous month but showed an increase over the same month last year.

In May, 958 existing homes sold in the Huntsville area, according to a report from the Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center at the University of Alabama. That's down from 986 in April but still well above sales of 853 homes in May 2005.

So far this year, 4,270 homes have sold, compared with 3,459 for the same period last year. The average selling price in the Huntsville market in May was $160,471, compared with $154,876 in April and $147,757 in May 2005.

Statewide, the housing market remained strong in May, despite signs of a national slowdown. According to the UA study, the average selling price reached a record of $160,720, up from $157,905 for the same month last year. That was the fourth consecutive monthly rise in average price, following a drop in prices in January.

HSVTiger

07-08-2006, 07:23 PM

Developers of Bridge Street, the 100-acre mixed-use project in Cummings Research Park, announced plans Thursday to build a Monaco Pictures cinema, which will combine the big screen with an upscale lounge and restaurant and space for private screenings.

Developers and city officials announced Monaco Pictures and other venues planning to open at the $210 million project, at Old Madison Pike and Research Park Boulevard.

The Monaco replaces a Regal cinema planned for the site, said Gary Safady, managing member of O&S Holdings, Bridge Street's developer. Monaco Pictures is a division of Los Angeles-based O&S Holdings.

"The founding of Monaco Pictures is part of O&S Holdings' initiative of diversifying and expanding our business ventures," Safady said. "Because we own the theater, we have control of the design, ambience and services that will be provided."

The 14-screen multiplex will offer stadium seating, digital sound and projection technology and wall-to-wall screens. The box office will be set up indoors, similar to a hotel registration desk.

"We looked at the Huntsville market and said, 'We're not happy with the usual suspects and players,' " said Todd Tickner, president and managing partner of Monaco Pictures. Tickner said combining upscale food with a cinema experience is a growing trend aiming to get patrons back into theaters.
From WAAY TV
"There's a war of sorts going on in Huntsville. It's between movie theaters battling it out to get your business. Two theaters are offering deals, hoping to get you to spend big bucks. We visited both Hollywood 18 and Rave on Friday and both parking lots were full.
Hollywood 18 has the better price, at $5.00 a ticket, no matter what show you go to. Popcorn was a quarter more. Large is $6.00

Rave is $6.00 for tickets, and $5.75 for a large popcorn. But, Rave is a newer theater with a lot of bells and whistles. The bottom line is there is nothing better than a little friendly competiton to make prices come down for the consumer. "

There are currently 58 screens in Huntsville (not counting the planned 14 above) plus the IMAX theater at the Space and Rocket Center.

HSVTiger

07-09-2006, 04:21 PM

Alabama A&M student population around 7,000 is getting in on improving
it's look. It is a few miles north of downtown.

By KENNETH KESNER
Times Staff Writer kenneth.kesner@htimes.com
Dorm repairs, frat row, new wellness center plans loom

Within months, work on a "fraternity row" of 10 houses and the long-awaited student center should be visible at Alabama A&M University, but President Robert Jennings said new construction is not a high priority for the campus.

Instead, the focus will be on the repair and renovation of dormitories and other structures.

"I kind of think that we have enough buildings," Jennings said during a recent meeting with Times reporters and editors.

The new president - he just finished his sixth month in office - said he'd like to be known for bringing the 132-year-old historically black university's buildings up to modern, safe standards for students and faculty. A few buildings date to the early 1900s, but even "modern" buildings from the 1970s and '80s went up on The Hill long before computers became as much a part of college life as pizza and term papers.

Some relatively small new construction is planned for the coming months at Alabama A&M, Jennings said, including a bus depot or terminal on the quad in the center of campus to serve passengers of the Bulldog Transportation System. Those buses began running regularly this year and have greatly alleviated traffic and parking problems.

But the most visible work on campus will be a brand-new, major building: the Student Wellness Center, to go up just northwest of Meridian Street and Chase Road.

The approximately $14 million center will include a six-lane swimming pool, "beach" volleyball area, bowling alley, weight rooms, basketball courts and game room on the first floor, along with clinic waiting and examination rooms, classrooms and offices.

The second floor will feature a track, cardiovascular and aerobic fitness areas, racquetball courts and offices.

North of the wellness center site, just past the Ernest Knight/West Campus Living and Learning Center, a horseshoe of up to 10 new fraternity and sorority houses could begin taking shape next year.

The graduate chapters of all the Greek organizations on campus were recently approached and told about the need to bring more modern student housing to Alabama A&M, Jennings said.

"We've asked them to rise to the occasion and help support that effort," he said.

The nine fraternities and sororities would pay for their houses, which are expected to cost about $1 million each, Jennings said. The groups would work out financing and other details with the developer - the university's Community Development Corporation.

A quad in the center of the horseshoe will be great for music and other events, Jennings aid. And the 10th house - paid for as part of the financing package for the other nine - will be a "clubhouse" for use by all the groups and available to graduate chapters who want to have reunions or activities on campus.

The Greek groups will be required to maintain the houses and abide by university housing rules and regulations. Alabama A&M will provide security and upkeep of the grounds, and will retain ownership of the lots.

The two-story houses would be alike on the outside, but the groups can work with the developer to customize the interiors within certain parameters, Jennings said. The basic house plan will handle up to 22 students and a house mother or father.

"It looks sharp," he said. "It looks like Greek housing," complete with traditional columns, porticoes and balconies.

Five organizations have already signed commitments, Jennings said, declining to name them at this time. Others are still conferring with national chapters and other benefactors.

Roberts said the idea is to build all the houses at once, so it could take some time to get all the pieces of the project ready. He hopes any issues will be resolved and other agreements signed by November, so ground could be broken early next year.

neilson

07-09-2006, 04:25 PM

HSVTiger

07-09-2006, 04:25 PM

Huntsville International poised for large growth. The Intermodal center has plenty of room and already a large infrastructure system in place.

By GINA HANNAH
Times Business Writer ginah@htimes.com
The International Intermodal Center at the Port of Huntsville saw a sharp increase in rail traffic during the past fiscal year, but not necessarily because it's cheaper to ship by train these days.

International trade is growing in North Alabama, said Jim Hutcheson, accounts manager for the International Intermodal Center. Thanks to new and expanded automotive plants, the port saw a 35 percent increase in rail shipments - more than 41,000 container lifts - during the fiscal year ended June 30. That's the biggest year on record, Hutcheson said.

In June, the rail yard saw 4,046 lifts, a 71 percent increase over the same month last year.

Hutcheson said higher gas prices are somewhat to thank for the increase in rail traffic, but so is North Alabama's economic growth.

"A lot of our increase is also tied to the automotive industry," he said, noting the production launch at Hyundai's 2-million-square-foot assembly plant in Montgomery and recent expansions at plants operated by Mercedes, Honda and Toyota, all within reach of the Intermodal Center's rail yard.

Despite the rising price of aviation fuel, the intermodal center's air cargo is up about 21 percent this year over last, Hutcheson said. Much of that is due to increased international trade, particularly with China, he said.

Unlike some rail yards around the country, the one at Huntsville's intermodal center has been able to absorb the new business without bottlenecks or backlogs, Hutcheson said, thanks to an expansion completed in 2004 that made room for more than 100,000 lifts annually, more than twice the number recorded this year.

The intermodal center has also expanded its hours by two hours per day, now operating from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"We've got room to handle growth here," he said. "We've added more personnel as we needed to and we're able to keep the flow going."

Hutcheson said he expects cargo traffic to grow for the next several years, although perhaps not at the rapid pace the past year has brought.

HSVTiger

07-09-2006, 04:28 PM

Huntsville should be so lucky to have institutions like A&M, Oakwood, and UAH within its city limits. Lotta untapped potential between the 3 schools and new leadership at A&M as well as yet-to-be-named new leadership at UAH should make for boomtimes ahead.

agreed, especially A&M, maybe now they can get out from under corrupt leaders. The new president seems to be pretty sharp and well respected.
No reason why that school can't have 10,000 students in several years.
Money will be its limiting factor.

HSVTiger

07-10-2006, 02:34 AM

some hotel upgrades done and planned around town,
A new Westin and Embassy Suite tends to up the ante:

The Holiday Inn Downtown, reopened last April 05, after completing a more than $3 million renovation, Larkin said. "We will invest more than $1 million this year to continue to improve the hotel. The first renovation brought the package to where it needed to be, and the second renovation will raise the bar." He explained that the next renovation will focus on the aesthetic, decorative elements of the 277 guest rooms and public spaces. The hotel offers 14,000 square feet of function space.

Marriott – Huntsville is renovating all 290 guest bathrooms with new tile and marble vanities, said Director of Sales and Marketing Daniel LaBoudiere. "Our restaurant is also being renovated complete with a brand new buffet." The hotel features 13,390 square feet of function space and hosts mostly corporate groups.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites has updated the bedding in all 146 guest rooms with triple sheeting and extra-deep mattresses, said Director of Sales Mary Guice. "We also won the Partner In Excellence award from InterContinental Hotels Group last May for all of our work with government groups," Guice said.

Holiday Inn – Research Park will begin a complete interior and exterior renovation of all 200 guest rooms and public areas in April, said Director of Sales Leslie Walker, adding that the hotel appeals to groups of all kinds due to its central location at Madison Square Mall. "With more than 5,400 square feet of meeting space, we can service all types of groups."

The Radisson Huntsville Airport added Sleep Number beds by Select Comfort and upgraded all 136 guest rooms, said Director of Sales Sara Bagley. "It really looks like a brand new building," she said, adding that the hotel offers 2,450 square feet of meeting space.

HSVTiger

07-10-2006, 12:35 PM

Year Total to May 2006
source Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center

Birmingham 6,960
Huntsville 4,270
Mobile 2,501
Montgomery 2,425
Baldwin Co 1,470

Homes sold May 2006

Birmingham 1,752
Huntsville 958
Montgomery 602
Mobile 544
Baldwin Co 331

HSVTiger

07-10-2006, 02:15 PM

Huntsville lost a great piece of history when the Dallas Mill burned in
1991. all that is left is a water tower

http://www.rison-dallas.com/images/mill_genesco1.jpg

http://www.rison-dallas.com/images/dallas_mill_backside.jpg

But the surrounding village is part of the the new downtown development
update mostly along Meridian Street to Oakwood. Could the watertank
be the symbol of new development in this ripe area? Many think so as it is a historic district with many surviving homes being restored, and developers beginning to eye this hidden gold mine. Adjacent to Five Points Historic District which is already undergoing transformation along Andrew Jackson
the Dallas Mill Village may be in for some exciting changes.
This will be the place to be I think in the coming 5 years. Can't happen soon enough.

Some stirring maybe, a rezoning request for the Mill area North Downtown. This area is being targeted for new development, so it will be interesting to see what becomes of this. There already is strong interest in increasing housing options in this area.

LINCOLN PARK REZONING (0606) Location: East of Meridian Street, south of Neely Avenue, and west of Cottage Street. Rezoning Request: From Light Industry District to Residence 2-C District. (24.00 acres)

HSVTiger

07-10-2006, 04:33 PM

under construction southeast Huntsville, over 1000 lots

http://www.mcmullencove.net/images/mcmullen_overall.jpg

HSVTiger

07-10-2006, 08:30 PM

not all development in Huntsville is construction,
The cities newest nature perserve, Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary

Projects
We will be starting projects in Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary. We have three main categories of projects: Recreation, Restoration, and Education.

Recreation
The Hays Nature Preserve will be establishing new trails to accommodate horseback riding, mountain biking, running, and hiking. Many people come down to the Preserve to fish, and others to picnic or read a book by the Flint River. Hunting is not allowed, and dogs are allowed but must be leashed to protect the wildlife. We are currently looking at setting up a Geocaching site in the Preserve.

Restoration
In the Preserve, the greatest threat to habitat diversity is the invasion of Privet (Ligustrum sinense). Each year, we have work Parties, including a bonfire and weenie roast in February to cut and get rid of the privet. Once the forest understory has been opened up, new trees and shrubs will come in. In selected places, we will plant native trees and/or shrubs, and possibly wildflowers. You can get a list of native trees and shrubs by contacting the City Ecologist.

Education
The ultimate goal is to have a Watershed Education Center here at the Preserve, with smaller interpretive centers along US 431 South at both the Hays Nature Preserve and the Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary. In the interim, the City Ecologist will provide programs on site under the wild blue, until facilities are constructed. .

Tours are given free of charge for groups of 15 individuals or more. Any natural history subject can be discussed from a pre-school level to the scholarly level.
The Preserve is located on S. U.S. 431 east of Huntsville.
Turn left past mile marker 324 if you are going south, or turn right 0.9 mile past mile marker 323 if you are going north on U.S. 431

HSVTiger

07-11-2006, 07:00 PM

Winchester Plaza, corner Winchester and Homer Nance, NE HSV, nearing completion.
Publix, McDonald's and 24 other retail opportunities in this development.
A Ruby Tuesday, Chili's type deal would do a killing.

http://www.equityone.net/shopping_center/aerials/spin/spin_718_N.jpg

neilson

07-11-2006, 07:33 PM

HSVTiger

07-11-2006, 08:41 PM

43 acres or so, across from SuperTarget/University is up for sale. (Back behind the center with Moe's, Jersey Mikes etc.)This property is primo prime for a large scale development. It would extend Waddell Dr. north and open up land all the way to Old Monrovia and offer good access to Providence and other housing going on back there.
Also if you notice most of the houses on University from Paramount to Jeff Rd have been moved or in the process of being relocated.:cool:

HSVTiger

07-12-2006, 01:26 AM

Southwest is a long shot, but Frontier would be my first choice,
with AirTran a close second, in any case Huntsville will see more
flights and carrier(s).

Airport pursuing new carriers
Huntsville International Airport officials keep pursuing new air service and programs, recently meeting with route planners from 10 carriers in an industry version of speed dating for airlines and airports.

“I feel like we’ve got some positive things in the works,” said Barbie Peek, the airport’s marketing director. “We’ve got a lot of opportunities to (build) traffic in this community.”

Peek and Rick Tucker, the airport’s executive director, traveled to the daylong JumpStart 2006 in Austin, Texas, last month to meet with representatives of four of the airport’s five carriers – American, Delta, Continental and Northwest – and route planners with Frontier, Southwest, Allegiant Air, AirTran, Transtates and United. Tucker and Peek had met with officials of another Huntsville carrier, US Airways, just two weeks before at the airline’s corporate headquarters.

“Air service doesn’t happen overnight,” she said. “We’re planting the seeds right now for BRAC in ’09 and ’10.” Once the BRAC moves are complete, “the Washington market (for air travel) will increase 30 percent,” she said, and that’s a conservative estimate.

Marian Accardi

HSVTiger

07-12-2006, 12:24 PM

You would of thought this was fixed long ago, how to other cities handle it?
Seems most places allow this type of thing without any problems.
This will probably pass easily if it doesn't violate any state rules.

By JOHN PECK
Times Staff Writer john.peck@htimes.com
Urge city to relax rules on 'outside display' of alcohol

Restaurant and bar owners in downtown Huntsville want the City Council to change an ordinance they say is one reason there are so few outdoor dining places downtown.

Specifically, they want to remove a prohibition against alcohol being served outside in its original container. They also want the freedom to use a glass container for outside tables, such as a wine glass, champagne flute or beer in the bottle.

"You don't want to order a $60 bottle of wine and drink it out of a Styrofoam cup," said Ted Matsos, coordinator of DowntownHuntsville.com, an association of downtown restaurant and bar owners representing 16 businesses.

Mayor Loretta Spencer said this week that the city attorney's office is looking into amendments that would help more sidewalk-caf-type venues survive. A proposed ordinance change was originally slated for Thursday night's council meeting but was pulled late Tuesday. Spencer spokeswoman Denise Taylor said officials want to make sure any changes are compatible with state health and alcoholic beverage laws.

Spencer "has met with restaurant owners downtown. They have expressed an interest in this change, so the mayor is addressing this for them. She's looking for another way to make downtown Huntsville as vibrant as it can be," Taylor said.

City leaders tweaked the city's liquor ordinance in December 2003 to allow some downtown restaurants to serve alcohol outside on their premises. The measure requires a special license and sets numerous restrictions governing such things as noise, visibility, proportion of food sales to liquor sales, and assurances that public sidewalks would not be blocked.

But the ordinance also contained a clause that is a problem to some proprietors. It stated: "There shall be no outside display of alcoholic beverages in their original containers."

Matsos said that means a patron who orders a fancy bottle of wine can't keep the bottle on the table. A separate health regulation prevents proprietors from serving the beverage in a glass container, restaurant owners say.

"The city is wanting a sidewalk atmosphere like in Europe and big cities where they can serve beer and wine," said Matsos, who owns Papou's Greek Restaurant on the courthouse square.

The proposed ordinance change comes on the heels of businessman Jeff Sikes' plans to turn a vacant building on the south side of the courthouse square into a European-style restaurant/martini bar with outdoor tables.

Sikes said Tuesday that the change could help draw more downtown restaurants and lounges offering outdoor tables. "My feeling is you can never get good outdoor dining if you're not able to serve nice wines in glasses," he said.

Carol Record, owner of the Kaffeeklatsch, said her customers have enjoyed the sidewalk tables since the city amended the ordinance in 2003 to allow the serving of alcohol. Record said while she welcomes additional changes, she will continue to serve drinks in plastic containers.

"If somebody walks down my sidewalk and steps on glass, I'm liable," she said.